Eric Lanlard is an award winning master patissier and international baking star. Author of five books, Eric's latest, Totally Chocolate, is a collection of stunning recipes, celebrating his favourite ingredient. Eric has presented four television series, Glamour Puds and Baking Mad and creates breathtaking cakes for numerous A-List celebrities. His latest ventures include the opening of his Market Café on board the new P&O Cruise Ship Britannia and the creation of a bespoke afternoon tea. On dry land, Eric has designed a themed series of Afternoon Teas, for the prestigious Starwood Hotel Group.

Eric’s glamorous London HQ, Cake Boy, houses a thriving cookery school alongside a coffee and patisserie lounge. Eric is prolific across all social media platforms and his YouTube Channel shares beautiful recipes and delicious bakes for his ever growing global fan base.

My Favourite Website... Sous Chef - I am always on the look out for extraordinary ingredients or pieces of equipment that will make my pastry chef brain cells work even harder! These guys are very innovative and on top of their game. There is always something new to see and try out. The other good thing is it’s open to everybody and they sell small quantities. I guide my baking class students to this site.

My Favourite App... SPG. I am a SPG member, Starwood Preferred Guest. This app allows me to book rooms, get offers and recommendations on where to stay and travel. In some hotels my phone can act as a room key – I don’t even have to check in!

My Favourite Blog... City Guide Blog - A US city travel guide with a difference. Their reviews and recommendations are written by chefs, industry leaders and celebrities. It makes for interesting reading – because it challenges the senses - both visual and taste. Their Chicago City guide is spot on.

My Most Recent Buy Online... an electric and automatic cleaning cat litter tray - I love cats especially my own affectionately known as ‘Bobby Cat The Maine Coon’- she is a very cool cat. I’ve always hated the idea of a litter tray until my last visit to the US – I saw a TV commercial for this extraordinary product. It even tells you how often your cat has visited the litter tray. I’m happy. Bobby thinks she is even more supercool as if it that was possible!

My Favourite Tweeter... @DanDoherty_ - He is the Executive Chef at Duck and Waffle at the Heron Tower in the City. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day and Dan posts pictures of the amazing food featured on their menu from dusk to dawn. I love Dan’s cooking and have enormous respect for him. I really enjoy seeing his beautiful creations appearing on my screen throughout the day and night.

My Favourite Instagrammer... Nigella Lawson - Surprisingly she is pretty new to Instagram having been on Twitter for many years. She arrived on Instagram in pure Nigella style. From early morning until bedtime, Nigella will indulge and inspire you with simple yet sexy good quality home food. She is so talented and generous - every day she will recommend other Instagramers.

Social Media Allowed Me to Meet... I love connecting people via social media especially Twitter. It has to be very short intro. I have been called the social fairy godmother amongst other things. For example I introduced the Rugby player Ben Cohen to Oprah Winfrey’s private chef Art Smith (based in Chicago) via Twitter – it was at a time when Ben was travelling to Chicago – I hadn’t met either of them but somehow it worked and they got on like a house on fire. Art introduced Ben to some key people in his city that were able to help Ben build his charity's profile in the US. I finally got to meet both of them in person and we have become great friends.

My Stand Out Online Memory... A picture of me meeting The Queen during the launch of the P&O Cruise Ship Britannia. That picture got reposted and liked on every social media platform from all of my friends and followers all other the world. It just goes to show the popularity of Her Majesty The Queen. It was a very proud moment for me.

Most Worthwhile Newsletter... The Caterer - I am not generally a fan of newsletters as I like my mailbox to be clear. However I subscribe to The Caterer as it keeps me posted with industry news and gossip as well as professional updates.

My Pet Hate About Life Online... Stupid comments from followers Like "Gorgeous cake Eric. Pity I don t eat cake..." or the others who think that they know everything better than you. Like "Great decoration but I will have done it a different way..." GRRRRRRRR! To be fair, for the most part I have wonderful fans and followers online but there are always those comments that niggle you and you always seem to get them on a stressful day!

Photo of Eric Lanlard © NielsenMasseyUK

September 2015