Nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the picturesque market town of Bakewell is famous for its charming streets, beautiful countryside and, of course, its namesake dessert.
But before you start thinking of the familiar iced Bakewell tart, there’s another local delicacy you need to know about - the original Bakewell pudding.
And its story begins with a kitchen mishap.
Legend has it that around 1860, a cook at a local inn called The White Horse was preparing a strawberry tart for some visiting noblemen. Following a misunderstanding with the inn’s mistress, Mrs Greaves, the cook spread an egg mixture over the jam rather than mixing it into the pastry.
The result was an unexpected triumph. The combination of buttery pastry, sweet strawberry jam and a rich, almond-infused custard created a delicious new pudding that would become a Derbyshire favourite.
Word of the creation reached Mrs Wilson, who recognised its potential and acquired the original recipe to begin selling the puddings herself. More than 160 years later, that happy accident remains at the heart of Bakewell’s culinary heritage.
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding ShopYou can pick up both Bakewell puddings and Bakewell tarts hereBut make sure you know the difference...
Today, you can discover the story for yourself at The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, right in the town centre. Housed in a historic 17th-century building, the shop has been selling its famous puddings from the same premises since 1860.
Step inside and you’ll find a treasure trove of handmade treats, from traditional Bakewell puddings and iced tarts to fresh bread, cakes and savoury pastries. There are also gifts and local specialities to browse, making it a perfect stop for a little edible souvenir.
There's also a traditional restaurant upstairs, where you can enjoy a hearty meal, afternoon tea or a freshly served Bakewell pudding with custard or cream, plus a 'Post a Pudding' service, so you can send a taste of the Peak District to friends and family further afield.
Despite often being confused, Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart are quite different. The original pudding features flaky puff pastry, strawberry jam and a soft-set almond custard, while the later tart uses shortcrust pastry and a sponge-like frangipane filling, often finished with icing and a cherry.
So, next time you’re exploring the Peak District, make a beeline for Bakewell. Whether you enjoy yours warm with custard or take one home to share, tasting this legendary pudding is a delicious way to experience a little piece of local history.
The Manchester indie heroes are making a triumphant return to Sheffield.
Following an absolutely belting headline set at Tramlines this year, it seems the Courteeners just can't get enough of the Steel City as they're announced as a headliner for next year's Rock N Roll Circus.
Fresh from a new album and nationwide tour, they'll be bringing their set of singalong indie anthems to Don Valley Bowl on Saturday 28 August 2027.
And they're in good company too, with The Vaccines and The Lathums joining the line-up alongside a brilliant mix of both established and up-and-coming talent.
Also joining the bill are The Guest List, Girl In The Year Above, Little Grandad, Cowboy Hunters, Cherryholt, Saint Clair, Ist Ist and Yorkshire’s Slates and south coast band Crystal Tides.
This is just the first wave of acts to be announced, with three more headliners expected to take to the stage over the bank holiday weekend.
Now entering its fifth year in Sheffield, Rock N Roll Circus has established itself as a big hitter in the UK's festival calendar.
Ali O'Reilly, Festival Director of Rock N Roll Circus, said: "Anyone who saw Courteeners at Tramlines last year knows exactly what Sheffield means to this band. They absolutely blew the doors off the place, and there's something about the connection between Liam and a Sheffield crowd that makes every show feel like a homecoming.
"To have The Vaccines and The Lathums joining them is a huge statement, but we're just as excited about the artists coming through on Stage 2. Bands like Cherryholt, Cowboy Hunters and Ist Ist are exactly why we love putting these line-ups together. There's something brilliant about watching a new band in an intimate setting and then heading into the Big Top for one of the biggest acts in the country.
"2027 marks our fifth year in Sheffield, which is a real milestone for us. We've grown with the city, the audiences have been incredible and we're proud of what Rock N Roll Circus has become."
Rock N Roll Circus returns to Sheffield's Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 August 2027, with Courteeners headlining on Saturday 28 August.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 6 November, find out more here.
Pop royalty S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Leeds and Sheffield gigs
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back toYorkshire on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, a night at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.