A FORMER MasterChef winner's book on baking has been given the title of Best Baking Book of

2018 by a supermarket giant.

Mat Follas, who runs the Bramble Café & Deli in Poundbury, Dorchester, was given the honour by Waitrose Weekend magazine for Afternoon Tea at Bramble Cafe, which was published in the spring.

Experts writing for the food and drink publication said: "Afternoon Tea at Bramble Cafe showcases the cakes, biscuits and buns served by former MasterChef winner, Mat Follas, in his

Dorset café.

"The book’s twin strengths are its approachability and its breadth, encompassing everything from brownies and shortbread to macarons and eclairs. This makes it ideal for novices and also possibly

the only baking book you’ll need - at least until you reach the standard required for that other well-known TV cookery competition.’

Mat Follas said that he was delighted with the accolade: “I’m really pleased for our book to be recognised in this way, all the recipes are tried and tested, many used hundreds of times at Bramble Café in Poundbury. Thank you Waitrose.”

Mat's baking book was named a top title alongside best Middle-Eastern book honey & Co at Home, best meat-free book Root & Leaf by Rich Harris, best seafood book The Hidden Hut by Simon Stallard and best ingredient-led book Five Seasons of Jam by Lillie O'Brien.

*Afternoon Tea at Bramble Cafe is available at amazon.co.uk/Afternoon-Tea-at-Bramble-Cafe

The Bramble Café, 17 Buttermarket, Poundbury, Dorset DT1 3AZ. See bramblecafe.com for more information.