Master bakers dinner

Kingston and District Master Bakers is hosting its annual dinner and dance on Saturday 19 February. It will take place at the Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge, Surrey, and will begin with a drinks reception, followed by a four-course meal, cabaret and dancing. Tickets cost £57.50. For details, contact treasurer Jackie Harrington on 01372 373435.

Greenhalgh’s contest

Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery has launched a competition to design a cake that represents Widnes, to mark the opening of its first store in the town. The winning entry will be turned into a real cake, which will be sliced up and sold, with all proceeds going to the British Heart Foundation.

Legal battle

The owners of two London bakeries are engaged in a legal row, according to the Evening Standard. David Krantz (Artisan Bakery, Park Royal) claims Doron Zilkha, (Bread Boutique, off the King’s Road) owes him £200,000 in unpaid loans. But Krantz told the Standard the loans were personal and not related to the business.

Bakery closure

A Widnes bakery was closed after environmental health officers found dirty equipment and mould on surfaces. David Pearse, who runs Knead the Dough on Marshgate, admitted four food hygiene offences and was fined £3,315 by Runcorn magistrates. The premises was allowed to re-open after being thoroughly cleaned.

Green accolade

Bath-based artisan bakery The Thoughtful Bread Company received the Green Business of the Year accolade at the Startups Awards 2010, held at Kensington Roof Gardens in London, earlier this month.