Describe a typical day for you at Ellesbelles .
Every day is different at the bakehouse ! At the start of the week we prep our online pre-orders , this can be whole slabs of traybakes , signature celebration cakes or our diddy-cakes . We have to get an early start on our cruffins as these take three days to prepare . Towards the end of the week , we are getting ready for our pop-up counter at Coachworks , where our kitchen is based . This includes baking brownies topped with all sorts of deliciousness , torched Italian meringue , salted vanilla bean caramel and cornflakes , dark chocolate ganache with lime curd and sea salt and more . We also make the fluffiest handmade marshmallows , make all our own jams , curds and caramels . These fill , top and flavour our bakes - we never use anything artificial or bought in , only the real deal !
What makes Ellesbelles unique ?
We specialise in flavour-focused , fondant-free baking , creating cakes , treats and pastries that look great and taste amazing with natural flavours . We care about our impact on the environment and support other local and independent businesses .
How has Kent inspired you within work , business or even your personal life ?
While working in a Kentish pub I met my now fiancé who is a graphic designer and is able to make sense of my constant late night ramblings and turn it into all of our design and photography work for the bakehouse . We love going for days out around Kent and visiting other independent businesses . We take inspiration from them , see what atmosphere they are able to create in their spaces , learn how they involve their local community and discover what they do to embrace , enhance and support their towns . We always come away buzzing with ideas and one of us carries a notebook around at all times so we can jot down any ideas that come to mind .
If there was one thing you would like our readers to know about Ellesbelles , what would it be ?
We are a bakehouse that cares about quality and creativity , whether you ’ re buying a cake for a special occasion , visiting us at an event or popping in to see us and try some bakes at Coachworks , you can always guarantee we have used the best ingredients , everything has been made from scratch inhouse and that we want to make products that taste as great as they look .
Tell us a little bit about your style of baking and how you found yourself in this career .
My family are all very creative . I started baking as a hobby from a very young age ; I would regularly bake for friends and family and realised it was something I wanted to pursue as a career after a friend asked if they could pay me to bake for them . I went to culinary school in London for three years , learning all aspects of the industry , specialising in pastry , bakery and confectionery . I continued to perfect my skills over the years and found I loved the precision and details of baking and decorating cakes , experimenting with flavour and trying new techniques taking inspiration primarily from British , French , Swedish and American bakeries .
Do you think ' art ' features in your craft ?
Definitely ! One of the first things we understand in the food industry is that we eat with our eyes . We
may create the most delicious dessert or cake , but if we don ’ t put thought and creativity into how we present it , then it ’ s unlikely anyone will want to try it . Art features in the design process of every cake . After creating a new flavour or having a consultation for a bespoke cake , I understand where a client ’ s inspiration has come from and draw illustrations to work with . All chefs are artists - you just get to eat the artwork .
What does the future hold for you and Ellesbelles ?
We have so many ideas for the future of Ellesbelles , which include a general store at Coachworks . We want to include some pre-packaged items made by us , including our fluffy marshmallows and some other treats we ’ ve got up our sleeves , as well as a curated selection of snacks , drinks and ingredients from independent , ethical brands to go alongside our range of greetings cards and some other kitchen and home essentials . Our more long term plans include converting a food truck to take our bakes and some other goodies to markets , festivals and private events . The potential is endless , as are the ways to embrace the amazing creativity this county has to offer .
www . elles-belles . co . uk
ellesbelles bakehouse ellesbelles _ bakeshouse
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