What: Anna Kara launch event | When: February 2020 | Where: Miss Bush Bridal, Ripley

In celebration of its exciting new designer, Anna Kara, Miss Bush Bridal in Ripley held a wonderful welcome launch this February. Kalm Kitchen was delighted to take part in this evening of beautiful styling, good food, music, and of course, fabulous fashion.

The Anna Kara bridal launch party was a celebration of bohemian, relaxed style with a twist of Polish inspiration as a nod to the brand’s heritage. It’s been quite a few years since Kalm Kitchen catered an event at The Chapel (in fact we worked on Miss Bush Bridals’ first ever Chapel event in 2014!) and we loved being back. We were tasked to come up with a menu that reflected the designer’s eastern European roots. As designer Anna Kara is from Krakow and all of the dresses are handmade in Poland, we opted for canapés and cocktails with a Polish-inspired theme. Our team put together a mouthwatering menu of treats, which included the following:

In addition, we created two inviting grazing plates, which stood on display close to the chapel entrance and were just as beautiful as they were delicious. The savoury tray included beetroot hummus with goats’ cream and honey, basil and cashew nut pesto, sweet potato and flatleaf mini falafels. The abundant platter also included salted pretzels, Norbury Blue and Sussex Charmer cheese, pickled baby garden vegetables, homemade oat cakes, black olive ficelle and bilberries, decorated with pretty wildflowers. The sweet version featured brownies, macaroons, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, edible flowers, passionfruit, kiwi, and grapefruit. We also put together a special cocktail for the evening; the Polish Mule, using Belvedere Vodka, elderflower syrup and sparkling ginger beer.

Partying in style

A truly spectacular floral display by Wild Renata Flowers added to the bohemian spirit. Sumptuous florals in shades of muted purple and pink, antique yellows next to velvety deep red, and wild foliage in a rich dark green and burgundy transformed the chapel’s signature arch. Guests were not only treated to a fantastic fashion presentation, but also a relaxed party atmosphere with tunes from Spin Sisters and fun Photobooth from Boomerang Booth.

Credits:
Photography: Sophie Duckworth Photography {www.sophieduckworthphotography.com}
Floral Design: Wild Renata Flowers {www.wildrenataflowers.com}
Glassware: Couvert {couvert.co.uk}
Catering: Kalm Kitchen {www.kalmkitchen.co.uk}
Biscuits: Dolly Dewdrops Cake Art {dollydewdrops.co.uk}
Make up: Carolanne Armstrong {carolannearmstrong.com}
Hair: Sharon Roberts {sharonrobertshair.co.uk}
Photobooth: Boomerang Booth {boomerangbooth.co.uk/}
DJ: Spin Sisters {www.spin-sisters.co.uk}

Do you have a launch or private event in mind? Talk to us about how we can elevate your event with imaginative food and drinks. Do get in touch at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360.

Founded by Cordon Bleu trained pastry chef (and former Kalm Kitchen team member) Ellie Rymer, Milk Street Kitchen specialises in creating beautiful and tasty cakes and pop-up patisseries for weddings and events. Taking inspiration from classic patisserie and the wonderful flavours and colours of the English countryside, Ellie’s cake creations are a sight to behold. We caught up with her to chat about her passion for baking and what’s catching her eye in the world of cake design.

Q// How did you start out in cake making, and is it something you always wanted to do?

I’ve always loved cooking and baking but in 2012 I decided I wanted to make food my career. I left my job in PR to retrain as a pastry chef at Le Cordon Bleu. I loved it and after I graduated I happily began getting requests for wedding cakes from friends and family – that was the unofficial start of Milk Street Kitchen!

Q// What are you most known for, and how would you describe your signature style?

My signature style is natural, bountiful and full of flavour. I specialise in buttercream cakes and use lots of fresh flowers and fruits to dress my cakes as well as other patisserie items such as macarons and meringues.

Q// Who and what inspires you in your work?

