The Village Bakers

I make no secret of my love for cake.

It brings back memories of mum’s kitchen. And even now, it’s somewhere I can find pleasure, comfort and especially when I’m baking, the sense of peace I seem to find when in the kitchen.

 

 

And I know I’m not alone. Which is why when I headed over to the Molly House to visit the Village Bakers. Tables were groaning with baked goods – tarts to buns, cheesecake to biscuits,  traditional to inventive.

 

 

The group has been going since November, when Kevin Sargent kicked off the first meeting. It has the support of the Molly House and a group of friends. Since then, the group has grown in popularity – following the trend that began with the Great British Bake Off.

The group is inclusive, not just because of it’s home in the Village, but because you can bring anything baked. Sweet or savoury, large or small. And it’s inclusive of ability. Doesn’t matter if you’re a first time baker, or semi-pro, you’ll be welcome with open arms (and probably with forks and napkins).

 

 

It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, trade recipes, gossip, eat, drink and be merry. And all within the gorgeous surrounds of a bloomin good pub. If you just like to eat cake, there’s a charity box for donations, so you can have a nibble and mingle with the talented bakers in the room.

 

 

I’m relieved to say, my chocolate buns, an absolutely foolproof recipe from Paul A Young, went down well – even though I didn’t have enough time to truly soak them with syrup. But I think I was beaten by the Victoria sponge, which was light as a feather, topped with almonds and thick with cream and cherries.

With a brand new committee and plans afoot for a Pride Fringe Bake Off event (I’ve just got to enter tartiest tart or firmest buns), amongst other things, this group can only go from strength to strength.

And as a cake fan, I can’t wait.