Cakes & Shakes is the new hub for milkshakes in London

Things are looking up for those who like to hang out after hours, but away from the rowdy crowds and the alcohol. 

London-based Cakes & Shakes is a rapidly growing chain of Muslim-friendly diners, dishing out shakes, smoothies, waffles and desserts till midnight.

Co-founder Riaz Mahmud says all the chain’s products are wheat-free, vegan and halal-friendly. His next mission is to make his ice creams dairy-free and sugar-free with the help of his team of Italian chefs.

Riaz founded Cakes & Shakes eight years ago with his business partner Zee Khaliq after the pair came up with idea for the store while they were on holiday together. Over the next few years, Riaz and Zee spent time researching new products and picking ingredients. After many months of trial and error, they designed a menu and introduced homemade cakes, shakes, waffles, and ice cream to their first branch in Gants Hill, Essex.

The high demand that followed meant that the pair was able to open a new store every two years. The diner chain now has four branches across North and East London, with plans for a flagship venue in West London.

Riaz said that he didn’t open the store as a purely Muslim company, but it is ‘very focused towards Muslims’.

‘It gives Muslims an alternative option. Business is good so far, and we are now expanding to more regions and plan to include more products.

According to Riaz, Cakes & Shakes is popular with the local community because it’s a family-friendly venue that is open until midnight and all the products are handmade. ‘Cakes & Shakes is a halal venue, but it doesn’t need to be promoted as a halal venue because we just make great desserts,’ he added. 

The co-founder said that his next mission is to get his ice creams in UK supermarkets and become a wholesale supplier. ‘At the moment, it’s a massively growing market, and there is a massive opportunity. The demand is there and the supply is growing. For example, just two years ago you couldn’t find a halal steak restaurant in London, and now there are many.’