Royal baker Claire Ptak fights to save Violet Cakes from closure under financial strain

Claire Ptak, the pastry chef behind Violet Cakes in Dalston, East London, is fighting to save her bakery from closure. Rising business rates under the Labour Government have pushed the beloved shop into financial trouble. Now, she is turning to the public for help to keep her business running and protect 20 jobs.

Ptak first gained widespread attention in 2018 when she was chosen to bake the wedding cake for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple selected her after Meghan interviewed Ptak for her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig. The cake, featuring elderflower and lemon, took five days to prepare and used ingredients sourced from the Royal Family's Sandringham estate.

Her connection to the royals continued in 2022 when she was commissioned to make the first birthday cake for Harry and Meghan's daughter, Lilibet. Despite this high-profile work, Ptak's bakery now faces an uncertain future due to soaring costs. With no other financial backers identified, Ptak is considering crowd-funding as a last resort. She has urged customers and supporters to rally behind Violet Cakes, her business she built after training as a pastry chef in California. Over the years, she has also authored six recipe books, further establishing her reputation in the baking world.

The bakery's survival now depends on public support, as Ptak seeks to cover the increased expenses. If successful, the campaign will secure the future of Violet Cakes and its 20 employees. The outcome will determine whether the shop, known for its royal connections and artisanal treats, can remain open.