Oldham bakery shop sells Colin the Caterpillar for £1

Park Cake Bakeries in Hathershaw has opened its doors to locals, offering M&S treats at bargain prices that have shoppers buzzing. The factory shop, tucked away on Ashton Road, sells everything from mini Colin cakes to wonky versions of the famous caterpillar for just £1-a fraction of the £9.50 retail price.

I visited on a Tuesday morning, arriving at 10.40am to find the car park already full. After a short walk back from a nearby street, I joined the queue of eager shoppers waiting to browse the well-stocked shelves. The shop, open six days a week, was filled with discounted treats including chocolate orange mini rolls (£2 for 530g), cornflake cakes (£1), and various other baked goods.

The highlight was undoubtedly the 'wonky' Colin cakes-perfectly edible but missing faces, smarties, or bits of chocolate coating. I picked up one of these for £1, along with several other items, bringing my total to £7.70. The staff were friendly and the shop was well organised, making for an enjoyable shopping experience.

With expansion plans including the demolition of a former pub on the site, Park Cake Bakeries continues to be a significant presence in Oldham. For locals looking for affordable birthday cakes or just a sweet treat, this factory shop offers genuine value-though you might need to arrive early to snag the best bargains.