Bake well with the master patissier Eric Lanlard

Eric Lanlard is no stranger to celebrities and baking. He created Madonna’s wedding cake, Brooklyn Beckham’s first birthday cake and he’s even baked for Queen Elizabeth II.

But ask him which was the most stressful cake he’s ever baked and he’ll say it’s the one he created for Claudia Schiffer’s wedding – a three-tier classic milk chocolate cake decorated with edible flowers.

Now looking forward to Taste of Dubai coming up on March 13 to 15, he is excited about the city and the possibilities it offers to food lovers.

In an exclusive interview with Friday, the master baker reveals what he loves about Dubai, his view on hospitality and what this year means to him and to the food world:

What was your first experience of Dubai and the UAE?

On my second visit to Dubai it was my birthday and I stayed at the One&Only Royal Mirage – another favourite of mine. The set-up was magical and the hotel organised a chef to cook me an authentic Middle Eastern meal. It did not feel touristy at all.

How has your impression of the Middle East changed over time?

It’s been fascinating to observe the region’s growth and resilience. I have so much respect for the region’s leadership and its vision that allows others to fulfil their ambitions – that includes top-notch architects who would have only dreamt of such opportunities.

I can’t wait to experience Dubai in 2020 when the stunning infrastructure for the Expo is complete.

Even though this is your first time at Taste of Dubai, you travel a lot with food shows. What makes you give up the comfort of your own kitchen and cook under public scrutiny abroad?

I’m passionate about my profession – it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’m still excited to walk into my kitchen at 6am every day – that feeling never left me.

It’s great to see this incredible celebration of cakes and baking. I think that the standard of food and baking has gone up generally – people are demanding quality ingredients as they become more knowledgeable and confident. They are being inspired by their favourite chefs and baking heroes. If shows like these can influence people to eat, cook and bake better, the knock-on effect is a healthier lifestyle – that’s got to be a good thing for society.

We have a very loyal fan base in Dubai – people have seen my TV series on the various networks across the UAE. Also a lot of our Middle Eastern fans often travel to London – they like to visit Battersea South West London [where Lanlard’s luxury cake boutique, Cake Boy, is] to say hello. We’re always pleased to welcome them to Cake Boy.

Our popularity has also grown through our partnership with the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge. For the past two years I’ve been creating seasonal afternoon teas for the hotel, which are very popular with Middle Eastern guests.

I have found my Middle Eastern fans to be very vocal of their appreciation. They also have refined palettes and are always full of suggestions!

How did your collaboration with Jumeirah come about?

When we were filming my third TV series, Baking Mad, we were on the lookout for glamorous venues to film at. It just so happened that the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel was celebrating its 50th anniversary that year and commissioned me to make a celebration cake. I got on really well with the marketing team; one thing lead to another and we were able to feature some of the anniversary celebrations in the series.

That led to you creating an afternoon tea for Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on The Palm…

How is 2014 shaping up?

The new P&O cruise liner, Britannia, sets sail next year and will include a fantastic food emporium, the Market Café, which will feature the Eric Lanlard patisserie range. It’s almost going back to my roots, as I started my career as a patissier on board the Jeanne D’Arc, French Navy Ship at the age of 18!