The success of the original Vanilla Pod cafe and deli in Ascot prodded owners Carla and Scott Burns to open a catering and retail cake shop on the corner of Birbeck Street and Sandgate Road in Albion. Boasting the finest of fresh ingredients, a range of naked cakes, novelty cakes, wedding cakes, shaped cakes, layer cakes, cake pops and cupcakes are all lovingly crafted in the space. Think bases like red velvet sponge, caramel mud, or vanilla bean and lavender, and decadent frostings like cream cheese, chocolate ganache or fondant. The shop also dishes up a range of ready-to-eat treats such as free-form tarts, ANZAC biscuits and gluten-free and refined-sugar-free paleo options, which can be teamed with a takeaway cup of Campos Coffee, chai or hot chocolate from Xavi’s cafe next door. Vanilla Pod also offers a range of cooking classes and catering for functions.