Friday 16 April 2010

Colour Me My Cupcake

When I was in New York I could easily have survived on cupcakes and Diet Coke. I know, gross and completely illogical. I lived right around the corner from the Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, which offered some of the best red velvet cupcakes with the most velvety frosting on top, like its name suggests. From then on, my cupcake expectations have been elevated to a very high standard. In my opinion, London is still learning to make great cupcakes. What can I say? It's an American tradition. Like bagels, muffins and burgers. Some things just taste better in their original country.

 
Candy Cakes, Kingly Court off Carnaby Street

Lately though, I've been opening up my cupcake horizons quite a bit, desperately trying to find my new go-to cupcake place. Hummingbird, yeah okay. Lola's, fine. Ottolenghi, slightly better. Candy Cakes (Monmouth Street, Goodge Street and Kingly Court) is my latest cupcake discovery. It's not revolutionary in taste. You've got the dough, the frosting, the unbelievable sweet aftertaste and the strange artificial colouring. But the playfulness is quite unbeatable. Talk about playful. Finally an original and kooky take on cupcakes.



Clowns, footballs and fairies, the cupcake decorating is completely out of the box. Bright greens, reds and yellows, Candy Cakes is not afraid to overdo it with the primary colours in its frosting palette. Though more of a kid heaven, due to its slight Alice in Wonderland colour scheme, you'll definitely find yourself a slice of paradise as well. A cuppa tea and and a little playful eating never hurt anyone. Also on the menu: Made to Order cakes and cupcakes. Pick out your frosting colour, your dough flavour and your decoration of choice. You've got yourself an original creation.

18 comments:

  1. ... this is a place i will stop by next time I'll be in London!

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  2. And what's wrong with cupcakes and Diet Coke exactly?!!! ;)

    I agree with about cupcakes....London is still learning....altho I did read just last week somewhere that cupcakes are "so over"....so maybe we never will learn! And by the way, bagels too.....SO much in NYC :)

    I will check this place out when I am in town, it looks very cute.....my children would love it!

    Happy Week-end Emily, hope this sunshine lasts :)

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  3. I don't ever think I've tasted a real American cupcake! It's not something we have here in Norway - not like that! But I would love to go here and try! Next time in London :)Happy weekend to you!

    xo's Kristin

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  4. I had one in Ella's yesterday, although nice, I wasn't impressed with the place, the service, nor the fact they only had 6 cupcakes left at 3.30pm in the afternoon, during the School Holidays? I had been telling the kids all day that they do Oreo ones and I myself was looking forward to a Red Velvet as I have always wanted one after seeing Magnolia Bakery and the SATC girls eating there on the show years ago.

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  5. I agree that Hummingbird is okay, but everyone seems to rave about it! I much prefer Primrose Hill Bakery. Although to be honest home made are still the best if you can be bothered!

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  6. The cupcakes are beautiful, but the taste not very good. Of course for my personal taste, I prefer Hummingbird.
    By the way I really like your blog! I live in SW London and always forget to go to the north side of the city. Thanks for sharing your adventures around London.
    Carol xx

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  7. That looks so good! Love, love cupcakes. Wish we had a better cupcake shop near where I live. The shop you featured looks wonderful! Candy for the tummy and the eyes!

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  8. Why have i never seen this cupcake shop? This looks even more fun than Hummingbirds. Great blog, definitely be back! Come follow TBAG if you fancy :) Enjoy the weekend, woop! x

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  9. Ooh they are making my mouth water! You should try my friends cupcakes - she has her own business, Sponge Cupcakes and she did me a tower for my 40th party last year. They are the best I've ever tasted, the frosting is to die for! I can't believe we didn't get to Magnolia Bakery when we were in NY. Definitely next time! x

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  10. Have you tried Lola's cupcakes ? I love them !

    http://cupcakesarefashion.blogspot.com/

    XOXO, C.

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  11. They look really pretty though. I think most Americans don't really think British food is over the moon...but there are just so many other things that are. Just be glad you're there for the experiences you have so you can tell us. xx's

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  12. Emily,
    There is an award nomination for you in my blog. I hope you like it.
    Carol xx

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  13. Les couleurs des cupcakes m'effraient un peu ! Ils ne forcent pas un peu sur le colorant ???
    J'ai commencé à en faire chez moi mais attention seulement avec des produits naturels...

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  14. I know this must sound completely 'full of myself', but I prefer my home made cupcakes to everything else I have tasted on the street. Especially since your average cupcake hits home at about 3 pounds the piece. I am a cake snob :)

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  15. I do think they look amazing- am not fussy when it comes to cupcakes- I like them all! but these are really fun

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  16. so charming... cupcake madness has hit the u.s.... but oh dont i love harvey nic's foodie stand... and all of the wonderful food there... i still dream of a hot chocolate i had one brilliant saturday while rummaging around portabello road... i will bring boxes of cupcakes to you!!! xx

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  17. These are cute. I still have a love for a local place in San Diego called Babycakes. Best vanilla raspberry cupcake ever.

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