The Cake Fridge - Shetland
Shetland’s original 24/7 honesty cake fridge, with a quirky tea room and outdoor picnic area serving homemade cakes, soup, and local treats.
A quirky roadside honesty bakery on Shetland’s Mainland, open 24/7 with a fridge full of homemade cakes, bakes, and local treats. Right next door, a cozy tea room serves soup, sandwiches, and coffee, with outdoor picnic seating and views of the surrounding croftland. A beloved local institution and a must-visit for anyone exploring the west side of Mainland, it’s a charming, self-service stop where sweet cravings are always welcome.
A brief summary to The Cake Fridge - Shetland
- ROADSIDE, East Burrafirth, Bixter, ZE2 9NE, GB
- +441595810911
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring cash for the honesty box, as it’s the primary payment method for the cake fridge and self-service items.
- Check the tea room’s current opening hours online or by phone, as they vary between seasons and days.
- Visit the picnic area to enjoy your treats outdoors and keep an eye out for local Shetland ponies and goats nearby.
- Look for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options in both the cake fridge and tea room if you have specific dietary needs.
- Combine your stop with a visit to nearby Burn of Lunklet waterfall for a scenic short walk before or after your cake break.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
From Lerwick, drive west along the A970 and then the B9071 towards Aith. The Cake Fridge is on the roadside near East Burrafirth, about 35 minutes from Lerwick. There is ample parking space directly at the site, suitable for cars and small coaches.
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Public Transport
Regular local buses run along the A970 and B9071 routes. From Lerwick, take a bus towards Aith and alight at the East Burrafirth or nearby stop; the Cake Fridge is a short walk from the roadside. Check current timetables as services are less frequent outside peak hours and in winter.
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Taxi
Taxis from Lerwick or nearby villages can drop you directly at The Cake Fridge. Journey time from Lerwick is around 35 minutes; pre-booking is recommended, especially in the off-season or for return trips.
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Walking
From nearby Bixter or East Burrafirth, it’s possible to walk to The Cake Fridge along the B9071. The route is mostly flat but exposed to wind and rain; allow about 20–30 minutes from Bixter village, wearing sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
The Cake Fridge - Shetland location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Cake Fridge - Shetland
A 24-Hour Honesty Bakery on the Shetland Roadside
Tucked along the East Burrafirth road near Bixter, The Cake Fridge is Shetland’s original and most famous honesty cake fridge. Open around the clock, every day of the year, it’s a self-service treasure trove of freshly baked cakes, traybakes, loaves, and crumbles, all made daily in the on-site cakery. Visitors simply help themselves from the well-stocked fridges, then pay via the honesty box, a system that reflects the island’s trust and community spirit. Alongside the sweet treats, there’s a savoury fridge with soups, cheesecakes, and drinks, plus a craft and gift fridge offering local preserves and handmade souvenirs.Tea Room and Outdoor Seating
Next door to the cake fridge is a quaint, quirky tea room that adds a warm, sit-down option to the experience. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a menu focused on homemade soup, sandwiches, bannocks, and, of course, more of the famous cakes and bakes. The tea room’s opening hours vary seasonally, typically open on weekends and some weekdays, so it’s best to check locally for current times. Outside, a large picnic area invites guests to linger with coffee or lunch, enjoying the fresh air and views of the surrounding croftland. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the picnic area, and there’s even a chance to spot local Shetland ponies or cheeky goats nearby.Local Flavours and Dietary Inclusivity
The Cake Fridge is deeply rooted in Shetland’s food culture, with a strong emphasis on local produce. Many of the ingredients come from the owners’ own croft, and the menu highlights regional flavours and traditions. The business is committed to inclusivity, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options across both the fridge and tea room menus. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a takeaway soup, or a full afternoon tea, there’s something to suit most tastes and dietary needs. The honesty system extends to drinks too, with a tea and coffee fridge available for self-service hot drinks at any time.A Quirky, Community-Driven Stop
More than just a bakery, The Cake Fridge has become a beloved institution for both visitors and locals. Its roadside location makes it an easy, informal stop on a drive around Mainland Shetland, especially when exploring nearby attractions like the Burn of Lunklet waterfall. The combination of 24/7 access, honest trading, and a friendly, relaxed vibe gives it a unique charm. It’s the kind of place where a simple cake run can turn into a memorable moment, whether you’re sharing stories with fellow travellers, watching the goats eye your plate, or just soaking up the quiet beauty of the Shetland countryside.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
