Budding bakers take part in Solihull Fairtrade Cake Off

Local budding bakers, from across the borough, gathered at Solihull’s Fairtrade Cake Off on Saturday 4th March to put their talents to the test.

There were categories for adults and children. The prizes on offer to the best bakers included afternoon tea at Hampton Manor, with the Mayor in the Mayor’s Parlour and at Encore; tickets to the Food Festival, ‘Taming of the Shrew’ and ‘Billionaire Boy’ at The Core Theatre; a fruit basket from Arthur Bretts Catering and Fairtrade chocolate donated by the Solihull Fairtrade Group.

The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mike Robinson, attended the event and the judging panel included Steven Hearn, Head Chef at Hampton Manor, Christopher Von-Landkammer, Executive Chef at Genting Hotel and Amari Koryang, winner of CBBC Bake Off.

In the category for celebration cakes, first prize went to Dayeeta Pal, who won afternoon tea at Hampton Manor, and second prize went to Bethan Rees.

In the cupcakes category, Harrison Walsh was awarded first place, and Daisy Ellis took second place.

Mithila Savant scooped first prize in the category for the adult teatime favourite category, second prize went to Nicolette Lawson.

First prize for the children’s cake category went to Madison Poolton, who will be enjoying afternoon tea with the Mayor as her prize. Second place went to Marcus and Nathanial Antrim.

Awards for using Fairtrade ingredients the most creatively went to Nina Curati, Daisy Ellis and Jo Fletcher.

The event also featured a stall selling Fairtrade products, run by the Solihull Mental Health Peer Support Group, a cupcake activity run by Solihull Schools Catering Services and a baking-themed story-time session in the children’s library.

The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mike Robinson, said: “It’s great to see Solihull’s residents showing off their baking skills and supporting Fairtrade.

“I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in the Cake Off; I think judges and spectators alike were all very impressed by people’s creations!”

Photo: Madison Poolton’s winning cake in the children’s category.

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1625/Solihull-Fairtrade-Cake-Off-a-success