A YORK cupcake shop has received nationwide recognition after being nominated for two national awards, writes Ed White.

Sooty’s Cupcakery, in Castlegate, in York, has been shortlisted in two categories at the National Cupcake Championships final, only seven months after opening.

The shop’s handmade cupcakes caused a stir with the judging panel and their Yorkshire rose and hurricane cakes earned places on the Classic Cupcake of the Year and Best Cupcake made with Alcohol shortlists.

Shop owner Sotiria “Sooty” Vergemezi, 24, of Fulford, said her family had advised her to enter the competition but she had not expected her designs to be nominated.

“I had entered another cupcake, the turtle, and thought that may win, but it was the other two that got shortlisted,” she said.

“I think we are going to treat it as a day out and have fun. If it wins, it will be the icing on the cake.” Living in York inspired Sooty to design the Yorkshire Rose vanilla cupcake which features a rhubarb roly poly inside with a white rose on top.

She created the Vegas style hurricane design – a dark run vanilla cupcake topped with orange zest – after living in America.

The final will be held at the International Centre of Arts in London on July 2. Sooty has to prepare ten cupcakes for each category for the judges to taste.

“I’m happy to get through but quite stressed as I know they have to be perfect,” she said.

“It’ll be a chance to meet all the other contestants, try their cupcakes and network with some VIP bakers.

“Just to stay in York becomes a bit safe. You need to find out how good you can be and with this competition, I will find out what I can change.”