Stop everything. Great British Bake Off’s Dan — yes, finalist from the 2023 series — just casually strolled into St John’s Coffee Shop and dropped off a plate of Hazelnut Financiers with Strawberries & Cream. No Hollywood handshake, no dramatic pause before the verdict… just perfect little golden cakes from a baker who knows exactly what he’s doing.
The GBBO madness kicks off again next month on Channel 4. September’s gonna be packed with jaw-dropping showstoppers, chaotic last-minute fixes, and, yes — plenty of soggy bottoms to go around.
But here at St John’s, our own grand final is just getting started — and everyone’s a winner when cake is involved.
Here’s who’s turning heads at the cake counter this week:
🌰 Bake Off Dan’s Hazelnut Financiers with Strawberries & Cream — Star baker elegance in every bite. Blink and they’ll be gone.
🍫 Carolyn’s Chocolate Cake — A rich, flawless classic worthy of a Hollywood handshake.
🍊 Diane’s Orange & Coconut Cake — Light, tropical, and a real crowd-pleaser in the technical challenge.
🍋 Jackie’s Lemon Drizzle — Zesty, sharp, and an undisputed fan favourite week after week.
🥕 Nicki’s Carrot Cake — The reliable bake you can always count on, no matter the challenge.
🍒 Nicki’s Bakewell Loaf — Almond, cherry, and romance in loaf form… basically a showstopper in disguise.
🍪 Sarah’s Almond Cookies — Small, cheeky, and gone in a flash… a real signature bake.
🍏 Sue’s Apple & Blackberry Dessert Cake — Cosy, comforting, and perfect for a rainy-day judging session.
So while the bakers in the tent are still sharpening their skills for September, we’ll be here grafting at the cake counter. Come down, grab a slice, and award your own Star Baker… but move fast, Dan’s financiers are disappearing quicker than free samples in the green room.
