Sunday 6 April 2014

The Cake and Bake Show 2014, Manchester


This weekend was a particularly cake-filled affair, as we shelved our diet plans and headed into Manchester for a weekend of baked indulgence at the Cake and Bake Show 2014.

Armed with my trusty camera and blogging buddies - Sarah, Katie, Anna and Alex - we headed into Manchester Central on Friday to fuel our treat habit with a whole lot of sugared indulgence.

Having attended last year's disappointing Cake International (which, I must add, is in no way connected to the Cake and Bake Show) I entered the show with a little trepidation. However, my fears were soon alleviated, as I realised that this show was going to be anything but disappointing. Complete with its own cake jungle, The Cake and Bake Show is everything that I'd hoped of Cake International and much much more. 


The great thing about this annual show, is the inspiration that it offers aspiring bakers, and from sugar craft stalls to competitive bake-offs, there's something for everyone. One of the most impressive things on display was a giant cake elephant, which a team of bakers worked on throughout the weekend as a centre piece to the exhibition's Cake Jungle. 


Other highlights included the celebrity demonstrations, which took place throughout the weekend, from baking stars such as GBBO winners Frances Quinn and John Whaite, Rosemary Schrager, Simon Rimmer and Mr Cake Boy himself Eric Lanlard.


As you know, Mr. Lanlard is a firm favourite with us ATC ladies, so it was an absolute delight to be able to watch him doing his thing on stage (if only briefly), whilst Frances Quinn was a true pro and a pure treat to watch. 

Unfortunately, we didn't get the opportunity to meet any of our baking heroes this time 'round, but there were plenty of chances throughout the day to nab an autograph and photo, for those willing to queue at the various book signings and classes taking place. 


Showcases aside, there were also lots of opportunities to indulge in cakey treats at the various stalls. On this front I must admit, I went a little bit crazy, sampling anything and everything available. Some of the best things I tried were the Cheshire Cheese Comapany's fine array of fare and the Little Round Cake Company's Black Forest layer cake & Meringues - yummy!


However, all caked out by the samples available, I opted (somewhat unconventionally) to purchase a selection of bread and cheeses. For these I went to the Snowdonia Cheese Company and More Artisan Bakery, and bought an unbelievably delicious cheese & onion focaccia, and Black Bomber and Red Berry Cheese to take home for my tea - no regrets whatsoever!


All in all, I had an absolutely fantastic weekend at the Cake and Bake show, and will definitely be back again next year!


If you missed out this time, fear not, because the Cake and Bake Show 2014 is coming to Earls Court London this Autumn. Check out their site for more information about tickets and dates. This is a definite must for any cake lover!


Did you visit the Cake and Bake Show this year? What did you think?

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3 comments

  1. I loved the little picnic hamper in the bake off bit, so cute! My cheese is already gone, woops.

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  2. I'm still clinging on to mine - hopefully gonna open it this weekend!

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  3. Great post, I also love the Afternoon Tea cake, and have to day Eric Lanlard's Afternoon Tea is amazing, have you been? Xx

    Sarah
    morethanjustacupcakelover.co.uk

    ReplyDelete

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