29 July 2009, 17:17 PM
  • Bakewell pudding will soon be recognised with a national day, if a family-run campaign succeeds to convince its local tourism board that the idea is a worthy one

Based in the Peak District, the Mallon family, who own More-Than-A-Home.com, believe that Bakewell pudding plays second fiddle to its commercial counterpart - the Bakewell tart – which is accused as a 20th Century hybrid of the traditional dessert.

“The final straw was seeing celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, serve Bakewell tarts at the G20 summit in April,” says Marie Mallon. “The world leaders should have been given the true taste of Bakewell - the pudding was around long before the tart,” she adds.

The Mallon’s campaign highlights weeks such as Farmhouse Breakfast Week and National Chip Week, arguing the pudding has proved that it deserves to be celebrated as a respected British staple for the centuries it has delighted diners.

In a bid to make the day official, Mrs Mallon is in talks with the Derbyshire tourist board and has asked a local baker to cook 25,000 puddings for a competition to win a cottage just outside Bakewell.

“I don’t want to give too much away at this point, but let’s just say the first ever National Bakewell Pudding Day is going to involve a world record bid and a considerable amount of eggs,” says Mrs Mallon.

The traditional Bakewell pudding is thought to have originated in 1860, accidentally invented by a lady in the town of Bakewell.