Delighted to introduce you to Apple Tree Cake Design, a cake designer based in Essex but covering the South East, over to you Rebecca…

How did it all start?

I’ve always loved to bake.  Ever since my cookery teacher taught me how to make Christmas roses out of sugar florist paste at age 14, I was hooked.  Team that with a Swiss Master Baker in the family and I guess you could say I had a lot of exposure to the wonderful culinary world, but oddly enough I didn’t choose this career path initially.  I’d been a successful board level Executive Assistant for 17 years before I formed my cake company.  I then ran it alongside my day job for the first few years; it was exciting and a huge challenge, but I enjoyed the diversity.  Early in 2017 I started running my company full time and I’m thrilled to be doing so.

Do you have a favourite venue?

No, I don’t, for the simple reason that we’re so spoilt for choice in East Anglia.  There are so many wonderful venues who are run by great teams.  I’m fortunate and grateful to be a preferred supplier at many of them.

How would clients describe you?

I’m afraid I, too, had to ask some of my lovely clients for some help here!   Here’s what Lauren and Amelia had to say:

“Totally accommodating of her clients’ needs:  no request is too much but she will always be honest if she feels a specific request wouldn’t suit the feel or overall look of your cake.  Polite, friendly and an absolute pleasure to deal with as a vendor.  Totally trustworthy; clients know from the off that their needs will be fulfilled, and the cake of their dreams delivered.  A very talented lady with an exquisite eye for detail.”

“Rebecca is just like a cake with her different layers; being so thoughtful, helpful, caring, and trustworthy.  She’s so very talented and inspiring.”

Wedding planners or suppliers you particularly admire?

Being a keen gardener, my other love is fresh flowers.  I both admire and respect the many wonderfully creative florists we have in our industry.

How do you unwind?

Often with a long walk through the fields or on the beach with my husband and our two Cocker Spaniels, Misty and Storm.  I really find it’s the best therapy for me.  If the walk finishes with a large G&T at home in the garden, then even better!

What trends are you seeing for 2018/19?

I’m still finding metallics are still very much on trend with rose gold being the most requested.  Using loosely tied silk ribbons on cakes is both beautiful and popular with my clients.  Marbled sugarpaste icing is also carrying through from last year, too.  There’s been a bit of an increase in the more rustic look with buttercream and naked cakes too thanks to Meghan & Harry’s wedding, which I also love making.

What is your signature dish?

Ooo, as a serious foodie that’s a hard one!  Cake company baking, it would probably have to be my carrot cake I think.  It’s super-popular and everyone seems to love it.  As for non-cake related cooking, I cook too much to have a signature dish as such, but my family and friends love my Italian inspired dishes.

Whose celebrity wedding (dead or alive) would you love work on?

The actress and diva queen, Miss Piggy!  I bet she’d go for something wildly creative!

What is your vice?

Chocolate or gin.  Gin or chocolate.  Or both!  But the chocolate has to be Green & Blacks 70% dark chocolate, and the gin has to be The Botanist and served with Elderflower Fever Tree, of course!