Piece of CAKE

Lucy Parford joins a French country baking class in London led by Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard

- Lucy Parford

One of the most enjoyable aspects of spending time in France is visiting its delectable pâtisseries and being tantalized by all the amazing cakes and pastries on display.

Fortunately, the exquisite art of French cake-making is thriving across the Channel too, in particular at Cake Boy in London, the enterprise of French Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard.

Having trained in France, Eric moved to London at the age of 22 to work for Albert and Michel Roux and became head pastry chef within two years. He set up his own wholesale pâtisserie and went on to open Cake Boy, his destination café and boutique, by the River Thames in Battersea.

It specializes in fresh pâtisserie cakes and savory tarts, as well as serving a French-style champagne afternoon tea.

Eric also runs a cookery school at Cake Boy, sharing his expertise with small groups of amateur bakers. Classes on offer this autumn include pâtisserie, Chocolat, cupcake decorating, and French country baking.

All the courses start with a wonderful breakfast in the vibrant salon, with freshly baked flaky pastries served with specialty teas and coffee.

Family recipe