Cakes of Curiosity, based in Oxfordshire, took home the title for Cakes and Sweet Treats at the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2026.

The annual awards, hosted by one of the UK’s leading wedding planning platforms, celebrate outstanding customer experience across the wedding industry.

Winners are chosen based on real reviews, service excellence, and consistent delivery of exceptional service.

Cakes of Curiosity was selected from hundreds of businesses nationwide for its high ratings and glowing feedback.

Nikita Thorne, head of strategy at Guides for Brides, said: “Couples are entering the wedding planning process more informed and more discerning than ever before, and they expect genuine care, clear communication and consistency at every touchpoint.

“This year’s awards have highlighted just how many businesses are rising to meet that expectation.

“From our winners and highly commended recipients to every finalist, we’ve seen a shared dedication to going above and beyond for couples, creating experiences that feel personal, seamless and memorable.”

Cakes of Curiosity stood out for their commitment to delivering a seamless and supportive experience for couples, reflected in consistently high review ratings and glowing feedback from real weddings.

One couple said: “We booked Cakes of Curiosity for our wedding cake after meeting Melanie at a Wedding Fair as we knew there would be no one better for our special day and Melanie proved us right in every possible way.

“Every single tier looked absolutely stunning and tasted even better than we could have imagined.

“Melanie even perfectly catered to our gluten-free guest by creating him his own mini cake, which tasted just as amazing as the main event!”

“She made the whole process feel so special and the time, care and attention to detail Melanie puts into her work is unmatched.

“Choosing Melanie as our cake maker was without a doubt one of the very best decisions we made for the entire wedding.”

Cakes of Curiosity said: “I can not fully explain what winning this award means to me. I work incredibly hard to combine exceptional craftsmanship with a consistently attentive and professional service.

“I understand that choosing a wedding cake is about more than just design and flavour – it’s about trust, reassurance, and feeling supported throughout the journey.

“Above all, I genuinely care. Each cake is created with passion, pride, and a commitment to excellence, treating every wedding as if it were my own.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that this has resonated with my wonderful couples.”

Mandy Barnes, who works at Hempton Field in Chinnor, joined Barchester Healthcare in April 2001 and has spent a quarter-century supporting residents and their families.

She received a 25 Year Service Award in recognition of her long-standing contribution.

Adele Keenan, employee services director at Barchester, said: “I’m always pleased to hear stories about the long service of Barchester staff and am delighted Mandy Barnes has achieved this milestone.”

Tyisa Houghton, general manager at Hempton Field, praised Ms Barnes’ commitment.

She said: “She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year.”

Hempton Field is part of Barchester Healthcare, which operates care homes and hospitals across the UK, focusing on personalised care and support.

Cedar Lodge, located in Whitchurch-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, was developed by Zephyr X and is operated by EQ Care Group.

It is the first care home in the country to receive certification under the international sustainability standard, which is backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Adam Faulkner, founder of Zephyr X and EQ Care Group, said: “Achieving EDGE certification at Cedar Lodge is a hugely significant milestone, not just for Zephyr X but for the UK care home sector as a whole.

“Everyone at Zephyr X and EQ Care Group is committed to delivering high-quality, future-focused care environments that prioritise both resident wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

“We are incredibly proud to be leading the way in setting new sustainability standards for the industry.”

The EDGE Advanced certification, issued by Sintali, recognises resource-efficient building design and marks a major step forward for sustainability in senior living.

Cedar Lodge is the first UK care home to be funded under Puma Property Finance’s Impact Lending Framework (ILF).

This framework links loan conditions to the achievement of independently verified sustainability targets, offering borrowers a reduced financing cost for meeting higher environmental standards.

Dee Korab, head of impact at Puma Property Finance, said: “We are delighted to see our first impact loan completed on such a fantastic development and would like to congratulate Zephyr X.

“Through our ILF, we agreed clear sustainability goals with Zephyr X meaning stronger environmental performance has been rewarded with a lower cost of capital.”

As part of the loan agreement, Cedar Lodge achieved a 42 per cent reduction in energy use, 20 per cent less water consumption, and 43 per cent lower embodied carbon in materials compared to a typical new build project.

The facility offers 45 ensuite bedrooms and includes communal spaces such as a lounge, café, hair salon, and a therapy room featuring the building’s original stained-glass windows.

Outdoor landscaped gardens provide a nature-rich environment for residents.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design.

Utopi smart sensors in each room monitor CO₂, humidity, oxygen quality, and noise.

A real-time building management system allows staff to adjust room conditions through a mobile app.

Zephyr X and EQ Care Group specialise in innovative care developments, working with local authorities and Integrated Care Boards to expand high-quality care provision in underserved areas.

They say that Cedar Lodge is a flagship example of their commitment to combining environmental performance with resident wellbeing.