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Happy Friday sugar! This morning, I chat to brilliant baker Shona of Little Town Bakery. I’m a little bit in love with her confections. Aren’t they just divine?! Time for a sugar rush…
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Image © Helen Russell Photography
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How did Little Town Bakery begin?
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I’d originally took a career break for 2 years to start a family and with my partner away in the military I became a little stir crazy. I’d always had a love for creating mini masterpieces in the kitchen and one day I
just though ‘why not’? It was a great way to spend my spare time and still be able to spend some time with my family. I started doing the odd cake for family and friends and then at the end of 2010 I decided to go full time.
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What is your background?
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I originally set out to become a designer but after 5 years at design school studying Architecture and Product Design I realised it wasn’t the line of work I wanted to be in. Needless to say I ended up working in a jewellers in Newcastle City centre…and yes brides to be I can spot a good diamond when I
see it! In terms of working with cake everything I know is self taught from making tiny flowers to constructing towering focal points.
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Image © Helen Russell Photography
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Where is Little Town Bakery based – do you do appointments?
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I’m currently based in South Tyneside be we operate all over the North East, but we are more than happy to travel a little further afield. We offer free consultations in the comfort of your own home, restaurant or
coffee shop and we always bring some cake! You can also pop and see me at the ‘As You Like It’, Jesmond wedding fayre on the 2nd of July and again at The Glass Centre Sunderland on the 10th of July. We’ll have lots of new cakes on display and also lots of yummy samples including some new flavours.
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What type of wedding cakes can you make?
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We can make any type of cake required from cupcakes to large scale stacked cakes. Don’t forget we also make French style macaroons, cupcake cones and a variety of bespoke iced biscuits and edible favours.
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What flavours and designs?
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Our most popular flavours are banana-cinnamon and chocolate, lemon and red velvet but we can whip up almost any flavour a couple would want. In terms of design we tend to make a lot of modern and vintage style cakes. We’re more than happy to come up with a completely original and bespoke design to suit a couples theme.
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British cake image © Jed Wee
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Which is your favourite wedding cake design of all time?
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I don’t think I could pin it down to one cake. Personally I love the work of London’s Maisie Fantaisie (May Clee-Cadman) who makes the most gorgeous cakes. From pastel shades to large plumes of vintage roses and blossoms. Her cakes are truly inspiring pieces of work, every detail is perfect and her designs are flawless.
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How long does a wedding cake take to make?
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It can vary from cake to cake. Sometimes we start a few weeks in advance especially if there is a lot of flowers to make. We often have several cakes being made at the same time so we like to allocate a lot of time to each cake. It normally takes about 1-2 days do put all the bits together and finish the complete cake.
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Image © Jed Wee
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Which celebrity wedding would you like to make a cake for and why?
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I’d have to say it would be Ellie Goulding (and Radio 1 DJ Greg James if they get engaged) I love Ellie’s understated fashion sense. She’s a bit of a laid back chick who wears a lot of vintage inspired clothing whether it be a pair of brogues or a peter pan collared blouse. I think I’d make her a 3 tier stacked cake covered in lots of edible vintage buttons in muted shades of ivory and mushroom. I don’t think she’d want something overly floral or indeed too fussy. I think I’d stick to a traditional vanilla sponge or possibly a typically British carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
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Have you made any really unusual wedding cakes?
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Not yet but I’m open to offers. We’ve had a mixed bag of orders from chocolate obsessions to giant cupcakes. I do have a lovely couple who are getting married in his parents barn. They’ve ordered red and green iced tractor biscuits for their favours. Its very quirky and unique, very much like their wedding.
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How far in advance should Brides Up North place their order?
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I’d recommend looking for a cake at the 10-8 month point or having a general idea of what you want around that time. I’d wait no later than 6 month to reserve a date. Even if you pop a deposit down to secure the date
then decide the design later. I’m already taking bookings for 2013 so people are booking up very early. If you are having a last minute wedding then its always good to call as we do have a few spaces free for this
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Can you give me an idea on price?
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For the average 3 tier it generally costs in between £300 to £485 depending on the cake. Our cupcakes start from £1.50 – £2.75 and our biscuits from £1.75. The cupcake cone cart is £2.25 per cone (hiring charges may apply). Delivery is free within a 5 mile radius of our kitchen and cake stand rental is free of charge if you have your cake made by us.
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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you?
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You can visit my website at www.littletownbakery.co.uk
Facebook www.facebook.com/littletownbakery
Twitter @littletownbaker
Tel:07852247249
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Anything else we should know/ that you want to include?
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If any of your lovely brides want a bit of an alternative hen party why not book up to have a cocktail making and cupcake decorating party. We’ve got a fab venue at As You Like It, Jesmond. You’ll learn how to decorate 6 lovely cupcakes and make 3 cocktails with myself and their very talented bar staff. Its a great price of £39.95 for the 2 hour session and you can sit and relax with your cakes and drinks afterwards, yum!
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Why do you read and like Brides Up North wedding blog?
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I read Brides Up North as its the best wedding blog for us lovely Northerners. From fashion to real life weddings its one not to be missed…plus I’m a bride to be so its great to get ideas and inspiration for my own big day.
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2011 as credited, otherwise Little Town Bakery
Little Town Bakery is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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