Scotland’s best home bakers set to rise to the challenge

he Scottish Cafe & Restaurant in Edinburgh has launched a fresh search for Scotland’s finest home baker in time for the return of hit TV show, The Great British Bake Off.

Amateur bakers from John o' Groats to Jedburgh are being encouraged to slip on their aprons and show off their culinary creations for a chance to be featured on The Scottish Cafe’s iconic afternoon tea menu. 

From classic cream cakes to indulgent gateaus and savoury sandwich sensations, The Scottish Cafe is on the lookout for only the best afternoon bakes from the country’s most talented home cooks, including mums, dads, grandparents and children of all ages. Entries are also encouraged from schools, colleges and families. 

The independent, family business is owned and operated by Edinburgh restaurateurs, Victor and Carina Contini, who showcase the very best seasonal and local Scottish produce on The Scottish Cafe menu. In 2019, The Scottish Cafe is celebrating a decade of being home to one of the finest afternoon teas in Scotland, which includes a dedicated scone trolley service. 

Located within the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound, The Scottish Cafe now benefits from improved accessibility with direct access from the adjoining section of East Princes Street Gardens entrance. 

The Scottish Cafe owner Carina Contini and the venue’s specialist pastry chefs will be amongst the panel of expert judges to make its shortlist of mouth-watering morsels and select the overall star baker.

Judges will be looking for technical ability, creative flair, originality and use of local ingredients, but ultimately a delicious and eye-catching addition to The Scottish Cafe’s signature afternoon tea menu. 

The winner will be invited to join Carina Contini for an afternoon tea masterclass in The Scottish Cafe, before recreating their own recipe to be showcased on the afternoon tea menu. 

Commenting on The Scottish Cafe’s search for Scotland’s best home baker, Carina Contini said: “With the home baking trend continuing to grip the nation, we want to encourage talented amateur cooks of all ages to rise to the occasion and put their culinary skills in the limelight.

“As the home for one of Edinburgh’s finest afternoon teas at the Scottish National Gallery, The Scottish Cafe is the perfect setting to celebrate this iconic British dining tradition, as well as people’s passion for beautifully presented and mouth-wateringly delicious food. 

“We look forward to showcasing Scotland’s best home bakers and wish everyone the best of luck.”

To enter The Scottish Cafe’s search for Scotland’s best home baker, people should post a show-stopping photograph or short film of themselves with their afternoon tea creation and a brief description on social media, tagging The Scottish Cafe on Instagram (www.instagram.com/thescottishcafe), Twitter (@Continibites) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/theScottishCafe), and using hashtag #ContiniBakeOff by Monday 30th September.  

Entrants must live in Scotland, love home baking and be over 18 years of age. Entries from children must be supported by a parent, guardian or teacher.

For more information visit https://www.contini.com/scottish-cafe-and-restaurant