Former Great British Bake Off finalist looks to inspire "confidence and happiness" in children through new baking business

Dave Friday, from Waterlooville, went all the way to the final of the popular Channel 4 baking show in 2020, narrowly missing out on the win. His passion for baking has gone from strength to strength since the competition especially after it became a hobby he shares with his young son Ronnie.

The joy that his son gets from baking inspired Dave to launch a mobile children’s baking party business called Friday Bakes.

Dave said: “We bake together for fun. It’s our time to bond, learn, and enjoy being creative in the kitchen. Seeing how much confidence and happiness it gives Ronnie is what inspired me to start doing the same for other children.”

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The business operates at weekends with Dave hosting the parties personally and helping children build confidence, learn practical skills, and enjoy baking in a relaxed and supportive environment. The business currently operates within a 45-mile radius of Waterlooville, covering Hampshire and parts of neighbouring counties.

It is the next step on Dave’s baking journey which started as a way to relieve stress after long and demanding shifts. He said: “It started as a way to clear my head after tough days but before long, it became something I genuinely loved doing.”

Dave currently works as an armoured guard in North Surrey but has the long-term aim of turning Friday Bakes into a full-time business.

More details can be found at www.fridaybakes.co.uk.