Britain is going crazy for the new Great British Baking Show. Over 10 million viewers tune in every Tuesday night to see amateur bakers compete with sweet treats, and it’s not just millennials. This groundbreaking series has captured the hearts of a nation, bringing together multiple generations who all have one thing in common, a love of baking!
It’s visually stunning.
The show is filmed in a beautiful country house in the historic city of Bath, England. The outdoor scenes are especially stunning - it seems as though spring has arrived permanently for the duration of the series. Bath is a city of history and beauty, so the scenery is a perfect setting for the baking show. The inside of the house is no less visually stunning - from the various dining rooms to the mix of old and new furniture and decor, it’s easy to fall for the charm of this historic setting. Even the signature GBBS bun is visually stunning. That is if you’re lucky enough to see it in person at the Great British Baking Show exhibition in London.
The contestants are wonderful.
The contestants of the Great British Baking Show are not only charming and sweet, but they are also incredibly diverse. From the youngest competitor at just 16 to the oldest at 77, GBBS has attracted a wide array of bakers. The series is a stark contrast to your average cooking show where it’s easy to find yourself in a sea of white faces. One of the most relatable contestants is Briony, a university student who struggles to find a balance between studying and baking. Her baking journey also ends up taking on a more personal note as she works through her feelings about her parent's divorce.
You’ll have your baking vocabulary increased.
You’ll find yourself growing in both your baking skills and your vocabulary thanks to the many episodes of GBBS. The show has had 5 seasons so far, and each season has a unique theme. These themes help guide the contestants and the judges as they select which baked goods will move on in the competition. Each episode also ends with a short ‘did you know’ segment, which is a great way to expand your vocabulary and learn a new baking fact or two. Now you can impress your friends and family with your baking prowess, or at least know exactly what that person in the office means when they start talking about the ‘rising action of their ‘biscuit’.
You’ll learn something new in each episode.
The baking show is not only visually stunning but also educational. Each week, we see the contestants tackle a different baking challenge that brings a new skill to the table. This season alone has seen challenges like ‘Bread Week’, where bakers were tasked with creating their best loaf. The theme for ‘Cake Week’ was ‘Autumn’ and required bakers to create a ‘decorated iced fruitcake’. When it comes to ‘Pudding Week’, bakers were challenged to create their best ‘steamed puddings’. So, whether you want to try your hand at baking bread, steamed puddings, or even your sourdough, you can expect to learn something new each episode.
There are no bad eggs - everyone is a winner.
Unlike other competitive cooking and baking shows, there are no bad eggs in the GBBS competition. You’ll find yourself rooting for all of the contestants as they try their hardest each week to wow the judges with their baked goods. Each contestant is paired up with another competitor who is their ‘bake buddy’ for the week. This pairing helps with the different challenges, as well as the testing times. What’s great is that even if your buddy wins the challenge, there are no bad eggs in the Great British Baking Show! Everyone is a winner, and all contestants move on to the next round.
So, what will you make first?
There’s no denying that the Great British Baking Show is a genuinely addictive show. What’s great is that you can get involved in the action from the comfort of your own home. If you’re feeling inspired, try your hand at making one of these tasty treats inspired by the GBBS contestants.
- Ginger Crumble Muffins: These crumbly muffins are moist and packed with flavor thanks to the generous amount of fresh ginger.
- Apricot and Pistachio Scones: These scones are easy to make, and even easier to eat! They’re a great way to start any baking day, and you can experiment with the fillings.
- Blueberry and Lemon Loaf: Make this fruity loaf and you’ll be the star of the show, every show.
- Lemon and Ricotta Cake: When it comes to lemon desserts, this one is a winner every time.
- Apple and Rosemary Scones: This twist on a classic is perfect for a relaxing morning.
- We’re sure you’ll grow to love the Great British Baking Show as much as the rest of the nation. It’s a show that’s perfect for all ages and skill levels, and it’s easy to fall in love with.