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Lily Jones
Owner, Lily Vanilli Bakery. Recipe Developer & Consultant
Lily Vanilli, whose real name is Lily Jones, is a prominent artisan baker and the owner of the Lily Vanilli Bakery, located in East London. She is celebrated for her innovative cake designs and has established herself as a leading figure in the baking industry since she began her career in 2008. Initially starting out by selling cakes at a market stall near Brick Lane, she opened her first bakery on Columbia Road in 2010 and later expanded to a second location in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2018.123
Career Highlights
- Bestselling Author: Lily has authored three successful recipe books: Sweet Tooth, A Zombie Ate My Cupcake, and #BakeForSyria, with the latter achieving number one on Amazon. The proceeds from this book support children affected by the Syrian conflict.12
- High-Profile Clients: Her bespoke cakes have been commissioned by notable figures and organizations, including Elton John, Lady Gaga, and even 10 Downing Street.23
- Awards and Recognition: She is a co-founder of the YBF Awards (Young British Foodies), which celebrates talent in the food industry. Her work has garnered accolades from various media outlets, dubbing her "the Queen of baked goods" and one of the most sought-after bakers of her generation.23
Personal Background
Lily's passion for baking was ignited during her childhood while baking with her Irish grandmother. This early influence shaped her approach to baking, emphasizing quality and simplicity.34 She has described baking as therapeutic, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic when she continued to operate her bakery despite staff furloughs.14
Current Endeavors
Today, Lily Vanilli continues to innovate within the culinary space, offering bespoke cakes and participating in various culinary projects. Her bakery remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking unique baked goods.25


