Exciting news for fans of cake - and all for the best possible cause - Bake For Syria is happening again on Saturday November 18th. It's all in aid of Unicef's vital work with Syrian children, and will bring together the country's very finest bakers and bakeries, in the lovely surroundings of Old Spitalfields Market.
The inaugral event earlier this year raised more than £10,000: that's a lot of cake - with all profits going to the Cook for Syria campaign. This year Lily Vanilli has brought together an even bigger all-star cast at an all day event from 11-4, compared by TV and radio presenter Laura Jackson.
So who's going to be there?
Some top London bakeries like Bread Ahead, Dominique Ansel, Ottolenghi, The Good Egg, Violet Bakery and Fatties Bakery. You'll also have a unique chance to buy cakes from some star bakers who don't normally sell to the public - like Helen Goh, who co-wrote Sweet with Yotam Ottolenghi, Bake Off winner Frances Quinn, pastry chef Henrietta Inman, Dear Safia, food writer John Gregory Smith and YBF award winners Newton and Pott, Noisette Bakehouse, Happy Endings and Lucie Bennett. They'll all be selling special Syrian themed bakes for you to scoff on the spot or take home for later.
There will be savoury food too from the Kitchens at Old Spitalfields Market - including pasta from Sood Family, Yum Bun, Dumpling Shack, Rok and Flank - so you can balance out the sugar rush.
Our advice is - go early: there will be some truly unique bakes there and they will sell out fast! Plus a raffle to raise even more money for the cause, with some stellar prizes on offer.
When is it? 12-5pm on Saturday 18th November
Where? Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
Find out more: Visit the Cook for Syria website.
And for round two?
John Gregory Smith is a busy man. He's also laying on an epic charity brunch on Sunday November 19th in aid of Cook for Syria as part of his residency at Great Guns Social in London Bridge. There will be two sittings - 10am-12 and 12.30-2.30 for the late risers, all for just £12.50 per person.
What's on the menu?
A pretty amazing feast from John's latest book, Orange Blossom and Honey - from spicy merguez eggs to fluffy beghiri pancakes with Moroccan peanut butter and Argan oil, plus some Fortnums jam for luck. Plus a huge dessert bar stocked with all sorts of incredible bakes from Eric Lalard, Ottolenghi, Lily Vanilli, Fatties Bakery, Butterscotch London, Outsider Tart, Honey and Co - plus John's very own Pomegranate and Chocolate cake for good measure. "Get down, have a blast and help us raise some much needed cash", says John.
When: Sunday 19th November, Sittings at 10-12pm or 12:30-14:30pm
How much: £12.50 per person. Raffle tickets, desserts and bloody Marys are extra
Where: Great Guns Social - 96 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 0EF
How to get tickets: Via the website.
