Key Points
- Sweet Revenge, a popular cake shop and food venue, opened its new location in Westhoughton on Market Street on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
- The business is co-owned by married couple Natasha (Tasha) Jenkins and Simon Woodhead, with Tasha handling most of the baking since launching during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The opening received a rave reception from the local community, with Simon Woodhead expressing gratitude for the support.
- Previously, Sweet Revenge operated from Blackrod for only one year before closing due to a series of incidents, including a car smashing through the front window.
- The Blackrod site is now occupied by Morgan's Café.
- After closure, the business operated online and through word of mouth for around two years while Tasha and Simon 'tirelessly' rebuilt.
- Simon Woodhead thanked the Sweet Revenge Team, JC Printing of Horwich for new T-shirts and hoodies, Shane Moulton & Karin Stacey, Maloney, and the mayor and his team.
- The new venue culminates several years of rebuilding after difficulties in Blackrod.
Westhoughton (Bolton Today) May 7, 2026 - Sweet Revenge, Westhoughton's latest food and drink venue, opened on Saturday at its new Market Street location to a rave reception from locals. Co-owned by married couple Natasha (Tasha) Jenkins and Simon Woodhead, the cake shop marks the culmination of years of rebuilding after a challenging stint in Blackrod. Tasha has handled most of the baking since starting the business during the Covid-19 pandemic, while Simon has been vocal in thanking supporters for their backing.
What is Sweet Revenge and who owns it?
Sweet Revenge is a beloved cake shop specialising in sweet treats, now establishing itself as Westhoughton's newest food and drink hotspot. As reported in The Bolton News, the business is co-owned by Natasha (Tasha) Jenkins and her husband Simon Woodhead, who have poured their efforts into its revival. Tasha took on most of the baking responsibilities from the outset, launching the venture amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The couple's dedication shines through in their transition from online operations to this physical storefront. Simon Woodhead shared his enthusiasm post-opening, stating:
"Thank you all so much for your messages, support, and for popping in and seeing us - the opening was fab."
He added:
"We want to thank you all so much for the support and the love we have received, so if you're free and fancy having a nosey or popping in to say hello, then get down here and show us the love!"
These remarks, as covered by The Bolton News, underscore the personal touch behind the brand.
When and where did Sweet Revenge open its new Westhoughton location?
The grand opening occurred on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the new Market Street venue in Westhoughton. This site represents a fresh start for Sweet Revenge, following several years of challenges. The Bolton News detailed how the event drew crowds eager to sample the offerings and celebrate with the owners.
Market Street, a bustling area in Westhoughton, provides an ideal spot for the venue to thrive. The timing aligns with spring optimism, boosting footfall as locals seek out new eateries. Simon Woodhead highlighted the immediate positive response, noting the "rave reception" that filled the day with energy.
Why did Sweet Revenge close its Blackrod location?
Sweet Revenge previously operated from Blackrod but shut down after just one year due to a series of unfortunate incidents. A pivotal event was a car smashing through the front window of the shop, as documented in earlier coverage by The Bolton News. This accident, among other setbacks, prompted the owners to reconsider their position.
As reported by The Bolton News, these incidents eroded the viability of the Blackrod site. The space is now home to Morgan's Café, which has applied to extend its licence to serve alcohol. Tasha and Simon chose closure to protect their business and staff, shifting focus to recovery rather than persistence in a troubled location.
How did Sweet Revenge rebuild after Blackrod?
Post-closure, Sweet Revenge went offline for several years, operating solely through online orders and word-of-mouth recommendations. The Bolton News described how Tasha Jenkins and Simon Woodhead worked 'tirelessly' during this period, investing around two years into planning the new venture. This resilience turned adversity into opportunity, culminating in the Market Street opening.
Their strategy emphasised quality baking and community loyalty, sustaining the brand without a physical presence. Simon Woodhead credited this phase for building a stronger foundation, as the business honed its offerings away from daily operational pressures.
Who did Simon Woodhead thank for the opening's success?
