Great British Bake-off: The Final

[StrangerintheNight]

Just typed out a very excitable post only to find the previous thread, on which I was an avid lurker, had exceeded it's capacity. So if you don't mind, I'll start the overflow thread in the lead up to the Grand Final.

[ppeatfruit]

Bxxxer i'd just done the same !

[StrangerintheNight]

My post was in response to Squoosh and Rosa who were wondering where it was filmed.
I also thought house looked familiar so did a quick google and turns out I've stayed there! Apparently it's filmed in Harptree Court near Bath which is a great B&B we went to about 5 years ago. Would have gone back since, but they don't allow kids.
We indulged our country house fantasies whilst there (it helped that we were the only guests) and the owner brought out afternoon tea onto the lawn for us, which I'm sure would have met with Mary Berry's approval (although maybe not the increasIngly grumpy Mr Hollywood)

[PostBellumBugsy]

Am slightly in love with James even though I may just be old enough to be his mother

[StrangerintheNight]

James is endearing, certainly, but agree that most of his creations look a rather brown and messy... It's understandable though if he's sitting exams in-between shooting.

[BieneMaja]

I think John has run his course - it has to be between Brendan and James. I'm thinking Brendan....

In fact I think John should have gone a while back...

[PostBellumBugsy]

LOL, at most of James's creations looking brown!!!! Brendan should probably get it, as I think he is technically the best (apart from creme pattisiere) even if he did make the most hideously twee gingerbread creation

[ppeatfruit]

Now squoosh if you want a pin up go for salty before he stuffed himself with cakejudges the GBBO Even podgy his eyes are to die for; those looks he gives when he's nearly smiling (swoon)!!!

[getagoldtoof]

I just watched it - I love John, he is the only one remaining who I can relate to. Brendan turns my stomach, particularly saying he knew he had done enough to get to he final and James is not that invested in the process. In fact, that may be why I'm so keen on John: this really matters to him, and for some unfathomable reason, that really matters to me.

Wtf am I going to do with my life when bake off ends...?

[wintera]

I like John but next week is definitely all about Brendan and James I agree. If they are both on top form then I would imagine it will be a tough decision between the two of them. I think Mary likes Brendan more than Paul does, and I think Paul likes James more than Mary does so t'will be interesting viewing . . . . .

[wintera]

And since watching last night I have had an overwhelming urge all day to visit a Pattisserie! Not that it's going to happen at all. Nearest thing in my town would be a Greggs!

[bacon]

Hate James!!!! so annoying how everything is does works and he knows so much kind of person I want to slap with 'know it all!' with his calm persona.

Annoyed that Danny went and John stayed in, he seems to wing it every week not sure if he should be near the final.

Think James will win and that annoys me. Followed by Brendon. I was also wasnt that impressed by Jo Wheatly last year as I didnt feel she was a master baker.

Have to say I'm disappointed with the final three.

[PostBellumBugsy]

Bacon - how can you hate James - he is so nice, so self-deprecating, seems so genuinely talented, tall & has a lovely smile. PBB swoons slightly!

[HoldMeCloserTonyDanza]

James is the image of DH when we met. The same hair, same smile, same misguided penchant for shorts...

[outtolunchagain]

I like James , the mark of a truly gifted homebaker is how instinctive it is in my opinion.when things go wrong he is able to rescue them because he isn't necessarily following a plan , he just "knows"

Thought Brendan showed his true colours last night , going on about how his plan had been to make the final and he was sure that he had done enough , also when his patisserie went wrong he didn't know how to rescue it , similarly Danny ( though I really liked her) was floored .

I think Brendan will win but it's like a business deal to him, he set out to win and he will win , job done .

[flippinada]

I agree that it will be between Brendan and James.

And I'm very disappointed Danny is not in the final but agree with whoever said it's probably a relief for her.

In fact, all the finalists are, interestingly, unencumbered by having a family/demanding career. Brendan is semi retired and John and James are young'ns just starting out.

Btw did anyone notice how tiny Brendan is? Or maybe the two J's are just really tall.

[jessiegee]

I thought John looked knackered this week. He seems to find everything so hard and terribly stressful but then a lot of his stuff then comes out ok. I wish my dd could marry James. Cute, a brilliant baker, a doctor, tall, sweet. Lucky person he end up with I say. Totally agree will be between Brendan and James. I wouldn't say James and John are unencumbered by a demanding career though flippin. Training to be a doctor and a lawyer sounds v demanding.

[ppeatfruit]

outtolunch Yes I ssooo agree about Brendan there seems to be something very calculating about him I don't like, he is small and the 2 other lads are TALL.

[ppeatfruit]

Of course I don't have issues with his size

[unitarian]

jessiegee Your DD would have to fight my DD for him but mine reckons that if she married him they would need his'n'hers kitchens. She stress-bakes when she's studying.

[jessiegee]

unitarian its obviously more practical for my dd to marry him then as mine can't bake at all and she has colitis so live-in doctor would be v helpful. Hope that's OK with you.

[wintera]

Jessiegee - regarding John being knackered - he always looks like he's been out on the piss the night before to me. If so, that's probably why he gets stressed and emotional etc. Cos he's hung over and over tired lol.

[jessiegee]

He does tend to look perma-flustered does John wintera. Hadn't considered he might be hungover lol

[flippinada]

Oh I agree jessie - not saying it's not demanding as I'm sure it is, but they don't have other responsibilities.

Much harder to do this if you have a demanding job plus children etc.

[unitarian]

jessie I'll make my DD stand aside for yours if yours can knit nice sweaters for him.

[jessiegee]

That's true flippinada John and James don't have family responsibilities. Can't imagine how flustered John would look if he also had to cope with being up half the night with a baby. His hands would be shaking so much, he'd need assistance to get his buns in and out the oven.