The Big Birmingham bake invited us along to a Halloween themed, fun evening of creating our own ghostly, gory and delicious cakes.
How could I turn down an event that offers up sweet treats and is all about one of my favourite times of year?! Well obviously I couldn’t, so I asked my trusty reviewing friend to come with me and what an amazing time we had!
On this occasion, as it was spooky themed. The Big Bake was intended as fancy dress, with a prize for the best outfit. Although we weren’t able to attend in costume, due to other engagements the both of us had that day, the hosts were very friendly and welcoming. Even offering hats and hair bands to those not in Halloween gear, so we were more fitted the dress code, if we so wished. Which made me and my partner feel more in line and involved with the festivities.
Before we stared ruining our kitchen stations, food and drink was kindly available for everyone to enjoy. Along with games like, witch hat ring toss and guess the amount of sweets in the jar.
It was a nice touch as we waited and maybe even loosened us up in preparation for the main event.
Even with some near-miss disasters, the amount of fun we had was apparent in our cackling and dancing around to monster mash and thriller. Not at all how I thought baking under a ninety minute time limit would be.
As I am not a baker and have very limited skill or knowledge in how to put a cake together, without a vast amount of guidance, I would say on arrival the nerves were just a little bit high. But all the jitters were extremely unnecessary, as all those involved had nothing but reassuring words and gave help whenever asked or needed.
Every interaction had was pleasant, humorous and even informative. There are no bad words to be said about anyone that was present in that baking tent!
Yes I said baking tent, I felt like Paul Hollywood might appear at any moment and death stare me with those white walker eyes as I attempt to keep all the mixture in the bowl. Which we almost did, until we added coco powder to a turned on mixer. Oops.
Even with some near-miss disasters, the amount of fun we had was apparent in our cackling and dancing around to monster mash and thriller. Not at all how I thought baking under a ninety minute time limit would be.
There were pros in attendance and the creations were incredible for such a small time frame! Regardless of this, there was absolutely no judgment towards us less-culinary-gifted-participants and two lovely ladies from Blue Door Bakery, even lent a hand when they saw us going astray!
All the ingredients were supplied by The Big Bakes crew and the recipe was, to my joy, a breeze to understand and follow. At our disposal was even decorations and flavourings, which were all portioned out in line with the recipe.
Once we had the final call and told hands off our bakes, all cakes were lined up and presented to the judges. To my surprise we had some very positive feedback and not at all disappointed when we didn’t win, as the competition was fierce.
The well deserved winners were Blue Door Bakery and some of the other bakers that blew our work out the water were, Hayley Bops Cakes, Cake Ninja and Cakes 4 U by Julz.
After packing up and leaving the tent, we were treated to some lovely Cocktails and Mocktails. We opted for the same drink, Hummingbird Spritz, one without the alcohol and they tasted amazing!
We enjoyed our drinks and post baking chatter in the outdoor bar area, which was spacious and comfortable, as well as being very aesthetically pleasing.
It’s not hard to see why The Big Bake is so popular and successful. With their flagship location in London and branching out here in Birmingham, it’s definitely not one to miss out on.
The whole experience was immensely fun, full of energy and was easily one of my favourite things I’ve ever attended with a friend. Whether that is in Birmingham or anywhere else. I am even intending on booking for a group of us to go before Christmas, I love a seasonal activity!
Words by Wallis Brown for Grapevine Birmingham. *photos © by https://www.instagram.com/wallis.jr/