Regular readers will know that I like to bake. So imagine my excitement when I went up to London to cupcake decorate with master patissier himself, Eric Lanlard. As a Red Letter Ambassador I was there to try out two of their experiences. cupcake decorating with Eric and champagne afternoon tea at Cake Boy.

Photo credit RLD

Before the rest of the bloggers joined us, I had the chance with fellow ambassador, Kip Hakes, to interview Eric. I always worry about things like this as:
 1. I worry I will forget my questions (luckily Kip was on hand to help me out of that situation!)
 2. What if it turns out that Eric isn't as nice as he comes across on TV?
Luckily I had nothing to worry about as he was charismatic and down to earth. We chatted about the types of cake he suggested for a novice baker. He said that it was important to follow the recipe (note to self) and start with simple dishes. Maybe a fridge cake with the kids, then brownies and tray bakes.



When it comes to celebrity cakes, he made a point of saying that all customers are celebrities to them. He did, however, mention how proud he was to have made a Birthday cake for the Queen Mother, and even met her, out of the blue whilst he was delivering it.

As I follow Eric on Instagram I was keen to find out how his travels influence his baking. He always seems to be somewhere exotic. He pointed to the cake before me and said that the small lychee balls on this rather stunning strawberry mousse where inspired by a trip to Austrailia. He did point out that he never copies others work, just takes ideas which develop into something new.

Image credit RLD

Next up was our cupcake decorating course taster. Here Eric showed us how to mould cake decorations using petal paste and silicon moulds, before paining them and adding glitter. You know when someone makes it look so easy? Well it was like that! Much harder than he made it look, but it got easier with each design.

We were then handed some different flavoured cupcakes and shown how to frost them. Here are my beauties. Lets just say my boys were extremely excited when I walked through the door holding these!


Next up was afternoon tea. And it was afternoon tea with a difference. Forget tiny little finger sandwiches. There were mini filled croissants, focaccia and ciabattina.

Image credit RLD

The petit fours included a mini berry waffle cone and wild berry "Magnum"

Image credit RLD

As Eric had recommended the liquroice macaroons, I had to give them a try. Subtle rather than over powering in flavour and absolutely delicious.



Washed down with a glass of champagne and a black tea, it was a real treat which anyone with a sweet tooth would enjoy.

Cake Boy is based in Battersea, a short walk from Clapham junction. Thanks to Eric and the Red Letter Days team for such a fantastic Red Letter Day. Check out the Red Letter Days website for more fantastic experiences.