The #Event Professional: The Cake Awards 2013

On Wednesday I was kindly invited by Harbour & Jones to the first ever cake awards! (yes! that is right, an awards ceremony to celebrate cake!)

At 1.30pm a selection of clients, colleagues, directors and managers from H&J gathered in the lobby at the Park Lane Hotel dressed in their finest tea dresses and lounge suits ready for an afternoon indulging in cake.

We arrived a little early so set up camp in the hotel bar and swiftly ordered a couple of ice cold bottles of wine. Being one of the hottest days of the year, we all sunk into the cool squidgy leather sofas whilst frantically fanning ourselves with our invites.

Park Lane Hotel, London

At 2pm we made our way down to the ball room where we were greeted with chilled peach and strawberry Bellini’s. After catching up with my fellow H&J colleagues Caroline from RSA and Nicole from the Cutty Sark we were soon accosted by the event photographer and before we knew it taking part in a full blown photo shoot. After around 5 minutes of “natural giggles girls” and ensuring our champagne glasses were all held at the same height we made a getaway to take our seats in the main room.

The Harbour & Jones table couldn't have been more perfectly positioned. Centre row second from the front, directly behind Dragons Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden. After a brief introduction by a rather eccentric host we were treated to a delightful afternoon tea. Keeping it traditional the sandwiches were served without crusts and the scones were still warm. As you would expect at the cake awards the patisseries were exceptionally hand crafted and tasted rather delicious as well. After polishing of the jam and cream we soon asked for a refresher. The kind waiter was quick to oblige and nipped back to the kitchen along with our 3 tier cake stand. He soon returned with the stand full to the brim with strawberry and cream trifles. A little misunderstanding which resulted in a trifle overload! Thanks Mr. waiter!

After more than our fair share of goodies the ceremony began. Our entry was the scrummy trifle cake designed and created by the lovely Sara lee. Feeling lucky we waited on tenterhooks for the winner to be announced. Our category was the best bakery shop, unfortunately we narrowly missed out on the trophy. Personally I feel this was the strongest category and we lost to a worthy winner from the Bakery Dunbar with their Dome Chocolat et au Praline Feuillete which ended up taking the overall cake of the year award.