Anyone who has seen and tasted even the smallest example of Samantha (‘Sam’) Harrison’s Cloudberry Bakery products will know that this is something out of the ordinary.
This family-run bakery’s specialities include an impressive array of cupcakes, beautifully precise continental macarons, award winning Guinness Brownies (Gold at Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards 2012), cake pops, tarts and their popular Red Velvet cake, all of which go down a treat at events and markets in the region.
But it is their exquisite wedding cakes that demonstrate the Cloudberry talents at their best - aside from the quality of the baking, which is a given as with all of their products, the design standard and attention to detail is outstanding. (John, “At Your Service” Brennan says that Cloudberry is the only bakery he recommends to brides preparing for weddings at his beautiful venue, Dromquinna Manor near Kenmare).
The designs are wide ranging in their inspiration, with some such as their ivory ruffle cake elegantly simple yet beautifully finished and others - some with beautiful hand painted flowers for example - very detailed.
Afternoon tea and dessert table displays are also a speciality and many of the smaller items are also offered as wedding favours. Another outstanding aspect of the business is the presentation and packing, which is really lovely and lends a sense of occasion to the smallest purchase.
Seasonal baking features too, of course and - emphasising the quality of their their ingredients - the Luxury Christmas Pudding was singled out for a two-star Gold at the Great Taste Awards in 2012, which is quite an achievement.
