From the icy temperatures of Reykjavik to the sunny shores of Cape Town, British baker Paul Hollywood has set off on another journey around the world to learn, taste, explore and bake in some of the most iconic baking cities around the world. And now he will be sharing those travels with us in the second season of Paul Hollywood City Bakes, airing on The Food Network in May this year.

By Jana du Plessis

Paul’s career started with his dad persuading him to join the family baking business instead of a career in sculpting, in which he was trained. He worked up the ranks until he became head baker at some of UK’s top hotels such as the Cliveden, The Chester Grosvenor and The Dorchester. With this experience under his belt, Paul went on to publish six baking and dessert cookbooks as well as contributing to several noted publications such as The Telegraph and the BBC Good Food Magazine, amongst others. His accolades don’t stop there. He’s been a judge on the The Great British Bake Off for seven season, plus he joined the judging panel for Junior Bake Off. 2016 saw his first attempt at baking in various locations on different continents and 2017 marks the year he visits Cape Town for more insight into the delectable treats our country has to offer.

On his visit to the Mother City, Paul will encounter all our home-grown, nostalgic baked goods. Think milk tart, koeksisters, koesisters, the braai pie, Banting bread and vetkoek. He’ll visit some of the must-see bakeries and eateries around town to sample everything from doughssants to a local street braai at places including Jason Bakery, Charly’s Bakery, Vovo Telo, Khayelitsha, The Kitchen and more.

If you are as excited as we are to see South Africa shining in its golden-baked glory, stay tuned to The Food Network (channel 175) from May to catch Paul Hollywood City Bakes as the show travels to ten different culinary cities.