Beaulieu has been recreated in cake to raise money for the Great Beaulieu Bake-Off raising more than £1,000 for Cancer Research.
Staff from Beaulieu and sister attraction Buckler’s Hard tested their culinary skills, donning aprons and oven gloves to create all manner of wonderful, wacky and scrumptious creations to compete for top prizes.
The Show Stopper category was for cakes that best represented Beaulieu, while a Soggy Bottom section opened the event to amateur bakers.
National Motor Museum Trust volunteer Kelly Harris won the Shop Stopper first prize with her stunning recreation of some of Beaulieu’s most iconic vehicles, including the Veteran Bus, LEGO caravan, Outspan Orange Mini and ‘Gumdrop’ veteran car which is used by school groups.
Second place went to Alice Reid from marketing for A Piece of Jumble, an impressive assortment of automotive signs in honour of Beaulieu’s autojumble events. A special mention went to the IT support team’s joint effort in recognition of their boss, Financial Director Phil Johnson who was immortalised in cake with their It’s Phil! creation.
Raising life-saving dough for The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off, slices from these tasty treats were sold after winners had been chosen by an expert panel of judges. Matthew Tomkinson, head chef at the Montagu Arms hotel, and his pastry chef Peter Fejes were joined by Tracy Thew, of Burley Rails Shortbread, and Carl Pidgley from Beaulieu’s maintenance team (who likes eating cake!).
Jo Diston from Beaulieu’s Brabazon Restaurant impressed judges with her skills to scoop the coveted Star Baker trophy, also winning the Technical challenge for her chocolate salted caramel cake.
Taking the award for Signature Bake was Laura Watson from the Grounds and Gardens team with her chocolate oaty squares, while the Soggy Bottom Challenge prize went to Rachael Goldstraw from the marketing team for her gooey granola bar.
The competition was masterminded by Buckler’s Hard Manager Jane Mills, who also organised a raffle to raise further funds for Cancer Research UK.
