Edinburgh cafe launches bake off to search for best home bakes to be used in its afternoon tea

The 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.

Published 3rd Sep 2019
Updated 9 th Aug 2023

Amateur bakers from all over Scotland are being encouraged to don their aprons and show off their culinary home baked creations for a chance to be featured on The Scottish Cafe’s iconic afternoon tea menu.

From classic cream cakes to indulgent gateaus, 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 a menu of seasonal and local Scottish in The Scottish Cafe menu.

And, 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.

Owner Carina Contini and the venue’s specialist pastry chefs will be amongst the panel of expert judges to make its shortlist 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.

home baker

Picture: The Scottish Cafe afternoon tea

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.

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

How to enter

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, Twitter or Facebook, 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.

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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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