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.

Cake + Plants = 55 Million

55 million people visited a garden centre cafe last year according to a report just out from the Horticultural Trades Association - up from 36 million in 2008.  Garden centre cafes are booming - 10% up in 2011 on 2010 according to the larger centres represented by the Garden Centre Association.

The only slight issue may be that customers under 45 are apparently less delighted with garden centre catering than those over 45.  My take on this, as outlined at the GCA's conference yesterday, is that as the cafes get bigger and more professional they are losing some of their appeal in terms of personality, humour and quirkiness.

Solution:  Read this blog and sign up for a London Cafe Tour!  The best have already done so.

Good food is at the heart of a great cafe but I am coming to realise that good design is the way to stand out, be noticed and win the hearts and business of those under 45s.