AOL is asking media agencies to help celebrate its 25th birthday by offering free cakes in a selection of coffee shops across the capital.

Coffee shops have been chosen based on their proximity to top media companies, such as Konditor & Cook on Shaftesbury Ave and Neals Corner in Covent Garden, who have been specifically asked to help join in the celebrations.

AOL has paid for the entire selection of cakes in certain shops, and, when chosen, each will be handed over with an AOL birthday napkin. The napkin highlights that 2010 will be a year of change and innovation for the brand.

The birthday cake activity kicks off a rolling campaign that will gather momentum over the year as AOL enters the second phase of its plan to greatly improve the online consumer experience and scale its advertising systems. Integrated agency archibald ingall stretton... has been appointed to work with AOL on this and upcoming campaigns, marking the first time the two companies have worked together.

Kate Burns, head of AOL in the UK and Europe, says: “To mark our 25th year the cakes are on us! We’re keen for media agencies in particular to share in our celebrations, which is why we’re ensuring they get a free birthday treat in their local coffee shop.”

Geoff Gower, digital creative director at archibald ingall stretton…, added: “archibald ingall stretton… is incredibly excited to be working with AOL on this project. The birthday activity is a brilliant and fun way to kick start our relationship. The next few months should see us continuing to help build momentum for this awe-inspiring brand, and delivering some really great creative along the way.”