Blackfriars new appointment is icing on the cake

A North East Sugar Crafter of the Year winner is creating a stir in her new role as cake maker at a Newcastle restaurant. Emma Bell, from Stanley has been appointed to head up the new cake service at Blackfriars to create cakes for the growing number of weddings, christenings, birthdays and other celebrations held at the restaurant and Banquet Hall as well as an ever-increasing demand for cake-decorating workshops and cup cake parties. Originally from Carlisle, Emma moved to the region five years ago and studied her Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionery at Gateshead College and Intensive Sugarcraft in Inverness.  She went on to open her own Cake Shop called EmJays which she ran for three years. Now working as part of the team at Blackfriars, Emma is busy making cakes for all types of celebrations at Blackfriars Workshop and in particular has a passion for vintage wedding cakes and unusual celebration cakes. Emma has also just competed against 25 other  cake makers for the title of Sugar Crafter of the Year at the North East Culinary and Trade Association (NECTA) Sugarcraft Awards which took place at the Civic Centre this month.  She baked a tropical where she won best in class and also a scene from Beatrix Potter where she came runner up. She said: “I’m really honoured to be a finalist in the NECTA awards.  I have always loved making cakes and so I feel lucky to base my career on my passion.   Joining Blackfriars is the perfect opportunity to continue my work and create an additional service for Blackfriars customers and to outside events as well.” Cake prices will start from £30 for a celebration cake or £250 for a wedding cake and the service is available to clients holding their event at Blackfriars or for outside events. Ruth Terrington, general manager at Blackfriars said: “We stage many celebratory events each year in both the restaurant and Banquet Hall including weddings, christenings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduation parties and corporate events so are often asked if we can create a special cake.  We are really pleased to be offering this new service and delighted to welcome Emma to the team”. Blackfriars was voted the gold winner of the ‘Taste of England’ in the North East Tourism Awards  and its workshop also runs regular baking events. Emma’s cakes can be seen on www.Pinterest.com/blackfriarsrest/bespoke-cake-service To enquire about a cake contact 0191 261 5985 or [email protected] Blackfriars Restaurant, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN