Cake lovers can indulge their passion in exclusive settings by joining a new private members’ club.

Launched by experimental baker Lily Vanilli, 180 – named after the temperature at which cakes bake – is a cake and cocktails club, which aims to give members fun and glamour.

The British Baker columnist reported that she had already had more than 2,000 applications for membership. “I really like the idea of pairing cakes with cocktails, especially as lots of the cakes we make use alcohol,” said Vanilli.

“There will be ad hoc events about once a month, where we can do cabaret or theatre. I think this is a really different idea and we’ve had a massive response.”

Cakes at the launch night included Courvoisier carrot cake, Red Velvet & Cherry mini layer cakes and Vanilla & Pomegranate Cakes.

Another exclusive group is the Clandestine Cake Club, set up late last year around Leeds; members bake cakes at home under a theme, such as Crimson Crime Cakes, and take them to a secret location where they get to talk about baking.