Eric Lanlard, Master Pâtissier and twice winner of the prestigious Continental Pâtissier of the Year at the British Baking Awards, has changed the face of British Patisserie and through his bespoke cake making brand, Savoir Design, has earned himself an international reputation for superlative cakes with an A-list clientele including Madonna, Sir Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Claudia Schiffer and George Michael.
This 40 year old Frenchman is now becoming something of a celebrity himself and now has his own 10 part series, Glamour Puds, on the Discovery Travel & Living Channel, where Eric will take the viewer on a journey of his awe-inspiring work as well as his favourite locations that inspire his craft, from his own café, the renowned Cake Boy boutique in south west London, to the illustrious patisseries of Paris. In May this year Eric was commissioned to write a beautiful book and share his vision and expertise for patisserie and cake making. Glamour Cakes, published by Hamlyn Books, is available now.
At his Cake Boy boutique, a unique destination café, he also runs regular baking classes and exclusive ‘chef’s table’ lunches and his unique and elegant coffee lounge is also used as a venue for stylish hen parties and baby showers.
Eric’s illustrious career began at the respected Le Grand Patisserie, Brittany; where he was voted Best Apprentice Pâtissier and went on to study the craft of Chocolatier with Arens-Scheer in Luxembourg. When called up for national service, Eric took up position as Captain’s pastry chef aboard the French flagship Jeanne D’Arc, where he cooked for world dignitaries, including President Mitterand.
In 1989, Eric was hand-picked by Albert and Michel Roux and brought to London, where he was quickly promoted to run their entire Patisserie business. Eric stayed for six years, during which time he established his own ambitions and vision that would later revolutionise Patisserie in the UK.
Laboratoire 2000 – a wholesale business was established in 1995 bringing a fresh new style to the bakeries of London restaurants, caterers and London’s leading retailers including Fortnum and Masons.
Aware that there was a demand for the same inspirational cakes, but created on a bespoke basis, Eric launched Savoir Design in 2000, taking direct commissions for visionary celebration cakes.
In May 2007 Eric revamped his business closing down the wholesale section of his business, Laboratoire 2000 and opened – Cake Boy – a retail emporium selling the most delicious and inspiring patisserie and London’s ‘cutest’ cupcakes! Cake Boy is housed in a luxury riverside development in South West London. The space includes a stylish yet comfortable cake lounge and a high tech and beautifully designed cookery school.
Glamour Cakes by Eric Lanlard published by Hamlyn Books, £12.99 is available now. Glamour Puds Eric’s first TV series is showing in the UK on the Discovery Network Travel & Living Channel.
Eric is a committed anglophile and has made England his home. Travel features largely in his life and his favourite spots include Cape Town and Las Vegas. His love for travel is borne out of finding that secret, undiscovered retreat whether it be a hotel, boat or castle. In 2010 Eric will undertake an awfully big adventure that takes him beyond the clouds – he has signed up to Virgin’s Intergalactic programme and will be one of the first chefs in space!
Eric’s obsession for quality and craftsmanship at work continues through to his home life where his love for watches, luggage and cars has turned into a hobby. He is slowly building a collection of beautiful, crafted watches of his own. Of course he is a committed ‘foodie’ - his favourite eateries include Le Gavroche, Brady’s – South London’s finest fish and chip café, Nobu and afternoon tea at Cliveden. Eric lives in Battersea, South London in a contemporary style house that has a celebrity link all of its’ own – it served as the Glamour Puds studio.
