Fit for a Prince
Lynne Jury transforms fondant and flour into trendsetting tiered triumphs. Owning a tea shop was her childhood dream, inspired by the teas she shared with her grandmother in England. Cooking and baking since the age of nine, Lynne owned a restaurant in London before moving to France and offering a private supper club in her home when she was fostering 15 special needs kids. Wanting to disprove the French assumption that Brits could not cook, she asked her friends to bring two acquaintances to her home for dinner, and those diners brought two more. Lynne eventually cooked for the Prince of Monaco’s bodyguard who informed her that the prince himself desired an invitation.
Unfortunately for Prince Albert, Lynne’s work permit for Canada arrived prior to obtaining the prince’s security clearance, so he would have to only dream of Lynne’s sweet and savoury specialties.
With her pedigree, Lynne founded the Canadian Cake Decorators Guild and opened Let Them Eat Cakes in 2010, a charming teashop that provides an oasis from the world outside with its fanciful model cakes and Victorian tea parties. “What we do focuses on the happy time in people’s lives. The teashop is an extension of that escape from reality,” Lynne says.
“What we do focuses on the happy time in people’s lives. The teashop is an extension of that escape from reality.”- Lynne Jury, owner
20th Century-England Meets France
“Our look is unique. It’s a very girly environment, a step back in time,” says Lynne as she describes her teashop’s Edwardian-inspired décor details from the fresh and floral interior, to the curves of the teashop’s mouldings. Patrons appreciate the leisurely atmosphere as they enjoy the tiered trays of scones, sweets and sandwiches that have a flavour of French patisserie. With 37 different teas to try, Lynne even offers customers vintage cups to sip from upon request.
Even the building, which dates to 1854, contributes to the hospitable environment with architectural features that inspire the detailing work on the wedding cakes Lynne crafts. With bows, pearls, lace, sugar and fabric, Lynne constructs breathtaking baked memories for brides and grooms. In fact, the top tiers of Lynne’s own wedding cake rest on a shelf up high to be admired.
The warmth and serenity of the shop is an extension of Lynne’s generosity. Not only does she give away cake cuts to anybody who walks in on Fridays, but she also donates unsold cupcakes, brownies, cookies, shortbreads and scones to retirement homes.
Where Creativity Meets Cake and More
Lynne’s artistry is also seen in her other creative venture, Lulu’s Collection, found in the shop’s basement where she sells clothes that she designs and makes herself. Having always been imaginative since the age of six, both her clothing and cake designs serve as outlets for her creativity. But it is cake that is her ultimate passion. “I love the teashop. I love hospitality,” Lynne says.
While Lynne humbly eschews any recognition that she has received for Bride’s Choice every year since 2008, or being featured in Wedding Bells or Style Me Pretty, Lynne values the process of creativity and producing quality product. Her consistency to excellence has even seen a recommendation from Cake Boss’s Buddy Valastro to supply cupcakes on his behalf after he tasted her delicious creations.
With the hands and eye of an artist and the palate of a chef, Lynne is transforming afternoon tea into a destination worth donning gloves and hats for.
