The Lily Vanilli Bakery (Columbia Road)
Friday, June 24, 2011 at 6:56PM I'd been dreaming about Lily's Summer Bakewells ever since I read her article in The Times Style magazine early June. I even fantasised about making them in a fetching pinny, wafting around in my unusually small kitchen...But, I thought, why make them when I can go for a bit of a jolly up to Columbia Road Flower Marketand sample the delights made by her for myself? So I did! Now, I love plants, gardening, as you have probably gathered by now, drinking tea and eating cake. So I was really excited about going to her bakery, which has only just opened, and also buying some big and blousy dalia's for the front garden.
Mr B and I pottered over one Sunday afternoon, made our way through the throng of people and plants, averted our eyes away from the chic and curios shops...we were on a mission. We found the bakery, nestled in a quiet courtyard in Ezra Street off Columbia Road. The vibe was relaxed and happy, there are two communal tables (one inside the shop the other just outside) and a space inside the shop. As you walk in you are greeted by the abundance of cakes, bakes, tarts and the coffee machine. And there is Lily serving her cakes. I was pleased to see that the Bakewells hadn't quite sold out so I ordered one along with a cup of Lapsang Souchong and Mr B had a poppy and lemon cupcake and Earl Grey. We sat at the outside communal table along with two really friendly Italians. It was raining a little but I really didn't care as I was at one with my Bakewell and it was beautiful to see small rain drops splashing in my tea. It was one of 'those moments'. The Bakewell was everything a Bakewell should be; crumbley underneath; soft and chewy on the inside with the hit of almonds. What made it extra special was it's fresh cherry 'hat'. Mr B's cupcake was a revelation, it was packed full of poppy seeds it was a real 'eating sensation' - Thanks Lily!
The bakery is open on Sunday's only (along with the flower market) between 0800-1600. It is small, but as they say, all the best things come in small packages. If you can't wait 'til Sunday, you can always pop over to Harrods and pick up a selection of her cakes there.
And we managed to get two huge over the top, in your face, dalia plants...that'll give the neighbours something to talk about!
Reader Comments (2)
Hi Lisa, Wow the bakery looks fab!! Love your description and the style of your photos. What camera are you using? Will add you to my blog roll now.
I really like this bakery. I've just bought the cook book and I'm going to start baking this weekend. Can't wait. Great photos.