Bake 4 Syria at Spitalfields Market by Lauren Cartridge
Dessert blogger and Diploma student Lauren attended a charity baking event at one of London's most historic markets to soak up the city and eat cakes for a good cause.
Having moved to London in September, I am still in awe of the wealth of talented bakers that the city has to offer. It seems as though around every corner you have the opportunity to come across delightful bakes that, if you’re like me, you take ten thousand photographs of and then devour in two seconds.
There is something about walking into a bakery and all of your senses being hit by wonderfulness that has led me to create a list of places I want to visit and taste test. On that list was Spitalfields Market and so, when I saw that it was playing host to the Bake 4 Syria event organised by the very talented Lily Vanilli, I knew that it would be the most perfect introduction to my sweet journey.
There is something about being surrounded by stalls upon stalls of cupcakes, brownies, ‘cronuts’ and babka that makes me smile from ear to ear. The bustling crowds that would normally send me into pedestrian rage only added to the excitement. Making my way from stall to stall, I couldn’t help but notice the range of treats on offer.
The Good Egg was the most noticeable favourite, their PB&J Babka selling out within an hour and a half! Next to them was Dominique Ansel’s Cronut, the flavour of the month being Quince creme brûlée. I had been dying to try November’s offering: I was not disappointed. Dominique Ansel has managed to create the most perfect hybrid and continues to build upon that with ingredient combinations that marry together perfectly.
“I find it incredible how certain bakes have almost become works of art, often too pretty to eat!”
Further along, I was met by the intricate canelés of all sizes, each topped with beautiful decorations created by The French Canelé Specialists. I am fascinated by French patisserie, and this delicate pastry has a soft custard centre encased by a dark, caramelised crust. At Leiths, we are taught to batch bake with uniformity and precision, and to see this in action at such a high level was inspiring. I find it incredible how certain bakes have almost become works of art, often too pretty to eat!
Just around the corner, I was greeted by Lily Vanilli’s stall. It wasn’t difficult to see why the stand was so popular, with a queue that rarely died down. Beautiful pomegranate cupcakes and donuts with Nonna’s Baileys Gelato were among the selection on offer, as well as a Baileys Hot Chocolate. Having found Lily on Instagram before moving to the city, she had been number one on my list of bakers to visit and all of my expectations were met. The stall next to hers was selling raffle tickets which had the most amazing prizes, managing to raise £5,000 in total with Lily raising £1,500 on her stall alone.
I am known for my insatiable sweet tooth and I left Spitalfields Market full and happy. It was incredible to see the masses of people who had come to support such a worthy cause, with many stalls selling out. It has left me with a sense of determination, as well as the knowledge that success takes a lot of hard work, shown by all of the talented bakers and chefs that participated on Saturday.
By Lauren Cartridge
Visit letshavedessertfirst.wordpress.com | Twitter: @lcartridge | Instagram: @letshavedessertfirst|
Learn more about Bake 4 Syria here.
Brush up your baking skills in time to wow your friends and family this Christmas in our Festive Baking class! Or, if you want to satisfy your own sweet tooth, join baking guru Edd Kimber for an afternoon tea inspired class where you can make your own fabulous finger food.
