June 2023 Trader of the Month: Eagle Eats Bakery

We sat down and had a chat with Duncan from Eagle Eats - June's Trader of the Month - to find out all about his career change, his foray into baking and how he has quickly developed a nugget of an idea into a successful business venture. Keep reading to find out more!

We’d love to know more about your business, tell us how it all began with Eagle Eats Bakery.

Eagle Eats Bakery started in the lockdown. Up until the global pandemic I earned my living as a musician. Most of my income was through live performance and that all completely stopped. It soon became clear we were in for the long haul and I realised I needed to do something for my own sanity as well as my financial stability. I had the idea to start a market stall as I was living close to Epsom market at the time. I bought a few books on baking and started the journey!

What do you love about Catford Food Market? Why do you trade with us?

I lived for many years in one of the flats that over looks the market. I love Catford as a place to live and the market has a great setting along the river. The market is run so efficiently and the marketing / social media presence of the market is very strong. I’ve noticed steady growth in my instagram since trading with Catford food market. The team creates a fun and friendly atmosphere on every market and the market days are always super busy with a huge variety of high quality produce. 

 

What other markets do you trade at? When and where can people find you?

Your menu always seems to be changing, what inspires you?

I love using good quality ingredients, this is key to tasty products. I always try to take advantage of what’s in season and plan the offerings accordingly. As we move into hot weather it means less chocolate and cream and more fruit. Summer berries are much easier to get hold of now so I’m doing more pastry and meringues filled with fresh fruit. My partner is Japanese and I enjoy combining Japanese flavours into the bakes. We always stock up with Matcha when we go Japan for matcha rolls, cookies and cheesecakes and have also started doing an apple and miso cake which has become very popular!

What does success look like to you?

Success to me is being able to do what you love and survive while doing it. I see a lot of parallels between baking / cooking and music. Both are creative processes that come from a place of passion. 

Do you have any exciting plans in the works? What does the future of Eagle Eats look like?

At the moment we are enjoying keeping the business running at various markets. A dream would be to open a cafe or a pop up and this could be something for the future. It’s something that is always sitting at the back of my mind, so let’s see! 

What is your guilty pleasure?

 My guilty pleasure would have to be computer games. Despite moving into my late 30’s I still love getting stuck into an epic computer game. I managed to get my hands on a PS5 last year. It’s been hard to find time recently to fit any gaming in but with the new Final Fantasy game releasing soon I’m sure il be able to make some time!

If you could only eat one sweet treat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is a very tricky question. At a push I’d have to go with Tirimisu. You can’t beat a good tiramisu. I love coffee as a flavour and this dessert has it all. Not too sweet, a bit of alcohol, a cake like element and silky creamy texture, love it.