Edinburgh food blogger student Sophie is crowned Scotland's top home baker

An Edinburgh food blogger crowned Scotland’s finest home baker will have her culinary creation added to a signature afternoon tea menu.

Sophie Greig scoops top home baker title

Student, Sophie Greig was named by The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery as its champion home baker following its nationwide search earlier this year.

It comes after Edinburgh contestant Peter Sawkins triumphed as winner of this year’s Great British Bake Off.

In time for the show’s finale, amateur bakers from John o' Groats to Jedburgh were slipping on their aprons and showing off their culinary creations for a chance to be featured on Gallery’s Scottish Cafe’s iconic afternoon tea menu.

Sophie Greig's creation wins top spot for The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery

Foodie Sophie, who lives in Marchmont, won with a recipe that is a family favourite.

From classic cream cakes to indulgent gateaus and classic cupcakes, The Scottish Cafe received an overwhelming variety of entries from the country’s most talented home cooks, including mums, dads, grandparents and children of all ages. Entries were also encouraged from schools, colleges and families.

Edinburgh University student Sophie, who says she’s a “Food obsessed amateur cook and baker”, came out on top as this year’s ‘Contini Bake Off’ champion, having impressed the judges with her classic Caramel Apple Paris Brest recipe.

Sophie shares her recipes, reviews and food inspiration on her Instagram channel, ‘Sophie’s Slice’ which has over 1,300 followers. Recent creations include Toffee Apple Stuffed Chai Spiced cookies and homemade rose flavoured Turkish delight.

Head ‘Contini Bake Off’ judge and Scottish Cafe owner, Carina Contini, was joined by the venue’s specialist pastry chefs to select the overall star baker. They were on the lookout for technical ability, creative flair, originality and use of local ingredients. But ultimately they hoped to spot a delicious and eye-catching addition to the signature afternoon tea menu. The Scottish Cafe has been home to one of the finest afternoon teas in Scotland for over a decade.

Commenting on being crowned winner of the ‘Contini Bake Off’ 2020, Sophie said: “I entered the competition with my bake because it’s a favourite of my family. I’m thrilled and shocked to have won.”

Carina Contini added: “We’re absolutely delighted that Sophie has become the winner of this year’s Contini Bake Off competition.

“With the home baking trend continuing to grip the nation, we wanted to encourage talented amateur cooks of all ages to put their culinary skills in the limelight. Sophie really did rise to the challenge and dazzled us with her creative flair.

“As the home of one of Edinburgh’s finest afternoon teas at the Scottish National Gallery, The Scottish Cafe is the perfect setting to celebrate this iconic British dining tradition, as well as people’s passion for beautifully presented and mouthwateringly delicious food.

“We look forward to launching our third annual search for Scotland’s best home baker in 2021.”

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is an independent, family business owned and operated by Edinburgh restaurateurs, Victor and Carina Contini. It is is multi award-winning and has been commended for its strong commitment to sourcing Scottish, local, sustainably produced food and drink, as well as a proactive waste-reduction strategy and training initiatives that encourage employees to put sustainability options in place.

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