A.R.D BAKERY Q&A, GLASGOW
A.R.D Bakery: Sculptural Cakes, Bold Flavours & a Graphic Edge
If you’re looking for show-stopping cakes that taste as incredible as they look, A.R.D Bakery is the name to know. Based in Glasgow, this innovative cake design studio is redefining the world of luxury celebration cakes and artisanal chocolate with a graphic, design-led aesthetic that’s impossible to ignore. Founded by designer-turned-baker Alison Dunlop, A.R.D Bakery blends sculptural creativity with unforgettable flavour—producing bespoke cakes and chocolates that are as visually striking as they are mouth-wateringly indulgent.
Alison’s journey into the world of cake design is anything but typical. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art’s Sculpture programme, she later trained in fashion accessories at both London College of Fashion’s Cordwainers and the Royal College of Art, designing handbags, shoes, and jewellery for leading luxury brands for over a decade. But it was during maternity leave that she returned to her roots: baking. Inspired by a family tradition of home baking and a curiosity to experiment, she began to combine classic techniques with a high-end, fashion-informed eye.
The result?
A totally original cake and chocolate aesthetic rooted in bold geometry, playful colour palettes, and art-inspired finishes. Alison draws inspiration from architecture, graphic design, textiles, and the Memphis Group, translating their energy into pieces that are both edible and expressive. Her chocolates are hand-painted with vibrant patterns; her cakes balance sculptural forms with rich, satisfying textures.
At A.R.D Bakery, design and flavour go hand in hand. Customers can choose from a range of custom wedding cakes, celebration cakes, wedding favours, and an ever-evolving artisanal chocolate shop—perfect for gifting or indulging. Every creation is made to order, with bespoke options available for those seeking something entirely one-of-a-kind.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a party, or simply want to gift something truly special, A.R.D Bakery brings a fresh perspective to modern cake design: delicious, design-forward, and full of joy.
Please briefly introduce yourself, your work and design philosophy
My name is Alison, and I run A.R.D bakery, where i create cakes and chocolates with a unique graphic style. My background is in sculpture and fashion design, and I apply the same design led process to making my cakes. They are about from and flavour. I think having this approach has allowed me to be freer with what a cake actually can be and be more creative with it.
What new projects or business news do you have?
Not necessarily new business, but I make all my cakes and chocolates from my home kitchen, which is currently undergoing a big renovation. This means I am able to create a larger and slightly more separate kitchen space for A.R.D Bakery, which should allow me to take on more projects in the future.
What has been your continual inspiration?
There is no one thing, but more of a continual interest in the art and design around me. I get a lot of inspiration for my pattern and print from architecture and product design and just looking how shapes work together in an interesting way.
Also, prior to making cakes I was working for a fashion designer called Mary Katrantzou whose work was heavily print based, and I think this had a big influence in the direction I went in with the cakes with a heavy focus on print and colour.
Can you tell us about a life-changing (or just a really enjoyable) travel experience?
I dont know that I’ve had a life changing travel experience, but my favourite place I have been is definitely Turkey. Istanbul was such an amazing mix of culture and history as well as being such a vibrant and fun city. And the coastline is incredibly beautiful - peppered with ancient ruins. I would say there really is something for everyone there.
What travel recommendations can you share with our readers for 2025?
I am Scottish so may be biased but I think you can't beat the Scottish Highlands and island on a sunny day (though they can be scarce in Scotland!!)
Where is your favourite restaurant?
Impossible to choose a favourite, but one thing I miss about living in London is the amazing Vietnamese food on Kingsland Road, in East London.
What's your go-to comfort food for snacking on at work?
I will admit I eat far too many cake offcuts, and chocolates that don't quite make the cut. Perk of the job!
Where is your favourite cocktail bar?
Closeness to home is a great factor in choosing my cocktail spot, so I am delighted there is a lovely new cocktail bar called Henrys in Shawlands, which is within walking distance to my house!
What would you love to see more of in the bakery world?
The cake world, like any other, can be very trend led, so you tend to get a flood of cakes that all have a similar look, depending on what the current trend is. And I do get it, because if it's what the customer wants, then you've got to try and cater to that. But it would be nice to see a bit more individuality.
What would you like to see less of in the bakery world?
There are a lot of underpriced cakes out there, as bakers try and exist in a world with the incredibly low cost of factory-made cakes. But making a bespoke cake from scratch, takes a lot of time, and with the soaring price of ingredients, the final price going to be high. And if more people charge properly, then the customer will better understand that's what it costs for this type of cake and know they will get a far superior product in return.