Nestled in the heart of Bakewell village, a charming haven within the Peak District, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop stands as a testament to culinary history and delight. Proudly dating back to 1865, this quaint shop claims the distinction of being the birthplace of the legendary Bakewell Pudding. Join us on a delectable journey as we explore the origins, offerings, and experiences that make The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and history aficionados alike.
A Taste of Tradition
As you stroll through Bakewell village, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop beckons with its charming facade and a promise of indulgence. Its claim to fame lies in its authentic recipe, passed down through generations, that remains unchanged since its inception in the 19th century. The promise of savouring a piece of history is indeed an enticing prospect for any visitor.
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The Pudding and the Tart: Unraveling the Distinction
At the heart of this establishment lies the age-old debate: Bakewell Pudding or Bakewell Tart? While they share a name and a connection to this village, the two are distinct creations with unique characteristics. The Bakewell Pudding, a result of a culinary mishap in the 1800s, is characterised by its buttery puff pastry, seedless strawberry jam, and a luscious almond custard topping—a true indulgence for the senses. On the other hand, the Bakewell Tart, a later variation, features a sweet shortcrust pastry base layered with strawberry jam and a fluffy almond sponge filling—a delightful treat with a different texture and flavour profile.
The Experience: A Traditional Afternoon Tea
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop offers an array of experiences to cater to various tastes. The Works, a comprehensive afternoon tea option, caught our attention. It includes a sandwich, macaroons, Bakewell pudding, Bakewell tart, fruit scone, fruitcake, and a cold drink (it comes with an alcoholic drink, but we changed that). along with the quintessential hot drink, jam, butter, and clotted cream. This delightful spread is perfect for immersing oneself in the flavours that define the region. It set us back £40 for one and we shared it. For two would cost £75.
Savoury and Sweet Delights
Our culinary journey through The Works revealed an array of flavours and textures. The classic tuna mayo and cucumber sandwich provided a satisfying savoury element, while the macaroons offered an assortment of flavours that pleased and surprised our taste buds. The fruit scone and fruitcake paid homage to traditional British baking, and the Bakewell tart presented familiar flavours with a delightful twist.
What did we think? The sandwich was everything you’d imagine a classic tuna mayo one to be like. The macaroons were hit and miss. there were 4 flavours and we liked some while we weren’t too fond of others. The scone is a must for any afternoon tea experience so that went down well of course. The fruitcake was not to our liking due to there being too many raisins.
The Verdict: Pudding or Tart?
The stars of the show, the Bakewell pudding and tart, delighted in their own unique ways. The tart, resembling store-bought counterparts, presented a taste that felt comfortingly familiar. Meanwhile, the Bakewell pudding stood out for its intriguing blend of textures and flavours. Its almond custard topping and buttery pastry offered a distinct contrast that appealed to different palates.
The tart surprisingly tasted very similar to the ones you get at Tesco and Sainsbury’s (so they’ve done a good job imitating this). I was expecting it to be very different, but the only difference was that the marzipan taste was slightly weaker. So, my wife was able to enjoy it too (she doesn’t like marzipan). The Bakewell pudding was interesting and different to anything we’ve had before. Supposedly, this is the most popular one from the two, quite easily we were told, and my wife did prefer this one. But I think I’m more of a tart guy and wasn’t too keen on the pudding (I felt it needed custard or something).
The Human Touch: Service and Ambiance
While the culinary offerings shone, the service and ambiance presented a mixed experience. Although the staff was friendly, our encounter was marred by some disorganisation—a minor hiccup in an otherwise memorable visit. The service was a bit chaotic to be honest. I mean they were nice, but they seemed very unorganised and inexperienced. For example: they asked us what we wanted without giving us the menu; they took our order twice; they took ages to get our order out; and they forgot our drink.
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, steeped in history and flavour, invites visitors to savour the taste of tradition. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Bakewell’s culinary legacy or eager to sample the iconic pudding and tart, this establishment offers an experience that bridges the past and the present. As you step into this charming shop, you become part of a legacy that spans generations—a testament to the enduring allure of Bakewell village and its culinary treasures.
