Bakewell pudding included in national exhibition

The tasty treat – which was created by accident at the town’s Rutland Arms Hotel in the mid-19th century – has scooped a bronze award in the food and drink category of VisitEngland’s Hall of Fame showcase.

David James, chief executive of the area’s official tourist board Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “It’s no surprise that the Bakewell pudding has been selected as one of the prize-winning ingredients in VisitEngland’s Hall of Fame – it’s been enjoyed by residents and tourists for more than 150 years and today is despatched all over the world for people to savour.

“This is a great accolade for the Peak District.”

Julie Hurst, manager of the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop which claims to be the custodian of the original recipe, said the news was a “huge honour” for the town.

She added: “We pride ourselves on the pudding still being made by hand to the age-old original recipe and it is exciting that it has been recognised as one of England’s elite.”

The Bakewell pudding was third only to the sandwich – which clinched gold – and England’s oldest gin distillery in Plymouth – which won silver.

The free one-week Hall of Fame exhibition opened at Observation Point on London’s Southbank yesterday.