Column: Harking back to '80s with a ‘Dallas’ of the cake world

In 1983 the Riding Shopping Centre opened, and it was very exciting for the city, writes Karen Wright.

We all waited impatiently for the opening day. I got a preview as I had applied for a job in one of the new shops and had been successful, so I spent a few days helping to get the shop up and running ahead of opening day.

It was like nothing most of us had seen before. Real trees growing in the malls, it was light, airy and full of atmosphere. The glass lift intrigued us as did the Koi carp swimming in the little lake down in the food court.

There were so many food outlets to choose from, getting lunch was a real event. Coach trips of people arrived from out of the area every day to marvel at our new centre.

At Christmas the animated displays were amazing. I used to bring my little girl who was born in 1982 to see them many times, and of course, to visit Father Christmas was the highlight.

I tried to think back to what was different in the eighties, I think it was the era of the fast food takeaway, and Italian restaurants being the new kid on the block. I remember in 1981 queuing to get a table outside Bibi’s in Leeds for over an hour.

The Bake Off set a challenge for a quiche and an ice cream cake. I make quiche quite often, but have never made an ice cream cake and didn’t fancy ice cream in November, so made a quiche and a fancy pants swiss roll.

The swiss roll was a nod to the bling of the 1980s and I used coffee and walnut flavouring, It did look spectacular, a bit of a Dallas of the cake world. Remember JR Ewing being wicked and Sue Ellen with those shoulder pads?

Next week, back to the present, until then stay safe!