GERASTAN BAKEHOUSE
ABOUT
The Full Story
​I didn’t begin my career in a bakery. I started out working in design.
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With a degree in Interior Design and Decoration, alongside several years spent as an interior designer for Laura Ashley, I learned to obsess (in the best possible way) over detail, balance, texture, and timeless beauty. I understood how materials behave, how structure supports elegance, and how something can appear effortless while being meticulously constructed beneath the surface.
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It turns out cake is not so different.
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Baking has always been my quiet constant, a creative outlet I enjoyed long before it became my business. I made birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and “just because” cakes. Somewhere between buttercream and encouragement from friends and family, I realised this was not simply a hobby.
It was home.
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Gerastan Bakehouse was born from that realisation, and from love. The name is a tribute to my late Grandad, Gerald Stanley, who adored pastries and sweet treats, and believed wholeheartedly in following your own path. His kindness, humility and quiet determination shape the spirit of this business every day.
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This bakehouse carries his name and his guiding values.
What Makes My Cakes Different?
Every cake I create is designed with intention. Balance, texture and finish are considered from the very beginning, not added as an afterthought. The result is work that feels refined, cohesive and beautifully executed.
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I specialise in bespoke wedding cakes and luxury celebration cakes that are tailored to the individual. Nothing is off the shelf. Each design is carefully curated to suit the setting, the mood and the scale of your event.​
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​I specialise in coeliac-safe and allergy-conscious baking, combining personal understanding with rigorous professional kitchen standards. I create gluten free and allergy-aware cakes without compromising on flavour or structure.
Precision and care are central to my kitchen at every stage.​​​
Why Clients and Brides Trust Me
Choosing a wedding cake designer is about trust as much as style. When you commission a wedding or milestone cake, you are placing an important detail of your day into someone else’s hands.
Clients across Poole and Dorset value a calm, considered, and professional experience from initial consultation through to delivery and set up. I prioritise clear communication, thoughtful planning and meticulous execution so that every bespoke bake arrives exactly as envisioned.
From elegant tiered wedding cakes to refined celebration designs, each piece is crafted with care, joy, and genuine pride.
Beyond design, there is reassurance in knowing your cake is created to the highest hygiene standards and fully insured for both public and product liability.
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The aim is simple. A seamless experience and a cake that feels entirely yours.
The Important Stuff
Allergens & Dietary Requirements
At Gerastan Bakehouse, your safety is just as important as the final design and flavour of your cake.
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I take allergens and dietary requirements extremely seriously, giving you complete confidence and peace of mind when ordering.
I am proud to have achieved a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating from BCP Council, with approval to cater for customers with food allergies from my registered domestic kitchen.
Specialist in Gluten Free & Coeliac-Friendly Baking
As someone who is coeliac myself, I have a personal understanding of how important it is to trust the food you’re eating. I specialise in gluten free and coeliac-friendly cakes and treats, created with the same level of care, creativity and quality as all of my bakes.
Catering for a Range of Allergies
In addition to gluten free, I can cater for a variety of dietary requirements, including:
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• Milk & dairy
• Soya
• Nut allergies
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All allergen requirements are discussed in detail during the enquiry process to ensure your order is suitable for your needs.
Food Standards & Allergen Compliance
In line with guidance from the Food Standards Agency, I am fully aware of and manage all 14 major allergens that must legally be declared in food products:
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• Celery
• Cereals containing gluten
• Crustaceans
• Eggs
• Fish
• Lupin
• Milk
• Molluscs
• Mustard
• Peanuts
• Sesame
• Soya
• Sulphur dioxide (sulphites)
• Tree nuts
Clear allergen information is available for every product, and all ingredients are carefully checked and documented.
​​Dedicated Equipment & Safe Practices
To minimise the risk of cross-contamination, I have implemented strict processes within my kitchen, including:
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• Separate utensils, equipment and cake tins for “free-from” baking
• Dedicated ingredient storage cupboards
• Thorough cleaning and sanitising procedures between bakes
• Careful scheduling of allergen-specific orders
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While I take every possible precaution, my kitchen does handle all allergens, and therefore I cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. However, all reasonable steps are taken to reduce risk as much as possible.
Qualifications & Commitment
I hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety for Catering qualification and an Advanced Food Allergen Awareness qualification, ensuring I am fully trained in best practices for allergen management.
Your Responsibility
If you or your guests have allergies or intolerances, it is essential that you inform me at the time of enquiry. This allows me to advise appropriately and ensure your order is prepared with the correct precautions.
Peace of Mind
Ordering a cake should feel exciting — not stressful. My aim is to make the process seamless, safe and enjoyable, so you can focus on celebrating, knowing your cake has been prepared with the utmost care and attention.
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I am fully insured for public and product liability up to £1 million
Craving Something Sweet?
Tell us all about your celebration and let’s start designing something delicious together.