Makers of West Wales: Carys, The Cookie Lass
We met with Carys, a Pembrokeshire-based baker specialising in gluten-free and vegan treats. Known as The Cookie Lass, Carys has established a dedicated gluten-free micro bakery painted sunshine yellow.
Tell us about The Cookie Lass.
I started The Cookie Lass as a local gluten free and vegan cookie drop-off in Bristol on the side of my full-time job. I was really happy with a few customers a week, connecting on Instagram with other gluten free people. When we moved from Bristol to Pembrokeshire, I was unsure if there would be demand, but the business has thrived and grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I am stocked in local cafes and bakeries, have other wholesale customers around the UK, and I also take postal orders. Many people who don’t have sensitivities or coeliac disease love my cookies too. This quarter my cookies have won two Christmas Free From Awards and were featured in GQ Magazine, I’m pinching myself!
Where did your passion for baking come from? My Mum. When I was younger and growing up in Northumberland, we spent so much time baking together, I absolutely adored it. We’d listen to ABBA and have such a wonderful time. My Mum was patient, encouraging, fun, and warm. She was never precious about decoration or perfection, it was so joyful and taught me that baking doesn’t have to be extravagant, it can be simple but beautiful.
What is inspiring you right now?
People. To me, cookies aren’t just a treat. They’re an experience; to share with a friend over a cuppa; to take on a wander or a hike; to give to someone going through a difficult time, or to celebrate an amazing achievement. I write what I hope to be moving, gentle, hand-written notes in my cookie boxes, as I want them to be more than ‘just a cookie’.
What do you love about Pembrokeshire? Everything, even the rain! I always say I’d rather be in rainy Wales than anywhere else. Pembrokeshire is everything I love, the nature, the slower pace, the gorgeous beaches, the friendly local people, the fire-lit local pubs, the community, the incredible walks. Wales is such an astonishingly beautiful country, I am constantly inspired by it. Since we have moved back, I have been moved by the community; the encouragement and kindness, the sharing of my brand and the genuine excitement from people hearing about how well it’s going. I’m so proud to base my business here.
Which is your favourite season?
Winter. It invites us to slow down, to get cosy, to light the log fire, to start a new book, to have a hot chocolate with a cookie, to light your favourite candle, to voice-note a friend, to have a long bath. To me, winter feels like being present, leaning into the dark nights and doing lovely things to lighten what can sometimes feel like a few heavy months. There’s nothing I love more than being cosy on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket and taking things slowly, surrounded by those I love.
What would be on the menu for a cosy dinner party with friends? I’m definitely more of a baker than a cook, so it would have to be a selection of pizzas from Top Joe’s in Narberth (my favourite local pizza place who make amazing gluten free bases), then some of my new freshly baked Mince Pie Crumble cookies with ice-cream for pudding. And many cups of Yorkshire tea!
What is your favourite cookie flavour? It has to be the Dark Chocolate Chip & Sea Salt. I really love traditional classic flavours. This cookie reminds me of the ‘special treat’ cookies we’d get at our Grandparents, when the fancy cookies were in the biscuit tin. It’s the original cookie I made and tested, and will forever be my favourite. It’s the best seller on the website too!
Where can we find your bakes?
Tenby - Motley Pie
Tenby - Loafley Bakery & Deli
Llanelli - Crumbles & Co Bake Shed
Cheltenham - Pickles Cafe
London - Dijon Pizzaria Cafe
Online - www.thecookielass.co.uk
Carys wears the Classic Pullover in our Black Welsh Mountain wool and Orchid shade, and our pinafore set to launch soon.
