Instagram It’s a WIN for Anna Higham @anna.atthetable @flor.london @lyleslondon as “best new baking talent” at at 2019s @TheYBFs judged by @lily_vanilli_cake @John_Whaite & me.
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Unanimous decision: we all felt – from the moment we sat down everything – that although the other shortlisted bakers @twelvetriangles @andrewlowkes had fantastic skill and talent, there was a bravery and magic in @anna.atthetable’s choice that she bought to the judging table. It was utterly inventive, inspiring & delicious skilful baking, using curious ferments, complex methods & overlooked ingredients, just what we wanted to see.
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Here in this audio clip from the judging Anna is talking about how it was her excitement over the beauty of fresh pears that twinkled the admiration from chef @lowejames and led to her job at @lyleslondon, and subsequently at @flor.london. The sourdough loaf was superb, with a rich, sour, bright, deep flavour. The individual lardy cakes, delicious, overtly caramel (i’d have liked a more exaggerated bake approach, even hotter for less time); brown butter tarts exactly what you’d expect and want them to be; and the often-forgettable laminated pain au choc that balanced beautifully on the line between between crisply light and beefily substantial. A mixed of in-house #freshmilled flour and legendary stonemilled #stoatesflour. Dazzling in all.
