Lily Vanilli is one of a new generation of young entrepreneurs putting the icing on the cake of British baking. Read more from Lily in her hugely successful book Sweet Tooth: Run-Riot guest editor Gizzi Erskine had nothing but praise for it, saying: ''Lily's cakes and pastries are inspired – they look beautiful and taste extraordinary. Sweet Tooth is the only baking book you will ever need".

We managed to tear Lily away from the oven long enough to answer a few of our burning questions.

RR: What was the first thing you learnt to bake and who taught you?

LV: It was a Victoria Sponge with my Grandma - classic, simple & British

RR: There's been a huge resurgence in the popularity of baking, with shows like The Great British Bake-off captivating the nation- why do you think this is?

LV: I think there's a resurgence of interest in crafts and trade skills in general. Perhaps its a bi-product of the recession, people are enjoying making things for themselves again. RR: What's your favourite thing to bake?

LV: I really like my winter carrot cake, its spicy & brandy laced, boiled like a fruit cake with beets and parsnips as well and it brings back fond memories.  

RR: Is there a fool proof recipe you'd recommend for novice bakers- something that's hard to screw up?

LV: Try starting with a simple sponge, its very satisfying and rewarding to get things right, and might encourage you to try more adventurous things.

RR: What ingredients and equipment do you swear by?

LV: A plastic/metal scraper is my favourite tool - its like a baking app for your hand. Maldon sea salt is a great addition to most recipes, sweet or savoury.

RR: What's the most popular food at the Lily Vanilli bakery? And what's your own favourite biscuit? And cake?

LV: Our bakewells are a favourite in the bakery, and for me too.

See Lily's bleeding heart cake at 1:15

RR: You've made some beautiful and extraordinary creations, like a Game of Thrones inspired edible heart. What's the most interesting commission you've ever created? Is there anything crazy you'd still like to create that you haven't had the opportunity to make yet?

LV: I always like whatever's next the best - something new, a challenge. I rarely ever make the same cake twice.

RR: What's your favourite foodie film?

LV: Delicatessen, or The cook, the thief, his wife and her lover.

RR: What would you want to eat as your last meal on death row?!

LV: I'd probably have salty chips. Chips are the best.

Feeling inspired? Head to www.bakeclub.co.uk where inspiring cooks including Lily Vanilli, Tim Anderson and Edd Kimber are challenging you to get in the kitchen to win exclusive prizes. Tweet us @runriot and tag your photo with #bakeclub to join in! You can also read more from Lily on her blog.

The Lily Vanilli Bakery is now open every Sunday 8:30am - 4pm at 6 The Courtyard, Ezra St. London E2 7RG