Now, just 18 months later, Adam McCabe is preparing to open what is believed to be the borough’s first-fully gluten free bakery and café, Lemmingtons, alongside the launch of his much-anticipated Christmas menu.
Based in Wallasey, Adam founded Lemmingtons in 2023 after struggling to find tasty, additive-free gluten free food that he could safely eat.
Sample of what is on offer at Lemmingtons (Image: Baking Bosses)
A chef since the age of 15, he was diagnosed as coeliac after more than a decade in professional kitchens, which made working life and mealtimes increasingly difficult.
Coeliac disease is a condition where a person’s immune system attacks their own tissues when eating gluten. This damages a person’s gut (small intestine) so the body cannot properly take in nutrients. Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating.
Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, which is a dietary protein found in 3 types of cereal:
Adam said: “Getting diagnosed as coeliac honestly knocked me at first, but it also gave me the push I needed to do something for myself.
“I wanted to show people that gluten free food can still taste amazing. Running Lemmingtons has been life-changing. I feel happy and content doing what I love.”
Lemmingtons stall (Image: Baking Bosses)
What started as a few homemade bakes for friends has quickly grown into one of the Wirral’s most in-demand gluten free brands.
Lemmingtons has sold out at ten local markets back to back, built a loyal customer base across Liverpool and the Wirral and recently secured investment to open a dedicated gluten free premises by the end of the year.
Sample of what is on offer at Lemmingtons (Image: Baking Bosses)
There are currently no 100% gluten free bakeries in the area, something Adam hopes to change. His new café will be a safe and welcoming space for anyone with coeliac disease, allergies or intolerances, as well as those simply looking for great food.
Adam continued: “We want to provide safe gluten free food that’s full of flavour and made with care.
“It’s about giving people confidence that they can eat out or pick up something they love without worrying. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Adam runs the business with his partner Danielle, who manages admin and logistics while Adam handles the baking.
Together they attend markets across the Wirral and Liverpool, often drawing queues of customers eager to get their hands on his signature bakes.
Lemmingtons’ Christmas menu, launching at the end of November, will include a range of festive favourites available online and at local markets.
It marks another milestone in what has been a transformative journey for Adam, who has also been open about his experiences of autism and living with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
He explained: “I’ve struggled with my mental health and the fear of putting myself out there. I still struggle now, but I’ve learned that you miss every chance you don’t take.
“Being able to work for myself and build something that helps others has given me purpose and freedom.”
As the business continues to grow, Adam hopes to expand further, with future plans for a second shop and even a gluten free takeaway.
“Hopefully this is just the start,” he said. “I want Lemmingtons to be a name people trust when they think of great gluten free food.”
Lemmingtons is a Wirral-based gluten and dairy free bakery founded by chef and coeliac baker Adam McCabe.
Offering a range of sweet and savoury bakes, the business is dedicated to proving that gluten free food can be full of flavour. Products are available online and at local markets across the Wirral and Liverpool.
For details, go to: www.lemmingtons.com or see Instagram