Award-winning Northampton baker prepares to return to international cake competition this week
“There are some months that are just a little bit more exciting than others”
An award-winning Northampton baker is making the final preparations before returning to an international cake competition this week, in the hope of putting the town on the map.
Ryan Grigg runs Pat-a-Cake Man from Pineham, which specialises in bespoke celebration cakes for every occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and corporate events.
Having spent years pursuing his passion for professional golf, Ryan was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and suddenly the career he had worked so hard towards no longer felt possible.
With mobility restrictions, chronic pain, seizures and a long list of daily symptoms, which he still experiences to this day, it was a difficult time physically and mentally when coming to terms with the end of his former career.
Having lost a huge part of his life and identity, Ryan needed to find a new direction and something that gave him purpose while also working around the challenges of his condition.
And that is when he discovered baking. Ryan is completely self-taught and has learned through trial and error, watching tutorials, practicing techniques and, most importantly in his eyes, being willing to make mistakes and learn from them.
“There are some months that are just a little bit more exciting than others, and this month is certainly one of them for Pat-a-Cake Man,” Ryan told the Chronicle & Echo.
“We have lots happening behind the scenes, with not one but two very exciting events on the horizon. It’s all getting rather busy in the world of bespoke cakes, and we couldn’t be more excited.”
First up, Pat-a-Cake Man is preparing to enter Cake International at the NEC in Birmingham from this Friday to Sunday (November 6 to 8).
Ryan continued: “Cake competitions are a wonderful opportunity to push creativity, try new techniques and challenge ourselves to create something truly special. Let’s just say there has been plenty of planning, preparation and a little bit of cake magic going on behind the scenes.”
Excitingly, Pat-a-Cake Man has also been nominated as a finalist in the rising star category at the national Baking Industry Awards.
“The Baking Industry Awards are among the most prestigious in the sector, celebrating talent, innovation and achievement,” said Ryan, who will be attending the ceremony later this month at a special venue on Park Lane in London.
“To have even been considered for such an award is incredibly special to us, but to have made it through to the national finals is something we could only have dreamed of. It’s a huge honour and wonderful recognition of the hard work, passion and creativity that goes into everything we do at Pat-a-Cake Man.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be included alongside so many talented people within the baking industry and whatever the outcome, being named a finalist is already a dream come true.”
With Cake International preparations in full swing and a special awards evening to look forward to, it is going to be a month to remember for Pat-a-Cake Man. Ryan concluded by thanking everyone who has been part of the business journey so far.
For more information on the award-winning Pat-a-Cake Man, visit the business’ website here.