The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

In the heart of Bakewell, a picturesque market town nestled within England’s Peak District National Park, sits a true culinary landmark. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is far more than just a bakery; it is the historic birthplace of a world-famous dessert and a destination for food lovers, gift seekers, and visitors exploring the Derbyshire countryside. Since 1860, the very building on The Square has been synonymous with the handmade Bakewell Pudding, a unique confection that combines a flaky pastry base with a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam and a rich almond sponge. The shop’s commitment to this 160-year-old tradition creates an experience that cannot be found anywhere else, blending history, taste, and genuine local hospitality.

Today, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop welcomes thousands of guests each year, who come to enjoy the award-winning puddings, a full-service restaurant, a charming gift shop, and even a delightful courtyard deli. The team works tirelessly to preserve the art of craft baking, sourcing fresh bread daily from the nearby Bakewell Bakery and preparing every pudding using time-honored methods. From the moment you step through the door, the aroma of freshly baked goods and the warm, inviting atmosphere signal that you have arrived somewhere truly special.

Our Signature Bakewell Puddings and Tarts

The undisputed highlight of any visit is the authentic Bakewell Pudding. Distinct from the commercially produced Bakewell Tart, the shop’s version is a dessert with a specific heritage and legal protection. It features a crisp, buttery pastry shell filled with a generous layer of fruit jam and covered in a sweet, egg-and-almond mixture that bakes into a moist, golden sponge. Every pudding is made by hand on the premises, ensuring the same texture and flavor profile that has delighted customers for over a century and a half. The integrity of the recipe remains unchanged, a fact the bakers take immense pride in.

For those who prefer the iced and decorated alternative, the Original Iced Bakewell Tart and the Original Flaked Almond Bakewell Tart offer a different yet equally delicious experience. These tarts are finished with a smooth fondant topping, toasted flaked almonds, or a glacé cherry, making them perfect for gifting or afternoon tea. The shop also offers seasonal traybake boxes, allowing customers to sample a variety of flavors. Whether you choose a classic pudding or an elaborately decorated tart, each product represents the pinnacle of traditional Derbyshire baking.

The Restaurant Experience

Situated on the upper floor of the historic 17th-century building, the licensed restaurant provides a comfortable and light-filled space where guests can linger over a full meal or a simple, sweet treat. The seating accommodates up to 80 people, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings, leisurely lunches, and intimate afternoon teas. The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of local produce, featuring everything from hearty sandwiches and savory Derbyshire oatcakes to the shop’s famous puddings served warm with custard, cream, or ice cream.

The restaurant welcomes both reservations and walk-ins, and the service is attentive without being rushed. A popular choice is the All Things Bakewell Afternoon Tea, which pairs miniature puddings with freshly made scones, clotted cream, jam, and a selection of finger sandwiches. This curated experience captures the essence of a British tradition while showcasing the shop’s unique specialty. For those who prefer dining outdoors, the lower-ground-floor deli serves the same restaurant menu into the peaceful courtyard, a suntrap that is especially appealing during the warmer months.

The Shop and Deli

Beyond the oven-fresh goods, the ground floor houses a treasure trove of gourmet retail. The bakery counter displays a daily rotation of artisan breads, scones, Derbyshire oatcakes, and Mrs. Wilson’s Fruit Cake, while the shop’s shelves are stocked with unique gifts, specialty food, and drink. Customers can purchase Bakewell Pudding Shop jute bags, scented candles inspired by the Peak District, and carefully curated hamper boxes designed for effortless gifting.

The on-site deli serves as a gateway to the outdoor courtyard and provides a more casual dining option. Here, guests can order warm drinks like a cappuccino, enjoy a slice of cake or pie, or pick up a freshly prepared takeaway meal. The shop’s global reach is also evident through the “Post a Pudding” service, which ships award-winning puddings and tarts to addresses around the world, allowing people to send a genuine taste of Derbyshire to loved ones anywhere.

Services & Facilities for Every Visitor

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is designed to accommodate a wide range of customer needs and dining preferences. The team understands the historic nature of the building and has implemented accessible solutions wherever possible. Key services and on-site facilities include:

• Next-Day Shipping: Handmade puddings are dispatched fresh to destinations across the United Kingdom and internationally.
• Pudding-Making Experiences: The shop offers hands-on classes where visitors can learn the secrets of creating an authentic Bakewell Pudding.
• Gift Vouchers: Both monetary vouchers and experience vouchers, including the National Afternoon Tea delivery, are available.
• Loyalty Program: Regular customers can join a loyalty card scheme to earn rewards on purchases.
• Ground Floor Accessibility: A ramp at the courtyard entrance provides easy access for wheelchairs and buggies to the shop and deli.
• Private Events: The restaurant space is available for special occasions and group bookings.
• Derbyshire Staycations: Adjacent stylish holiday cottages are owned by the same group, offering a complete local getaway.

Serving Bakewell and the Peak District

The shop’s location on The Square places it at the center of Bakewell’s vibrant community and tourism scene. Bakewell itself is the only market town within the Peak District National Park, making it a hub for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts exploring the English countryside. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop acts as a welcoming rest stop for travelers, providing hearty meals, sweet indulgences, and a place to unwind after a day of outdoor activity.

Visitors often combine a trip to the shop with a walk along the River Wye, a visit to the historic All Saints Church, or a browse around the town’s Monday market. The shop’s position on the main square ensures it is a focal point of any Bakewell itinerary, and its long-standing reputation draws people from across the globe. By supporting local producers like The Bakewell Bakery and partnering with other Derbyshire businesses, the shop reinforces its commitment to the regional economy and the preservation of Peak District heritage.

Location, Hours, and Parking

Finding The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is straightforward, with clear road signage into the town center and reliable GPS mapping. The address is The Square, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1BT. For those navigating using what3words or coordinates, the location is consistently accurate. The shop’s operating hours are designed to catch early risers and sightseers alike—the ground-floor shop opens Monday to Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and on Sunday at 9:00 a.m., with closing at 6:00 p.m. each day. The restaurant serves daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Parking is available in several public pay-and-display car parks within a short walking distance of The Square, with the Bakewell Agricultural Centre and Smith’s Island car parks being popular choices. For guests with limited mobility, it is possible to stop momentarily on The Square to drop off passengers before parking. The shop’s central location also makes it easily accessible via the local bus network, with services connecting Bakewell to Sheffield, Chesterfield, and Matlock.