Police officer launches new biscuit baking business.
A new artisan food stall is set to bring a splash of vivid colour to Lavenham and Bury St Edmunds farmers’ markets this winter.
Bury St Biscuits is the fledging business of police officer Peta Wilson who, having been inspired by Instagram bakers Stateside, decided to launch her own company during a career break as she raises her two young children.
From dazzlingly bright flamingos and crabs, to hearts, letters and dinosaurs, Peta’s biscuits are an homage to kitsch, and have already been putting smiles on the faces of her friends, family and customers.
“I grew up in a foodie house,” Peta says. “My mum had her own catering business and over the years I had to work for her in the holidays. So cooking has always been in my life.”
With a two-year-old and four-year-old to look after, and her husband travelling a lot with the military, setting up her own business was a natural step, the baker adds, saying she was totally inspired by the gorgeous photography splashed across the web by biscuiteers such as Jana Lees.
“I hadn’t seen anything like what she does before and I thought it looked really fun, creative and interesting – so why not give it a go? I taught myself by watching these various tutorials online and gave my biscuits away to friends for birthdays and it took off from there.”
Peta’s most popular flavour is vanilla, but her range includes chocolate, lemon, orange, ginger and almond, all made in small batches and carefully hand decorated.
“They’re all completely bespoke. I’ve made peacocks, a dressing gown for a friend’s 40th, and I’ve just been asked to make a little box for someone who wants her friend to be a bridesmaid. Inside the biscuits say ‘will you be my bridesmaid?’.
“It’s all about what people want. If I can get the cutter, I’ll do it.”
For the markets Peta rejoices at being able to flex her creative flair. Expect to find pineapples, Valentine’s Day hearts, crabs, farm animals, dogs and more.
You’ll find Bury St Biscuits at Lavenham Farmers’ Market on January 28 from 10am to 1.30pm in Lavenham Village Hall, and at Bury St Edmunds Farmers’ Market, which returns to The Traverse on February 11 from 10am to 4pm.
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