Ready, Set, Bake…In the Great Outdoors!
The aroma of freshly baked goodies, the laughter of 12 eager amateur bakers, and the friendly banter of judges Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood —the Great British Bake Off has woven itself into the fabric of our love for baking. There was a £1.2 billion increase in annual UK baking sales from the first edition of GBBO in 2010 up to 2018!
Each autumn that transcends into winter, we marvel at the artistry in the iconic white tent that graces our screens, it’s hard not to be inspired to create our own culinary masterpieces. But what if we could take this baking adventure beyond the confines of our kitchens?
Imagine stepping into your own private outdoor bakehouse, surrounded by the serenity of nature whilst getting your hands stuck in the mixing bowl, or alternatively, a space to savour sweet or savoury treats and dishes.
Credit: Hema Photography
The Garden ‘Bakehouse Retreat’
A garden building can be the perfect escape for baking enthusiasts – a place where the joy of baking meets the bliss of the great outdoors. Transforming your garden building into your personal bakehouse retreat adds a touch of magic to the baking experience. Whether you’re kneading dough or decorating cakes, the sights and sounds of the garden can elevate your baking session to a sensory delight. Alternatively, if you would rather keep the creativity in a house kitchen – a garden building offers a sweet space to tuck into your delectable bakes with loved ones or, share a solo moment of solitude. No need for a white fête-style tent, make the most of the spaces you have at home.
Credit: Hema Photography
Unleash Creativity
Just as contestants on the Great British Bake Off push their boundaries, a garden bakehouse encourages you to experiment and innovate. With the freedom to let your creativity flow, your bakes become not just delicious treats but also unique expressions of your culinary artistry.
Bake for Charity – Cakes 4 Casualties
Kath Ryan, is a retired nurse from Birmingham who volunteers her time to baking cakes for injured servicemen and women. In her 12ft x 8ft Studio Apex, she has a fully equipped kitchen so that she can teach veterans to bake cakes, host tea parties and hold Mental Health Days. Read more about Kath’s inspiring story on how she became known as “The Cake Lady”.
Credit: Hema Photography
Savour the Seasons
Embrace the changing seasons as you bake, or eat, in your garden building. From fruity summer tarts to hearty autumn pies. It’s not just about baking; it’s about savouring the beauty of each season while indulging in the pleasures of the palate.
Credit: Hema Photography
Creating Lasting Memories
Hema , Food Photographer & Retoucher, and Malvern Garden Building Owner, has enjoyed cooking and baking for the past 7 years with her step-daughter every weekend. Her Studio Pent is the perfect place to relax and devour their treats and creations!
“I find being in the kitchen my relaxation time. When I’ve cooked or baked for friends and family, I love seeing the joy it brings to their faces,
As an avid watcher of the Great British Bake Off, Hema shared her thoughts on Series 14 (2023)…
“I thoroughly enjoyed Biscuit Week, during which the bakers crafted savoury illusions using biscuits, like Cristy and Rowan’s charcuterie boards and Dana’s Chicago deep-dish pizza!
Hema shared with us her preferred treat for the colder weather: “A good crumble!”
The joy of sharing your freshly baked creations with loved ones in the enchanting setting of your garden retreat is unbeatable. Every bite becomes a part of a memory that lingers, a story told in the warmth of your outdoor sanctuary.
As we draw inspiration from the Great British Bake Off, let’s consider taking our love for baking to new heights—literally, in our own garden building. Allow it to become the environment of your culinary dreams! So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the magic unfold in your personal slice of baking paradise. Happy baking, and best of luck to the finalists of GBBO 2023!
