With romance in the air ahead of Valentine’s Day on 14 February, British Baker takes a look a five bakeries producing sumptuous little treats for the event.

Hummingbird Bakery – London

Who - Sweet treat palace Hummingbird bakery runs six shops in London selling American-inspired treats from cupcakes to Mississippi mud pie.

How feeling the love - Apart from producing a range of heart-shaped cakes, Hummingbird Bakery is producing heart-shaped versions of its Red Velvet Whoopie Pies – a red velvet sponged split with a layer of cream cheese filling.

https://hummingbirdbakery.com/

Bagelman – Brighton

Who - Bagelman is a sandwich retailer dedicating itself to the humble bagel. Running five shops in Brighton and Hove, it is now in its 20th year of trading.

How feeling the love – For those not so keen on the parade of sweet treats on offer, Bagelman are offering heart-shaped Love Heart Bagels to give lunch a romantic touch . It is also giving away cheesy pairs of the special bagels to winners of a competition asking entrants to share their cheesiest chat up lines.

http://bagelman.co.uk/

Belle Époque – London

Who - Belle Époque was founded in 2002 by husband and wife Eric and Hulya Rousseau and sells an extensive range of classic French patisserie across three London locations.

How feeling the love – The patisserie has produced a limited edition dessert to share; a strawberry compote topped with vanilla mousse and crunchy streusel, served with three Champagne truffles rolled in gold.

http://belleepoque.co.uk/

Gail’s Artisan Bakery – London

Who – Gail’s Artisan Bakery produces a range of artisan breads and pastries and sells from shops across London. It’s specialism is its bread, selling everything from French dark sourdough to German rye loaves.

How feeling the love – Amongst a range of special bakes for Valentines, Gail’s has produced the above Cupid’s vanilla cupcakes. The vanilla cupcakes are topped with white chocolate icing and decorated with pink icing sugar and tiny, spicy speculoos hearts.

http://gailsbread.co.uk/

Paul UK – National

Who – Paul UK is a French artisan bakery offering a range of freshly baked breads, patisserie, viennoiserie, gourmet salads and sandwiches.

How feeling the love – for something a little different, Paul UK is offering a Coeur Pavlova aux Fraise, or strawberry pavlova heart. A crispy and chewy meringue base is topped with tropezienne (mascarpone & pastry cream) and fresh strawberries.

http://www.paul-uk.com/