Retail Assist try their hand at the Great British Bake Off

#GBBO

The Retail Assist team have turned their hands to baking to raise money for charity… but who received the Hollywood Handshake?

Guest judges, (left to right) Lynette, Lucy and Matt.

On Tuesday 28^th August, Retail Assist colleagues downed tools and picked up their baking bowls to raise money for Emmanuel House, a charity that helps support homeless people in Nottingham. With three guest judges including Matt Douglas and Lucy Hickling from Nottingham’s own 200 Degrees, and Lynette Pinchess, Nottingham Post’s food and drink editor, there was a tough crowd to please.

The Retail Assist team had brought in every kind of baked good, from cheese scones to a unicorn cake – and not a soggy bottom in sight. With so much choice, there was something there to tickle everyone’s (fondant) fancy.

However, with so many top contenders, judging the winner was not a piece of cake.

200 Degree’s Marketing Manager, Matt, said: “There have been so many tastes and textures, with savoury as well as sweet. We’ve also been really impressed with the presentation.”

Lauren Howatson, Marketing Manager for Emmanuel House, added: “Everyone has made such an effort. We were so impressed!”

The Showstopper – A unicorn shaped cake with a matcha and lemon sponge

The overall winner was Helpdesk Call Analyst, Kay Thompson, with a chocolate extravaganza showstopper. Gifted by 200 Degrees, Kay won the chance to not only replicate her cake in their kitchen, but to see it being sold in 200 Degrees stores.

Kay said, “I’m delighted to have won! I put lots of effort in and I’m so pleased that we are raising money and awareness for Emmanuel House. They are such a great charity.”

Head Chef at 200 Degrees and fellow judge, Lucy, added: “There was a massive array of colour and when we saw the winning cake, we knew we would love to replicate it. It will fly off the shelves!”

The winning bake, made by Kay Thompson

The Nottingham office raised a current total of £208.67, with all proceeds going to Emmanuel House. Offering support to the city’s homeless and vulnerable adults, Emmanuel House provides vital help and guidance to those most in need. They have over 1,000 visits a week where they offer essential survival services such as hot food and drinks, an opportunity to change into clean, dry clothing, shower and laundry facilities as well as support in the following areas: mental health, tenancy and resettlement, benefits and welfare, training and workshops and access to the Winter Shelter.

Well done to Kay and thank you to everyone who took part!

Think you could add to our cake skills? Retail Assist is expanding! Click here to visit our careers page for more information.