I always take inspiration from the clients I work with and their style. I also get a huge amount of inspiration from modern patisserie and foodie fashions. For my flavours, I’m always inspired by seasonal ‘hedgerow’ produce.

Q// How did you come about working with Kalm Kitchen?

I actually first started working with Kalm Kitchen as part of their patisserie team! It was a fantastic place to learn. Everyone at Kalm Kitchen is incredibly professional and has an amazing eye for detail, whether in the kitchen or running events front of house. The creativity and care they bring to weddings are second to none. I feel very lucky to now be one of their recommended suppliers.

Q// What has been the most memorable creation you’ve ever had to come up with?

Towering croquembouches are always pretty memorable. They are a bit of a race against the clock, as I fill the choux buns with flavoured creams and construct the tower with caramel as close to delivery as possible. They are slightly nerve-wracking as well as great fun to make!

Q// What would be your dream event to work on, and what would you create?

My fantasy would be to be commissioned to bake on location for a wedding in a French country house. I’d create a classic buttercream cake accompanied by a bountiful display of macarons, madeleines and chouxquettes.

Q// What is trending right now in the world of cake design?

I think it’s really exciting at the moment as there’s so much variety in the world of cake design, so you really kind find the perfect style for your event. Tall tiers and nice sharp sides are definitely still the way to go but I’m really seeing couples feeling confident about using more texture and colour too, which is exciting.

Q// What advice would you give to couples who are currently choosing a cake or sweet showcase for their big day?

Work with your designer to create something that is perfect for your day. Something that suits the style and feel of your wedding and, most importantly, that you know your guests will enjoy tucking into – after all cake is made for eating!

Q// Got any exciting future plans for Milk Street Kitchen?

Yes! This year I’ll be building on the success of my newsletter which is filled with baking inspiration using the best freshly picked seasonal ingredients – suitable for beginners as well as those wanting to expand the repertoire in the kitchen. I’ve also got some exciting collaborations and workshop plans. Keep an eye on my Instagram (@milkstreetkitchen) for details!

Q// And finally, what’s your favourite thing to bake at home?

One of my absolute favourite thing to make are shell shaped madeleines – subtly flavoured with lemon and honey. They are amazing straight from the oven with a really good cup of coffee.

To find out more about Milk Street Kitchen and see more of Ellie’s creations, visit her website milkstreetkitchen.co.uk

We’ll be joining our friends at Gate Street Barn in Bramley, Surrey for their Open Day on Sunday March 1st. This beautiful venue boasting a new orangery and atrium, plus a unique woodland wedding setting is stacked with character.

On March 1st it will be welcoming couples, their family and friends, plus prospective couples looking for a wedding venue, to its Annual Open Day. Kalm Kitchen will be there as we team up with some of the loveliest brands in the wedding business to offer all kinds of wedding inspiration. Lara and Amber will be showcasing one of our imaginative food stations. Plus, you’ll get a chance to sample some of our canapés and signature bowl food creations.

You’re also sure to pick up plenty of ideas from photography to entertainment for your big day. Many other suppliers such as florists, photographers, cake supplier, wedding cars, hair & make-up artists, toastmaster, coaches, garden games, jeweller, hoteliers, a magician & even a first dance teacher will be there.

Chess Disco will be providing the music, while drinks come courtesy of Taurus Wines and Gate Street Evening Bar.

Come and say hello

Do pop along – it’s open to all between 10am – 4.30pm. RSVP to info@gatestreetbarn.com or click HERE. There is no entry fee but the venue does ask you let them know you are coming, the size of your party and at what time you are planning to visit. This is to avoid congestion.

We are looking forward to welcoming new couples who are looking for a caterer for their event or wedding, as well as our happy couples who are already booked in with Kalm Kitchen. Lara and Amber will be delighted to say hello and help in any way.

See you there… Gate Street Barn, Gate Street, Bramley, Surrey GU5 0LR
Sunday 1st March | 10am – 4.30pm