It has been a while since I've reviewed anywhere, the reason? A combination of being completely immersed in motherhood and kindling my passion for photography.

Truth is I am not what I do, but I am now and have always been a storyteller. I finally realised I am not just a writer or only a photographer in their single terms I use those platforms to ultimately tell a story. I love it. That is where I am going with my review writing from now on, I am not saying to eat here or go there, I intend to seek out and find those a little different to what has come before and been replicated and replicated and replicated. Today I am telling the story of a little Doughnut shop in my hometown that goes above and beyond the norm.

Last Saturday 1st of September this establishment had a little party to celebrate their first year in Derby.

What did I already know about Doughnotts? Well I knew they were established in Nottingham, an independently owned Doughnut shop, they bake their delectable goodies at this site and deliver them to the two subsequent stores in Derby and now Leicester. I adore a good Doughnut, but these are something else they are squidgy, fluffy, beautiful edible works of doughnut art. When this store opened I couldn't wait to try one. And I did. And it was glorious.

They started off small like most independent food chains with an idea and a bucket load of enthusiasm and passion.

'In 2015 Megan Scaddan and Wade Smith decided to start making and selling Doughnuts, starting in Nottingham with just £10 a Wok and a Mothers kitchen, since starting they have opened multiple stores, stock wholesale, do events, have a bakery in Nottingham and sell over 10,000 doughnuts a week...' - Facebook Story

I tend to find that small independent companies such as this one, have the freedom to offer new and exciting creations, I imagine if you had a great flavour combo you could easily put it to them.

A year on and Derby are in full swing, so I cheekily invited myself down to see what goes on and maybe snap a few lovely pictures to capture sugary treats in all their glory. Spoiled for choice I settled on a few of the most beautiful. You can view the gallery here.

What you need to know:

Situated in the middle of historic Sadlergate, Derby
They offer a lovely range of Vegan options
They currently do not offer a gluten free range
Doughnuts are handmade with new flavours constantly being created
The Doughnuts are decedent and quite large, which is reflected in the pricing, which I believe to be justified...no half measures here! Bring your desert belly.
You can grab a coffee, to wash down the sugary goodness.
Additional seating is available upstairs, which I think this space would be lovely to hire out (which I'm told they do) perfect for small private parties, perhaps even a baby shower catered with doughnuts would be fabulous.
Fun kids workshops are also available

Thank you for having me Doughnotts Derby! The pleasure was mine.

Rachael x