Cake Boy

He's good enough for Madonna and Liz Hurley, so he's good enough for you. Hunky Frenchman Eric Lanlard makes patisserie for top stores, restaurants and his own A-list clientele. In May he opens Cake Boy, a luxury retail emporium alongside Savoir Design for his celebration cakes. Yum yum. 2 Kingfisher House, Battersea Reach, SW18. (020 7978 5555) www.savoirdesign.com

 

Flower Power

After 20 years of inspirational parties all over the world, floral decorator Stephen Woodhams has a new company concentrating on garden design. Winning gold medals at Chelsea Flower Show pulled him towards the potting shed, but we bet he'll be back when special clients have big birthdays. Studio 9, 33 Stannery Street, SE11 (020 7735 3798) www.stephenwoodhams.com

 

Portrait Painters

Throw away your camera - the new big thing is commissioning a portrait of yourself, your family, even your pets. What could be better for the man who has everything than a painting of his children looking docile and adorable? If only. Contact Fanny Rush to work that magic. She's brilliant with every type of sitter from teenagers to Captains of Industry. www.fannyrush.com

Life Beyond Ikea

Are you keen on handmade furniture but think it will be boring? Think again. Becher Bespoke makes eye-catching pieces using rosewood, oak, ebony, macassar and sycamore for tables, wardrobes, writing desks, lamps and even a state-of-the-art table football. It's the new arm of a family company based in Twickenham, traditional craftsmanship with modern taste. www.becherbespoke.com

 

Books

Sir Terence Conran and his old mucker Peter Prescott give the inside story on London's food and restaurants with this snapshot of the city at its gastronomic best. From cafes, bakeries and butcher shops to ethnic food, street markets and haute cuisine, it's fun to read and easy to follow as the cover unfolds into a portable map. Eat London published by Conran Octopus, £18.99.