Upon arriving at the University College Birmingham on Summer Row, I hesitated at the entrance, unsure if I had found the correct destination. Prompted by a reader’s recommendation following a food review of Birmingham’s top restaurant nearby, I ventured into Cakes and Bakes, the food school’s on-site shop, eager to explore.
Navigating through a stream of students, I discovered shelves adorned with boxes of delectable bakes and freshly baked loaves right in the foyer. As staff brewed hot drinks, I embarked on my shopping journey without needing guidance.
Seeking to treat my colleagues, I was delighted to find an array of Easter-themed delights prepared by students under expert guidance. Among my selections were six chocolatey hot cross buns embellished with white chips, along with a charming chocolate chicken, reminiscent of the Lindt Bunny, and an in-house rendition of a Cadbury Creme Egg, filled with fondant and elegantly presented. Remarkably, my entire Easter basket came to a mere £4, akin to supermarket prices, yet the University College Birmingham ensures a lower carbon footprint by collaborating with local suppliers.
Upon returning to the office, my hot cross buns were swiftly devoured, with colleagues hastily claiming halves adorned with caramelized white chocolate. While not the softest I had sampled, they undoubtedly stood their ground against supermarket counterparts.
The chocolate chicken, delicate yet flavorful, was an adorable and delectable option for gifting. However, the true test lay in the comparison with the iconic Cadbury Creme Egg. Surprisingly, I found myself preferring the university’s rendition, which boasted a less overwhelming sweetness, generous fondant filling, and a taste of high-quality chocolate, leaving me feeling less guilty post-indulgence.
At the checkout, the cashier inquired if I was a student, to which I replied as a passer-by stocking up on treats for friends. Her response encapsulated the shop’s welcoming ethos, expressing enthusiasm for my return. Needless to say, I left eager to explore future offerings, particularly hopeful for the anticipated Bakewell tarts on the evolving menu at this dynamic bakery.