Croydon. Possibly the most surprising place this side of equator. Saturday 16th was no exception as a giant white marque greeted shoppers in the Exchange Square just opposite the ‘Matthew Yard’ coffee shop in Old Town. As well as this unexpected surprise for the eyes, the tent also sent out smells of fresh dough and something sweet (which I couldn’t quite put my finger on it), that meant passers-by couldn’t help but to stop and peek through the opening.
If they had, and most did, they would have been greeted with the all new Croydon community event: The Great Croydon Bake Off. Based on the popular television series, organiser Christo Matthews had the bold idea when, failing to apply for the programme, decided to bring the baking to Croydon. The ‘On-Street-Show’ involved four wannabe Croydon baking enthusiast including, Neil Ridulfa, Geoff Ranson, Deborah Mussell, and Kimberley Scott-Matthews.
At the end of the event, an estimated 500 people turned up, much more than the expected amount which put a smile onto everyone’s faces. At the end of the event, Miss Scott-Matthews walked away with the prize after baking a brilliant cointreau-laced tart (something I was lucky enough to sample!). A fantastic event and likely to be preceded with a follow up (rumours place it in October). A special mention must go to the presenter, Rebecca Perfect who gave a brilliant commentary throughout, breaking the ice with both the apprehensive spectators and the baking competitors allowing for the relaxed mood to ultimately take hold.
Although I was not committed enough to stay for the duration of the six hour long ‘bake to the death’, I believed I sniffed, sampled and snacked enough to be tempted back for the next event that will unite the people of Croydon once more with the great taste (and smell) of baking.