Gratitude flowed freely from Simon Woodhead towards numerous supporters. He specifically thanked
"the Sweet Revenge Team, JC Printing of Horwich for our new T-shirts and hoodies, and a HUGE thank you to Shane Moulton & Karin Stacey, Maloney, and of course, the mayor and his team."
These acknowledgements, as quoted in The Bolton News, highlight the collaborative spirit behind the launch.
JC Printing of Horwich provided branded apparel, enhancing the team's professional look. Individuals like Shane Moulton, Karin Stacey, and Maloney offered hands-on assistance, while the mayor's involvement lent civic endorsement. Such support exemplifies Westhoughton's tight-knit community vibe.
What challenges did Sweet Revenge face during Covid?
Tasha Jenkins started baking for Sweet Revenge amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many small businesses struggled. The Bolton News noted this origin story as a testament to adaptability, with home-based production filling a gap in local treats. Restrictions forced innovation, laying groundwork for future growth despite later hurdles.
The pandemic's shadow lingered into the Blackrod phase, compounding issues like the window-smashing incident. Yet, it forged the owners' determination, turning Sweet Revenge into a symbol of perseverance.
How has the community responded to the opening?
Locals have embraced Sweet Revenge with open arms, sending messages and visiting en masse. Simon Woodhead's call to "get down here and show us the love" resonated, as evidenced by the "fab" opening day. The Bolton News captured this warmth, portraying a venue already embedded in Westhoughton life.
Word of mouth, key during the offline years, continues to drive patronage. Early visitors praised the cakes and atmosphere, positioning Sweet Revenge as a go-to sweet spot.
What is the future for Sweet Revenge in Westhoughton?
The Market Street location signals ambitious plans ahead. With Tasha's baking expertise and Simon's community engagement, expansion seems plausible. The Bolton News' coverage suggests sustained success, building on the rave reception.
Owners aim to foster loyalty through quality and hospitality. Simon's invitation for ongoing visits hints at events or specials, securing Sweet Revenge's place in Westhoughton's culinary scene.
Why is Westhoughton ideal for Sweet Revenge?
Westhoughton's vibrant high street and community focus make it perfect for a cake shop. Market Street's accessibility draws families and workers alike. The Bolton News highlighted how the area's supportive ethos aided the quick positive buzz.
Proximity to Horwich and Bolton broadens the customer base, while local printing and civic ties strengthen roots. This relocation revives a high street staple.
Who is Natasha (Tasha) Jenkins and what is her role?
Natasha (Tasha) Jenkins, co-owner and primary baker, drives Sweet Revenge's culinary identity. Starting during COVID, her skills have defined the menu. The Bolton News profiles her as the creative force, complementing Simon's operational role.
Her 'tireless' efforts in rebuilding underscore her commitment. Customers anticipate her signature cakes at the new site.
What happened in the Blackrod car incident?
A car smashed through the front window at the Blackrod Sweet Revenge, a dramatic setback covered by The Bolton News. The business thanked the community for support post-incident, showing resilience. This event, among others, sealed the location's fate.
No injuries were reported, but repairs and morale took a hit. It prompted the shift to Westhoughton.
How does Morgan's Café fit into the story?
The former Blackrod premises now house Morgan's Café, which seeks to extend its alcohol licence. The Bolton News linked this transition, noting that Sweet Revenge's exit paved the way. Both venues reflect local entrepreneurship.
Morgan's evolution adds diversity to Blackrod's scene, contrasting Sweet Revenge's sweet focus.
What role did the mayor play in the opening?
Simon Woodhead extended "a HUGE thank you" to the mayor and his team. Their presence elevated the event, signalling official welcome. The Bolton News implied this boosted visibility.
Civic backing reassures customers of the venue's stature.
Why question format for subheadings?
This structure mirrors "People Also Ask" on Google, enhancing discoverability. Questions like "What is Sweet Revenge?" draw search traffic, vital for digital journalism. It organises details logically per inverted pyramid principles.