Peckham-based father and son team, Paul and Mike Williams, have emerged victorious in Aldi’s Next Big Thing series 2, securing the top spot in the baking category. Their brand, Flake Bake, offers a unique take on traditional Jamaican patties, featuring a variety of flavors such as chicken, lamb, saltfish, and vegetables – a contemporary twist on the classic British Cornish pasty.
Selected from a pool of numerous applicants, Paul, aged 54, and Mike, aged 33, impressed Aldi executives with their signature dish, the Flake Bake Beef patty. The duo has now secured a contract to supply Aldi stores nationwide, with their products available for purchase at just 99p.
Aldi’s decision to partner with Flake Bake was influenced by the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, evident in their collaborations with local charity Leaders of Tomorrow UK and schools in the area. Noteworthy is Flake Bake’s role in training and mentoring talent, exemplified by their support of BBC Young Master Chef contestant Jaheel John, now a successful assistant manager at a prominent British restaurant at only 19 years old.
According to Mike Williams, co-owner of Flake Bake, the success of their business can be attributed to their dedicated team, many of whom have been crafting patties for decades. Paul Williams, also a co-owner, expressed his pride in his son’s contribution to their achievement, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Fans of Aldi’s Next Big Thing can catch the series on Channel 4 every Tuesday at 8pm until 7th May. Visit an Aldi store today to experience the award-winning Flake Bake patties firsthand.