Eric Lanlard is a master patissier. Since arriving in the UK 18 years ago, the 39 year-old Frenchman has changed the face of British Patisserie, earning himself a reputation for inspirational cakes and an A-list clientele.
Twice winner of Continental Patissier of the Year at the British Baking Awards, Eric’s unique combination of craftsmanship and unbridled creativity has made him the premier cake-maker for celebrity events, including the weddings of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, Claudia Schiffer and Elizabeth Hurley. With numerous television appearances including UKTV Food’s daily live show, GMTV and recently BBC1’s wedding series, Big Day. Eric is now an established food celebrity in his own right.
Eric’s illustrious career began at the respected Le Grand Patisserie, Brittany; where he was voted Best Apprentice Patissier 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 Mitterrand.
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 was established in 1995, bringing a fresh new style to the bakeries of London’s leading retailers, restaurants and caterers.
“I wanted to bring together the traditional French crafts of Patisserie and Chocolatier with my own vision to radically change patisserie creations making them fun and personalised.”
Aware that there was a demand for the same inspirational cakes created on a bespoke basis, Eric launched Savoir Design in 2000, taking direct commissions for fabulous and stylish celebration cakes.
Eric is a committed anglophile and loves all things British including regular trips up to Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands. His love for travel is borne out of finding that secret, undiscovered retreat whether it be a hotel, boat or castle. 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 was the home of Channel 4’s T4 studio from 2005-2006 – www.twovardensroad.com.
In May this year launched his latest venture – Cake Boy – a retail emporium – housed in a luxury housing riverside development in South West London. Eric’s new space includes a ‘cake lounge’ and a high tech and beautifully designed cookery school. Cookery School Classes will start in September 2007.
The Pink Cookbook published to coincide with this month’s Breast Cancer Awareness campaign is published by Hamlyn Books containing a recipe by Eric: Lemon and Passion Fruit Tart with Raspberries, priced £6.99.
