In recent weeks, Frodsham Nub News has been visiting and speaking to a range of businesses, in our Up Close article series.

From llamas to milkshakes to pumpkin shaped bath bombs, here are some of the local business spotlight pieces that you may have missed.

Cheshire Bath Boutique

"I could go on forever about soap," says Janine Carden, owner of Cheshire Bath Boutique.

After being bought a bath bomb as a present in 2016, Janine was inspired to try making her own. This little project soon proved to be the first step in a soapy journey of discovery.

From lavender swirls to blue raspberry marbled blocks to red dinosaur figures, Janine's fragrant soaps come in all shapes and sizes and are a great gift idea for friends and family.

Read the full piece here

Crave Shakes and Desserts

Crave Shakes and Desserts, which was formed over the summer by Holly Davies and her partner, Ste Green, sells a varied array of home-prepared sweet treats.

From Strawberry Delight waffles, to Lotus Biscuit cookie dough, to M&M Madness milkshakes, this shop has something for everyone, and will even deliver your order to your door.

Read the full piece here

Handknitted with Love

Tucked away in Castle Park Arts Centre courtyard, but bursting with wools of all colours and patterns, is Cath Darlington's Handknitted with Love.

Alongside her huge collection of yarns, Cath stocks handmade blankets, socks, baby clothes and even hot water bottle covers!

"I started knitting as a child taught by my Mum," she says, "and I have always had knitting and crochet as a hobby.

"I found it very therapeutic during a time when I couldn't work due to ill health, and that triggered a move into self employment and the creation of Handknitted with Love!"

In October 2012, Cath began selling her handmade knitted and crocheted baby clothes from Lady Heyes.

After a brief stint in Robert Gleave Garden Centre, she eventually opened her little shop at Castle Park Art Centre, where she has also had some of her work on display.

Read the full article here

brew + tucker

Brew + tucker aims to bring the best of Australian coffee culture to Frodsham, with its bright and airy café space, fresh food, and welcoming, community oriented atmosphere.

To give their coffee a unique flavour, the brew + tucker team developed their own house blend, the product of "a day with our roasters, trying numerous different blends until we found our perfect match.

A lovely, smooth, caramel-ly flavour.

"We must have drunk over 30 cups of coffee that day. Suffice to say I was a little hyper afterwards!" adds owner, Katie Palmer.

Read the full article here

Mere & Meadow Eco Swaps

Mere & Meadow delivers zero-waste personal and household care items to homes all around Frodsham, Warrington and Northwich.

They sell a wide range of products, from recycled toilet paper, to kapok tree pulp sponges, to naturally sourced dental floss.

They are all made from sustainable materials, helping you to conserve the natural environment, even while you wash the dishes or brush your teeth!

Read the fill article here

Hillview Llamas

Hillview Llamas, run by Dr. Richard Cox and his veterinary daughter, has been breeding and training llamas since 2009.

"I love animals and llamas are particularly interesting ones," Dr. Cox told me, adding that the Cheshire countryside is perfect for this fluffy member of the camelid family, which "prosper[s] on scrubland in the wild."

Hillview Llamas offer llama experiences for adults and children, two hour programmes where people can "meet, greet and learn about llamas," as well as having the option to take their new furry friends on a trek around the farm.

Read the full article here

Have you got a story to tell? Want your business to be featured in Up Close With? Get in touch with our editor Emma Morgan by emailing [email protected].