In Notts We Love Cake!

For those of you who love cake and love Nottinghamshire, we highly recommend you visit the Tourist Information Centre before mid October. Danielle, owner of Danielle Gotheridge, has been hard at work producing a unique cake highlighting some key Nottinghamshire landmarks and it is on display in the Tourist Information Centre window. Until the end of October, you can admire the divine looking, one-of-a-kind cake before it is whisked off on a ‘cake tour’ visiting the landmarks which are featured on the cake. Based in Hockley in Nottingham, Danielle produces designer cakes for special occasions and was voted best cake designer 2011/12. She also won an award for best cup-cakes in Nottingham 2012. The successful baking enthusiast has recently launched her very own brand of icing products, which come in three different types and can be bought in the shop in Hockley. Danielle is soon to go on tour promoting her new book, All you need is Cake. We were fortunate that she took five minutes out of her busy schedule and answer our Q&A, revealing some fascinating knowledge of her baking success. What age was you first interested in cake producing? I've never been interested in cake producing really, I am an artist and simply use icing as an edible sculpting material. I've never had a single cake decorating lesson! How long have you had your shop in Hockley? Hockley is my fourth shop and I've been here just over two years. My other two shops and my Victoria Centre outlet were just stepping stones to where I am located today. How do you make sure every cake you design and produce is unique? I don't ever have to 'make sure' each design is unique as every person and occasion is unique so the design specification is different every time. How long did it take to create and produce the cake in the Tourist Information Centre window? I had been working on parts of the Tourist Information cake for four months. With it being wedding season, I've been doing bits when I can, but if I'd had time to concentrate on that only, it would have only taken a week. Which Nottingham landmarks feature on your cake? Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Caves, Green’s Windmill, Byron, the Major Oak, The Lace Market incorporating Paul Smith, Galleries of Justice, The Creative Quarter and more! Give examples of some of the creations you are working on currently. I have just produced a 4.5ft Eiffel Tower cake which is all edible. If someone was to attend one of your courses, briefly explain what they would experience? I do several different courses throughout the year, from making fondant roses to creating and designing your very own wow-factor cake! My courses are different because I teach you how to create everything without having to buy any equipment. I started off as a single mum of three with no support and didn't have money for tools, so I like to teach my clients the same. What special features does your book include and is it a read for all skill levels? My book presents everything from designing to the finished product. It is suitable for all levels and all types of creative people. Where are you off to on your book tour and for how long? Due to the amount of book sales reached after being featured in the Irish Times, I am touring Ireland, from 20 October to 2 November.   It’s enough to make your mouth water and amaze you at the same time. Visit http://www.daniellegotheridge.com/ or stop by the shop to admire more of Danielle’s fabulously divine work.