Peggy Porschen Cakes

I know it has been a while since I have posted anything, but I can promise that I am back and I have a lot to tell!
I arrived in London at the end of July and I have been having a blast ever since. It has been great to experience the London 2012 Olympics and the English summer and I kid you not, I had sun scars to prove it.

This time round it isn't just all pleasure, but now I am here to further my career.
 I came with a goal and that goal was... 

Peggy Porschen

Peggy Porschen is a leading bespoke cake company based in Belgravia, London. Founded in 2003, the company is headed by award-winning cake designer and Creative Director Peggy Porschen and her husband Bryn Morrow, Managing Director. Together with her talented team of pastry chefs and sugar-craft artists, Peggy is passionate about creating edible works of art for special occasions including weddings, christenings, baby showers, birthday parties and corporate events.

Renowned for irresistibly pretty and elegant designs that are not only visually stunning but also taste delicious, Peggy has acquired an enviable client list including many celebrities, Royals and members of high society. Her cookies and cakes have graced many A-list events such as the 2011 wedding of Kate Moss and Jamie Hince, Elton John’s White Tie & Tiara Ball, Stella McCartney’s wedding, Sir Anthony Hopkins’ 70th birthday, Damien Hirst’s auction at Sotheby’s and parties for Sting and Trudie Styler, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, all of which make her a highly sought after name on the party-planning circuit.

The Parlour serves freshly baked cupcakes, cookies and layer cakes and also offers a selection of Peggy's own blend teas, inspired by flavours found in her kitchen. The Parlour is also home to Peggy's Bridal Boutique, available to clients by appointment only.

"Peggy's cake was beautiful. The perfect wedding cake! It was so delicious, there wasn't a crumb left..." 

- Kate Moss and Jamie Hince

January 2011 marked the opening of Peggy’s first Cake Academy. London’s first cookery school entirely dedicated to baking, cake decorating and sugar craft which is located opposite the Parlour in Belgravia. Following unprecedented demand for her past master classes, Peggy has personally created a comprehensive year-round curriculum with project-based and technique-lead courses and classes to suit a variety of proficiency levels, from those wishing to complete the professional diploma and kick start a career in cakes, to those looking for a fun and enriching day out.

To my amazement Peggy Porschen was advertising a vacancy for a pastry chef/baker for their parlour. I sent my CV and waited in anticipation.  I went to the Parlour in the same week and treated myself to a delicious Strawberry and Champagne Cupcake and a lovely cup of coffee. The staff were so friendly and Peggy's husband gave me a raspberry macaron, on the house. I felt at home and getting this job would truly be a dream-come-true. 

The next day I got an email from Peggy saying that she would love to meet me. We scheduled an interview the next Wednesday morning.  I was rather nervous, yet so excited to meet Peggy in person. It went very well and we scheduled a kitchen trial for the Friday. 
I went in early Friday morning and met all the girls in the kitchen. I started off with icing all the various cupcakes, my hands were so warm and shaky it melted the butter cream. I was so nervous and couldn't pull myself together.  I layered orange cakes with marmalade and chocolate ganache, baked chocolate chip cupcakes, made banana and cream cheese icing and decorated jam biscuits.  All this sounds so simple, but for some reason, I felt like I was doing everything wrong. I left that day with a dark grey cloud hanging over my shoulders. I definitely didn't give it my best and failed my opportunity to work for the best company in the trade.   

I had made peace with the fact that I would have to start applying for other jobs. "At least I tried", I told myself.
A week later that dark cloud had vanished and the sun was blazing over me...Peggy emailed me to say that I got the job and they would be delighted for me to accept the offer!!!!

I still can't believe that I got the job! I am one lucky girl. Let the baking begin!!!!

Enjoying a cup of coffee at the parlour