After being greeted by the Big Bake team, Lucy from Grow let us know what an impact all the money we would be raising will have for the charity. Then as each team selected our baking stations the competition was already starting to show. Armed with our aprons and chef’s hats, we set off on this three hour challenge with the star baker accolade in our sights. 

Equipped with a really basic instructions list, we discovered the cake layers consisted of sponge, jam made from scratch, buttercream and syrup. We were choosing from the multitude of flavours available in creation corner, elderflower to lemon, bubble gum to vanilla, there were some unique and interesting taste combinations going on in the tent!  

With some tips from the expert bakers at The Big Bake, we mixed, whipped, baked and put together our creations, finally topping with optional chocolate ganache, sprinkles and decorations. All the teams channelled their inner Mary Berry to create their showstoppers and could take a deep breath to relax. While waiting for the judges to deliberate, we detoured to the pub next door to take part in a charity raffle. Generous doners helped by offering raffle prizes such as a Land Rover Experience, A signed Jamie Oliver cookbook and Pandora jewellery.  

The biggest surprise of the day was our celebrity guest judge reveal. The wonderfully talented Eastenders and Gavin & Stacey actor, Larry Lamb. After sampling every cake, which were all surprisingly tasty, apparently, Larry and the Big Bake judge crowned JMW Solicitors the victors and the day’s star bakers. Although we may have been a little bitter not to win, JMW’s cake was a masterpiece, modelled on a garden, complete with a veg patch, pool and Grow logo.