BBC Bake Off spin-off, presented by Tom Kerridge, will ‘finally recognise British pastry'

A new professional pastry chef spin-off to The Great British Bake Off could finally recognise British pâtisserie for what it is, according to Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons chef pâtissier Benoit Blin, one of the rumoured judges for the show.

Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, a professional version of The Great British Bake Off, is expected to be broadcast on BBC Two next year, and will be presented by Hand & Flowers chef-patron Tom Kerridge.

Blin told The Caterer that the new BBC Two show could see pastry finally "recognised for what it is".

He said: "It's a very high-flying skill, which some kitchens still enjoy, but fewer and fewer, sadly. Not enough kitchens are still producing pâtisserie at a high standard, and a lot buy their produce in, so it's a great opportunity to finally showcase what a great skill pastry is, and hopefully share a great moment and passion with the rest of the public."

Although he could not yet confirm his place on the judging panel, he added: "Pâtisserie can absolutely work on a TV show. It's the first time that something of that level has been done, and it will hopefully be something that is exciting to explore."

The eight-part series is set to feature 15 teams of professional chefs working in threes to produce intricate and high-end desserts including miniatures and showpieces. Other judges are rumoured to include Cherish Finden from the Langham hotel in London and international pastry chef and consultant Claire Clark. Participants are set to come from top hotels, restaurants, private clubs and pâtisseries.

A statement from production company Love Productions said that the winner would need to showcase "the precision of surgeons, the knowledge of chemists and the creativity of artists".

Chef profile: Tom Kerridge on his second opening the Coach >>
Eight pastry chefs chosen for 2015 UK Pastry Open >>
Florian Poirot wins overall at UK Pastry Open 2015 ahead of Lyon 2017 >>

*Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer* Jobs >>

Latest video from The Caterer