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The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Home of the legendary Bakewell Pudding since 1860—a historic bakery, gift shop, and restaurant in the heart of Bakewell.

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A historic bakery, gift shop, and restaurant in the heart of Bakewell, Derbyshire, home to the legendary Bakewell Pudding since 1860. This charming 17th-century establishment spans multiple floors with a ground-floor shop and bakery counter offering fresh artisan bread, cakes, and the award-winning Bakewell Puddings, plus an 80-seat first-floor restaurant serving traditional British fare, afternoon teas, and daily specials. The building retains original wooden beams and exposed brickwork, creating an inviting atmosphere for casual visits or leisurely meals.

A brief summary to The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

  • The Square, Bakewell, Bakewell, DE45 1BT, GB
  • +441629812193
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds and enjoy more attentive service. Peak times occur on weekends and during holiday periods, particularly around Christmas.
  • Book ahead for afternoon tea and lunch, especially on weekends and holidays, to guarantee a table. For groups of 15 or more, pre-book the Pudding Assembly experience at least two weeks in advance.
  • Try both the original Bakewell Pudding and the Bakewell Tart to experience the difference—the pudding is the original creation, while the tart is a popular modern variation. Consider sharing desserts to sample multiple treats.
  • Arrive early if visiting on busy days, as parking in Bakewell can fill quickly. The shop and restaurant are accessible by public transport and are located in the heart of the market town.
  • Note that the restaurant is on the first floor and accessible only by staircase. Ground-floor deli seating and the courtyard provide accessible alternatives for dining with mobility considerations.
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A Culinary Legend Born from Serendipity

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop stands as a living monument to one of Britain's most celebrated culinary accidents. In 1860, a fortuitous mistake in the kitchen led to the creation of the Bakewell Pudding—a dense, indulgent confection of jam, almond filling, and pastry that has captivated palates for over 160 years. This very building, dating from the 1800s, has been the birthplace and custodian of that original recipe ever since, making it an essential pilgrimage site for food lovers and curious travelers exploring the Peak District. The pudding's fame has only grown, earning Great Taste Award recognition and becoming inseparable from Bakewell's identity.

A Treasure Trove Across Multiple Floors

The ground floor unfolds like an Aladdin's cave of delights, with the bakery counter at its heart showcasing an array of handmade treats from the award-winning Bakewell Bakery. Fresh breads, golden-crusted loaves, traditional Derbyshire oatcakes, savoury pastries, indulgent cakes, and tray bakes line the shelves, all baked daily just a stone's throw away at the Bakewell Bakery's riverside works. Beyond the bakery counter lies a treasure trove of gifts, Pudding Shop merchandise including plates, mugs, and tea towels, alongside local jams, chutneys, beers, wines, and artisan products. A ground-floor deli provides additional seating, while a charming courtyard—dog-friendly and a hidden suntrap during warmer months—offers a peaceful retreat for refreshments and meals.

Historic Character and Atmospheric Dining

The first-floor restaurant, accessible by staircase, seats 80 guests in a space steeped in authentic period charm. Original wooden beams and exposed brickwork create an inviting, cosy atmosphere that transports visitors back through the centuries while maintaining modern comfort. The restaurant operates as a fully licensed venue, serving breakfast from 9am to 11:45am, lunch and dinner from 12pm to 5pm daily. The menu celebrates traditional British cuisine with hearty options like Derbyshire steak pie, fish and chips, burgers, and seasonal specials, alongside lighter fare such as jacket potatoes, quiche, soups, and paninis. Children's menus feature classics like cheese and tomato pizza and crispy chicken goujons, ensuring family-friendly dining.

Afternoon Tea and Bespoke Experiences

The restaurant specialises in traditional afternoon teas served throughout the day, with four distinct options: All Things Bakewell (featuring Bakewell Tar, Bakewell Pudding, and Mrs Wilson's Fruit Cake), the Gentleman's Club, the Derbyshire Classic, and The Works. Afternoon tea is available in-house from £15 per person, or can be delivered to your home. For groups of 15 or more, the shop offers a unique Pudding Assembly experience in their test bakery, available with morning coffee and breakfast sandwich, mid-morning or afternoon tea, or an evening session with competitive elements, prizes, and a two-course meal with drinks. Pre-booking is required at least two weeks in advance for group activities.

Accessibility and Seasonal Offerings

The historic nature of the building means the upper restaurant floor is inaccessible to wheelchairs; however, the ground-floor shop features ramp access at the courtyard entrance, and downstairs deli seating and courtyard dining accommodate guests with mobility considerations. The shop offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, though gluten-free Bakewell puddings and tarts are not available in the restaurant due to production contamination concerns—however, gluten-free Bakewell tarts and cakes are stocked in the shop. The venue welcomes groups and coach parties, provides free WiFi, baby-changing facilities, and maintains clear signage throughout. Seasonal offerings, particularly around Christmas, feature special hampers, festive afternoon teas, and limited-edition products.

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