Pershore Patty Meets Maryanne Mclaughlin, Cake Maker at Cotswold Rustic Cakes, Moreton-in-Marsh to ask a few questions and for a general nose.

Tell me a little bit about how you came to own or work in your business

I worked for many years as a chef in Somerset and I’d always had a keen interest in pastry and baking. After I had my first son I needed a job that could work around being a full time Mum. My friends always complimented me on how great my cakes were and suggested I should sell them….I thought why not?!….Then the idea  of Cotswold Rustic Cakes was born!

What achievements, awards or accolades are you proud of? 

Setting up my little cake business whilst juggling a job, having a 3 year old and being pregnant!

Any news announcements, or events that you’d like new and existing customers to be aware of?

As well as occasion cakes I am now offering postal brownies, cake jars and treat boxes.

What makes your business unique?

I run my business from my home in the Cotswolds. It’s just me so I aim to offer my customers a really personal experience. I source my ingredients locally from selected farm shops and suppliers. Flowers used to decorate my cakes are grown in my garden. I feel all these personal little touches make my business unique.

Favourite restaurant to visit if you get a night off?

Where I work.. The Old Butchers-Stow on the Wold

Last thing you watched on TV?

Killing Eve

What was the last gift you gave someone?

Cake to my neighbours

What’s your favourite smell in the whole world?

The smell of a roast cooking

What’s your favourite kind of sandwich?

Tuna Melt

Who would you want to cook your last meal on earth, and why?

Tom Kerridge, as his food looks amazing!!

What is the most annoying habit that other people have?

Interrupting me when I’m talking

If you could eat only 3 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Cheese, chocolate and pasta

What’s your claim to fame?

My sister is the author of “ The paper florist”

Which food & drink business (other than your own) do you wish you had created?

M&S

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Be kind, simple…but it’s true.

If you could be anywhere else right now, where would it be?

 On a beach in Thailand

What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?

My 4 year old son said I looked beautiful

Name a product or service you love so much that you’d happily be that company’s spokesperson.

Chanel perfume

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

Primary school teacher

What is the perfect combination of pizza toppings?

Ham, pineapple, sweetcorn and cheese.

What was the worst job you ever held and why?

Cotton picking in Australia. 4am starts..freezing cold mornings, boiling hot afternoons and flies all over your face!

Favourite band?

 Mumford and Sons

What was the last thing you ate?

A crunchy bar

Favourite cut of steak?

Ribeye

What website do you visit most often?

Facebook

What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?

Make a wedding cake.

What do you hope never changes?

How much my son adores me.