The Blue Door Coffee Shop and Diner shortlisted for a prestigious Scottish Home Baking Award

15th August 2013

The Blue Door Coffee Shop and Diner, based in Thurso, Caithness, is a finalist in the Scottish Home Baking Awards that will be staged at the 5* Mar Hall near Glasgow on Saturday 21st September.

The Blue Door Coffee Shop and Diner will join thirty-three bakers and establishments that have been shortlisted in eight separate categories that celebrate the best of the best home baking in Scotland. Nominated in the category “Best Customer Service”, the coffee shop will compete against five other finalists for the prestigious trophy.

The Scottish Home Baking Awards (SHBA), launched in 2010 by successful Helensburgh business woman Melanie Andrews, is Scotland’s only award scheme for the finest home baking in Scotland. It rewards the most talented home bakers and establishments in Scotland where no such prize currently exists, using nominations made by members of the public and assessments made by a number of independent professionals. They will only be presented with an award if they pass a number of strict guidelines including produce must be made on the premises or sourced from a domestic oven - not commercially made or supplied.

Kimberly, at The Blue Door Coffee Shop and Diner said: “In terms of what it means to me, it encouraged me to keep on...you bake it and you’re selling it, but to have recognition like that is inspiring and flattering. A nice kudos to receive – we’re not competing in the Bake Off or anything like that, so it’s recognising the little fish in the big pond.”
Also, on a national scale it drives a little bit of tourism to the area – we can say “hey, we’re up here!”

The not for profit scheme not only recognises the outstanding home baking that exists in Scotland and acts as a fantastic online guide to tourists, but also alerts local people to the very best establishments that are producing top class home baking.

The Scottish Home Baking Awards Ceremony in September will be hosted by Michelle McManus, a television presenter and singer-songwriter, with confirmed attendance from two of the judges Mark Greenaway, the only Scottish chef to be awarded 3 AA Rosettes for outstanding cuisine, and Lady Claire MacDonald, an award-winning cook and patron of Scottish Food Fortnight.

The event will open with a pre-lunch drink and performance from acclaimed singer songwriter Anna MacDonald at 1.45pm, followed by the prestigious awards ceremony and accompanying afternoon tea between 2pm and 4pm. The SHBA 2013 awards ceremony will continue to provide a growing platform for the excellent quality of home baking in Scotland and in doing so progress toward cementing the country as a credible contender in the industry.

For more information on the Scottish Home Baking Awards please go to - http://www.scottishhomebakingawards.co.uk/