Home baker is now Devon dessert star and Ant and Dec hero

Moving a business from humble beginnings to the bustling heart of a high street is no small feat, but for Lauren Raynor, 33, owner of Binge Box, it's a journey filled with ambition, hard work, and an unshakable passion for desserts.

From baking in her home kitchen during the pandemic to now running North Devon ’s largest dessert shop, Lauren’s story is as inspiring as it is sweet. The star baker even appeared on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway for her work to support her community.

The Binge Box journey began during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, where many found themselves pivoting in unexpected ways.

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“We started baking from home in Chivenor,” Lauren said. “One weekend, we decided to sell some of our products, and it just went from there. We made enough money to buy a trailer, then we got a van, then we got a shop, and now we've got the biggest dessert shop in North Devon.”

From the start, it was clear that Binge Box wasn’t just a temporary venture but a business with potential. Over time, the need for a bigger, better space became undeniable.

Lauren fondly but candidly recounts the challenges of their original shop on Joy Street. She said: “It was a lovely shop, but we were baking at the front, so we didn’t have the capacity to open on Mondays and Tuesdays because we had to bake. It was lovely that people could watch us, but we always ended up overrunning the shop with baking and products. It wasn’t nice for people to actually sit in—it was quite cramped.”

The move came with risks, but Lauren embraced the challenge with gusto. She said: “Within the first six months, we outgrew it, but I was tied to a lease for three years. I just took the plunge. We either had to stay small or go big and if you don’t go big, go home.”

Today, Binge Box’s new location on the High Street is everything she hoped it would be. “It’s amazing,” Lauren said.

“We’ve got the big window at the front, so people do a lot of window shopping. It’s nice to have more of the older generation coming in, too, as we didn’t really get that much where we were before.”

One of the standout features of the new Binge Box is its inclusivity. Lauren and her team have ensured the space is wheelchair - and double-buggy-friendly, and even dogs are welcome.

“We had quite a few people in wheelchairs at the old shop,” Lauren explains. “Even though they could fit in, it was a tight squeeze, and some found it a little uncomfortable. Now, there’s so much space to turn around, they don’t need help from carers—they can come alone.”

The expanded seating area has also transformed the atmosphere. Families can now enjoy desserts together, with enough room for everyone. “It’s lovely watching the kids,” Lauren says. “Our desserts are made in big bulk sizes, so everyone can split a treat. We’re really passionate about involving everyone.”

The move has also allowed Binge Box to expand its offerings. “We’ve already upped our milkshake station,” Lauren shares. “We have 16 different milkshakes now, and you can add any chocolate bar or sweets.” There’s also a new food challenge—think towering waffles, enormous brownies, and a wall of fame for those brave enough to try.

January will bring a range of exciting new activities, from cake classes to children’s parties. “For the adults, it’s going to be a seven-inch cake,” Lauren explained. “We’ll show them how to decorate, scrape, ice, and pipe with buttercream. They’ll get a glass of champagne and canapés and then take it home. Kids’ parties will be similar but focused on cupcakes or decorating cookies—minus the alcohol, of course!”

Throughout the journey, Lauren has remained deeply grateful for the community that has supported her. “Without the community and our customers, we wouldn’t be able to branch out like this,” she said. “They’re spending their money on our goods, which we put back into the business to make it better for them.”

Her gratitude extends to her team, who’ve been instrumental in bringing the High Street location to life. “A massive thank you to my team—they’ve been here during all hours getting this ready,” Lauren added.

Yet, the road hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing the demands of running a growing business with family life is no easy task. “The biggest challenge is being away from the kids for long periods of time,” Lauren admitted. “Joy is nearly nine, Jude is nearly five, and Lydia has just turned three. They’ve had to take a backseat while we’ve been here grafting 12-hour shifts.”

With a five-year plan already in motion, Lauren is tight-lipped about what’s next, but her ambition is clear. “You’ll have to watch this space,” she said.

For those inspired by her story, Lauren’s advice is simple: “Just do it. What’s the biggest thing that can happen? If you don’t go for it, you’ll always regret it. Follow your dreams.”

As Binge Box continues to grow, Lauren remains committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome—a dessert lover’s dream come true. If you haven’t visited their High Street location yet, Lauren assures it’s worth the trip. “You can get anything from just a scoop of ice cream to waffles, crepes, pancakes, and brownies," she said.

"You’re not obliged to buy—you can eat in or take away. It’s down to you.”