cuz it’s a circus?
It’s because he want to give the feel of a English country fete.
If I ever see an English country fate I will have to take a picture and capture its unique never before seen authenticity.
Looks a bit like this.
The “English Country fete” is a very specific thing. It evokes ideas of Rural Middle England from the 30s or 50s (not the 40s obviously). One of the things that English Country Fetes are known for are the Cake Competitions where people compete for the best cake, which is what GBBO tries to emulate.
I’m Scottish, so I have never experienced the English Country Fete, closest thing I have experienced is the Fair my local area holds. Usually that includes things like Local Charities, the area’s churches (and mosque one year), stalls, Activist groups (Usually Friends of the Earth, the city’s Cyclist groups, Greenpeace sometimes), Political Parties, The Zoo (it’s literally held a Kilometer away from the Zoo), The Community’s Heritage Group, Local Amateur sports teams, The Boys Brigade and the Scouts, alongside the Army (sometimes) and a collection of bouncy castles and the Local Bar doing the Beer tent.
Anyway, there’s also often a stage with people like the local battle Historical reenactment group doing demos of Jacobite war stuff or gymnasts, alongside BBQs run by local sports teams to raise money so you can get fed while you’re there.
In short, good vibes usually, but certainly a “vintage village green” vibe that is very particular to a very particular part of England.
I have a conspiracy theory: Some of the spin offs or reshootings are done in the same tent, but in a studio with green screens behind the windows. This is to ensure the appearance of consistent weather, even when it’s done over more days or with several hours in between.
The more I think about this, the less conspiracy theory it seems 🤣
The plot thickens, like a well-set English trifle.
Might have an answer, as a fan of the show:
In the first season they toured around a bit instead of setting up shop in the backyard of a mansion. It was a neat idea. I wager the initial intention was to celebrate the locations many of the bakes came from as well as the food itself. Mel & Sue would wander around the town interviewing bakers and talking about the history of whatever the bakers were making.
But I imagine the logistics of moving a giant tent every episode with a dozen mini-kitchens in it wasn’t worth the hassle. Season 2 was the first time they set up behind a mansion.
I think they stuck with it because it’s relatively easy to rent some space in a field somewhere scenic and set up shop. Different locations keeps things fresh, and the gentle “nature” aesthetic matches the vibe of the show (imo).
The fun thing is that, at least in the Dutch spin-off, it’s also set in a tent, which is stationary.
So somehow the tent got baked into the format, whilst it’s original use was discarded.
baked into the format
;-)
I’m not sure at what point it happened, but the big white tent quickly became an icon for the series, too. Pretty early on the bakers talk about being in awe of “the actual tent”. At this point we must ask ourselves - is it truly baking if you’re not in a tent?
Also, tangentially related - I’m a fan of having the weather play a part. No, normally you wouldn’t be baking in a thunderstorm at 40°C @ 200% humidity, buuuuuut the drama makes for some good watchin’. Yep, they’d have an easier time in a dedicated indoor space. That’s boring. Show me how an opera cake handles a summer day.
I believe everyone but New Zealand is in a tent.
As a brit, I imagine it is to conjure up the idea of the village fair. Where often times you’ll have cake and vegetable judging taking place in tents about the place.
I think there is some law about making delectable food indoors in the UK, that’s why most food is bland there.
At least the baked beans are probably bomb
They’re cold.
And from a can.
They were put there by a man downtown
If I had my little way, I’d eat beanies nevery day. Not for breakfast. Not like that. Pls no :(
“Brits have bland food” is such a tired trope.
It’s the same level of ignorance as “US food is just fast food”.
Ignorance is on brand for Americans.
As well as the fast food
It’s cheaper than aircon, do you know how hot a room gets when they turn on 32 ovens?
Not to mention, indoors you have to worry about building code issues. Ansel systems, air exhaust, air makeup, etc. In a temporary structure none of those codes apply. The last thing you want to do is publicly televise breaking the law.
That is really a good point
Didn’t even think about all that heat. I bet fire safety is a significant factor too.
At the sea parks?
It just seem like a weird place to go on fire
Explains why everything is so claggy. Also what the hell does claggy mean
Extremely valid point.
Good call, I was thinking perhaps humidity.
I’m fine with the tents, but it annoys me that they’re always making puddings, and never baked potatoes or baked beans etc.
Or baking soda into a solution of water and cocaine hydrochloride to make smokable freebase cocaine, also known as ‘crack’
Jotting this recipe down, thanks!
Say what ever you want, it’s way way way better than the stupid cake shows on food network. I love the UK celebrities they bring and the theme every time.
How else is that one raspberry missing from the cake.
That raspberry is why I skip the credits.
It doesn’t seem like a fair show and Paul gives off rapey vibes.
They make the whitest desserts on that show. They’re all white, gloopy, creamy, mushy, wet, gross desserts.
It’s like they’ve never heard of chocolate, caramel or anything that’s not pale.
Sounds like you only ever watched one segment of one episode.
There’s an entire chocolate episode literally every season? And they’ve done caramel weeks several times too.
You are what you eat.
Kevin Crayon reporting for duty.
Call me Commodore Tacos
Reduced-To-Clear reporting in
General Lee Shit, at your service.
I’m sorry people are so angry about this. I upvoted your passion, for whatever it’s worth.
I think it’s just clearly someone that has never actually watched the show 😅
I did not think I said anything terribly controversial but the response is deeply entertaining. Clearly have touched a nerve.
