Personalised cakes have become a staple of modern celebrations, and Big Day Cakes (the photo cakes in ASDA stores) — offers a no-frills, fast-track way to print your chosen photo (now including official Premier League team logos) directly onto a sponge cake. But how well does this service stack up when you strip away the marketing gloss? Here’s London Mums’ honest take on the pros and cons of Footie Cakes, complete with feedback from our community of London mums who’ve given it a try.
What it is
Big Day Cakes are self-serve photo cakes available at ASDA. You upload your photo – be it a birthday snap or a Premier League-themed image (Find your team here) — at an in-store kiosk and collect your cake shortly after from the bakery counter.
Pros
1. Fast and Convenient
If you’re short on time, this service is a godsend. “I designed the cake on my lunch break and picked it up after school,” said Mel, a mum from Hackney. The interface is reportedly simple to use, and the process takes under ten minutes.
2. Personal Touch on a Budget
Priced at £15 for a medium (22 servings) or £19 for a large (40 servings), it’s cheaper than most bespoke footie cakes services. “I’ve spent triple that at cake shops for something similar,” said Ayesha, a mum of three from Islington.
3. Ideal for Kids’ Parties and Football Fans
The addition of official Premier League logos has been a hit. “My 10-year-old was thrilled with the Arsenal cake,” said Joanna from Croydon. “It’s great to have that option in-store.”
4. No Refrigeration Needed
With a shelf life of at least a week (as long as you keep it cool and dry), it’s easy to buy ahead and avoid last-minute stress.
Cons
1. Quality Can Be Hit-or-Miss
While some cakes look sharp and colourful, others… not so much. Several mums reported issues with the image printing. “My son’s face came out a bit orange and blurry,” noted Priya from Camden. “It was fine for kids, but not Instagram-worthy.”
2. Not Available in All Stores
Kiosks are still rolling out across ASDA locations. “I had to drive to another branch just to find one that worked,” said Lara from Lewisham.
3. Limited Design Options
You can upload a photo and add a short message, but don’t expect fancy fonts or creative layouts. “It’s quite basic,” said Kelly from Ealing. “Don’t expect the bells and whistles of a professional bakery.”
4. Sponge and Icing Only
This isn’t the place for exotic flavours or tiered marvels. You’ll get a basic sponge with icing—good enough for casual celebrations, but nothing gourmet.
Verdict
Big Day Cakes are the Asda meal deal of the cake world — reliable, affordable, and convenient, but you’re not walking into a Michelin bakery. They’re especially well-suited for children’s parties, football-themed gatherings, or quick office celebrations. Just manage your expectations on the image quality and design options.
Would London mums use it again? The consensus was yes — for what it is. “It’s not Bake Off, but it’s great value,” summed up Rina from Walthamstow.
Rating: 3.5/5 – Functional, fuss-free, and good enough for most casual celebrations. Just don’t expect perfection.
