the secret is out as the Clandestine Cake Club proves you CAN have your cake and eat it.
Thanks to Leeds-based founder Lynn Hill, 61, enthusiastic bakers from across the UK are realising their sweet-toothed dreams somewhere near you.
Members bake according to the brief, and then gather at a secret location to sample each others creations.
Lynn, who opened the first CCC 15 months ago, today coordinates more than 60 clubs across the UK and beyond, with some operating as far afield as France, Spain and New Zealand.
She said: “People like the idea of being part of something they see as exclusive. It’s a fun thing. It isn’t a competition.
“The whole point of Clandestine Cake Club is that we are not competitive. I like the idea that it brings all sorts of people together on common ground, to sample cake and make friends.”
The latest group to open in West Yorkshire booked up in two days.
Mum-of-one Sharon Clarkson, who set up Pudsey and West Leeds CCC, held her first event at Leeds West Academy.
Her second is due to take place on April 15 at another Pudsey location - which can not be revealed due to club rules.
A third club date has been released for a gathering in Calverley on May 20, but again is already fully booked.
Sharon said: “My son went to university last September and I have had no-one to bake for.
“I heard about this and thought it would be great to meet people.
“There was nothing happening in Pudsey so I contacted Lynn and set a group up.”
On Thursday night there were 24 bakers presenting 24 very “favourite” different cakes.
Bob Rand, 67, baked a rhubarb sticky toffee tea loaf.
He said: “It’s great to get honest feedback.
“My wife Hazel finds it difficult to be critical when I’ve been working in the kitchen on something for several hours.”
sophie.hazan@ypn.co.uk
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