Alice in Wonderland Cake Tables

Great Cafes is launching a competition for the best 'buy with your eyes' cafe cake table inspired by a comment from foodie Jason Danciger, new F&B Director at the Garden Centre Group, at a recent garden centre catering conference of his wish to create "Alice in Wonderland" cake tables.  Email entries to me.  Still the best I have seen is Ottolenghi - who can do better?

Next Big Thing

Cannoli (brandy snaps with fillings) are the next big thing in baking according to Jo Wheatley, bakery Author and Great British Bake Off Winner 2011, speaking at the HTA's Catering Conference last week.

Mix It Up

Jo Wheatley, bakery Author and Great British Bake Off Winner 2011, spoke at the HTA's Catering Conference of what sweet combinations are appearing:
 Townie (Tart/Brownie)

 Cragel (Croissant/Bagel)

 Crookie (Croissant/Cookie)


 Pike (Pie/Cake)

Cronuts http://greatcafes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/croissant-doughnuts-cronuts.html
Duffin http://greatcafes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/doughnut-muffin-duffin.html
plus Cupnut (Cupcake/Donut) and Cheeselova (Cheesecake/Pavlova)

Loose Leaf Tea Machine

Interesting and visually stunning machine to brew loose leaf tea within one minute.  Exhibited at the HTA garden centre industry's catering conference yesterday. If anyone installs one let me know the reaction; loose leaf tea is certainly the way ahead.

Chilly but Cheerful

Peyton & Byrne's Chilly Snowmen and Mini-Christmas Cakes.  On with 2014 and we are forecasting another great year for cafes.  Catch us at the National Farm Attractions Network Awards Dinner on 11 Feb (we judged the Best Food and Beverage Award) and Garden Centre Catering Conference on 12 Feb (where we have been asked to chair the proceedings).  Happy New Year.