Some places seem designed to sweeten not only the palate but also the heart. Casa de Pastel is one such haven in the Poblenou district, where Lauren de Vries, originally from the Netherlands, transforms memories and celebrations into cakes that are small, edible stories. She and her team handle sugar and flavors with the care and precision of someone writing an intimate diary.
“"Being a pastry chef was not the plan; it crossed my path. And I loved it."
Born in Amsterdam, Lauren de Vries studied Marketing and Communication. After finishing her studies at 21, a constant restlessness led her to seek a change. She initially enrolled in a cooking course at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, but the overly French methodology did not suit her. The move to the school's new location in London proved to be the turning point where she discovered and embraced the world of pastry.
Her initial steps as a pastry chef were demanding, involving six-day work weeks. Returning to Amsterdam, she worked for six months at the restaurant Mr. Porter to gain experience, while simultaneously selling Christmas cakes via Facebook. A key breakthrough came through an influencer event where she sent decorated donuts, boosting her presence on Instagram and leading her to co-found Life of Pie, a project that produced up to 100 cakes weekly.
A professional breakup prompted her move to Barcelona eight years ago, arriving without specific plans. She started working from home and, six months later, found a shared space in Poblenou, near Razzmatazz. Today, with her own studio in the same neighborhood, Lauren de Vries plans future expansions, such as a cookie shop or a 'bento cake bar', aiming to open small, team-focused shops in cities like Madrid or Valencia to maintain the original essence of her brand.
