After seeing how many of you enjoyed my last interview with baker Ruth Clemens, I thought I'd bring you another one, this time with the fashion industry's favourite baker, Lily Vanilli (real name Lily Jones). Her previous clients include the very exciting; Jo Malone, Pop Magazine, Lulu Guiness and Lula magazine, just to name a few. I caught up quickly with the very busy baker to see what she's been up to...
Hi Lily, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself and what you do for those who aren't familiar with you?
I'm a baker based in East London
Your name Lily Vanilli, where did it come from?
I was on MSN chat with my friend in Australia & we were on a roll with a series of corny baking puns
making fun of me & my new enterprise. A few days later I was caught out on the spot to name my business.
What began your passion to start baking cakes?
I like the peace and focused solitude that comes with baking. It involves the concentration of all your senses and allows you to switch off everything else.
You're not a tradition baker, some of your cakes are pretty creative. How do you find inspiration for them?
There's a lot to inspire you where I live.
If you weren't a baker, what do you think you'd be doing?
I have no idea.
What recipe of yours would you give to someone who's just started baking?
It depends on the person. Some people are by nature well suited to pastry.
If you were only able to eat three things for the rest of your life what would they be?
Chips, salt, vinegar.
What have been some of your best moments of your career so far?
Opening my bakery on Columbia Road, and publishing my second book Sweet Tooth with Canongate were both happy moments.
What's next for you Lily?
India & New York!
Thanks for your time Lily you've been great!
Lily's book Sweet Tooth is available to buy here and visit her at her bakery on Columbia Road (for details, click here)!
(Photo's taken from Lily's blog & from her book Sweet Tooth)
Hi Lily, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself and what you do for those who aren't familiar with you?
I'm a baker based in East London
Your name Lily Vanilli, where did it come from?
I was on MSN chat with my friend in Australia & we were on a roll with a series of corny baking puns
making fun of me & my new enterprise. A few days later I was caught out on the spot to name my business.
What began your passion to start baking cakes?
I like the peace and focused solitude that comes with baking. It involves the concentration of all your senses and allows you to switch off everything else.
You're not a tradition baker, some of your cakes are pretty creative. How do you find inspiration for them?
There's a lot to inspire you where I live.
If you weren't a baker, what do you think you'd be doing?
I have no idea.
What recipe of yours would you give to someone who's just started baking?
It depends on the person. Some people are by nature well suited to pastry.
If you were only able to eat three things for the rest of your life what would they be?
Chips, salt, vinegar.
What have been some of your best moments of your career so far?
Opening my bakery on Columbia Road, and publishing my second book Sweet Tooth with Canongate were both happy moments.
What's next for you Lily?
India & New York!
Thanks for your time Lily you've been great!
Lily's book Sweet Tooth is available to buy here and visit her at her bakery on Columbia Road (for details, click here)!
(Photo's taken from Lily's blog & from her book Sweet Tooth)
1 comment
It has been a while since I've posted, I've been busy with deadlines, work and moving back to London for Christmas so it's always a bit hectic around this time of year. So I've decided to share with you what I've been up to. I recently took a trip to a new cafe/restaurant that's opened up in Tooting called Graveney and Meadow. By day it serves cakes, baguettes and coffee's, then transforms at night to a pub and restaurant serving tapas and cocktails.
My delicious carrot cake, and in the background you may be able to spot my boyfriend's hazelnut brownie, which I can also say was very nice!
This was my second visit to Graveney and Meadow and it will certainty not be my last. So far I've tried their gluten free chocolate cake and the carrot cake, both of which were delicious. The layout of the cafe itself is really lovely, there is plenty of space for mums with buggies but also great for groups, it has a very cosy and welcoming environment. Another aspect of the cafe I loved was that they had some of their products ready and bagged for you to take home, (pictured above) so if you were in a rush and fancied a treat you're able to grab a bag and carry on with your journey (they would also make great Christmas gifts!) I particularly like the look of the flapjacks, pastel meringues and hazelnut chocolate, and they're not too expensive either prices are mostly around the £2 mark.
Have you found any secret treasures like I have in your local area? I'd love hear about them, especially if it involves cake!
After reading about the Harrods Disney Princess shop windows all over fashion blogs and websites, I knew I had to go and see these windows for myself and I was not disappointed! Without sounding too cheesy the displays were so magical, they summed up each princess perfectly. A range of different designers have come together to re-create some of the famous dresses worn by the princesses for this display. My favourite easily is the Aurora dress by Ellie Saab, it is absolutely stunning! Other designers include Roberto Cavallai - Pocahontas, Ralph & Russo - Tiana from Princess and the Frog and Jenny Packham - Rapunzel.
Obviously since I was in the area I had to pay the shop itself a visit, although Harrods at times can be a little bit over the top, I love its food court! Everything looks amazing, I could spend hours looking inside the glass counters reading about what's inside and what I could try out. One of my favourite sections in the court is the bakery, which for Harrods is supisingly affordable and they have their Christmas treats out now too, I quite like the look of orange and chocolate scone!
And from fictional princesses to a real life one! I loved this Barbie Kate and Wills wedding day Carriage set, which you can buy here, it did make me giggle. I hope you enjoyed this slightly festive post and I would seriously recommend taking a trip Harrods to see the shop windows, its even better in real life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)