The Gloucester Tart is a regional specialty from Gloucester, England, featuring a buttery shortcrust pastry, a layer of raspberry jam, and a rich almond-flavored filling. Though not as widely known as the Bakewell Tart, it remains a local favorite in Gloucestershire.
If you’re looking to try an authentic Gloucester Tart, here are some of the best places to visit:
1. Local Bakeries & Tea Rooms in Gloucester 🏡☕
- The best place to find a freshly baked Gloucester Tart is in independent bakeries and traditional tea rooms around Gloucester.
- Look for family-run bakeries that specialize in regional and historic recipes.
🔹 Recommended Areas:
- Gloucester city center – Home to several traditional bakeries and tearooms.
- The Cotswolds – Some Cotswold village cafés offer Gloucester Tarts as part of their homemade selection.
- Farm shops and local markets – They often sell fresh, homemade Gloucester Tarts and other regional treats.
2. Gloucester Farmers’ Market 🍎🧁
- The Gloucester Farmers’ Market is held weekly in the city and is a great place to find locally made baked goods.
- Many local bakers and pastry chefs sell traditional treats, including the Gloucester Tart.
📍 Location: The Cross, Gloucester
🗓️ Best time to visit: Fridays (check local listings for exact schedules)
3. Traditional Pubs & Inns 🍻
- Some historic pubs and country inns in Gloucestershire offer Gloucester Tarts on their dessert menus.
- A great way to enjoy a classic tart with a cup of tea or local cider.
🔹 Recommended Spots:
- The Dick Whittington (Gloucester) – A traditional Gloucester pub that sometimes features local desserts.
- Historic inns in the Cotswolds – Many offer regional baked goods on their menus.
4. Tea Rooms in the Cotswolds & Gloucester ☕
- The Cotswolds region, near Gloucester, has charming tea rooms that serve homemade Gloucester Tarts.
- Afternoon tea menus often include traditional British pastries, and you may find this local specialty.
🔹 Where to look:
- Tewkesbury – A historic town near Gloucester with traditional cafés.
- Cheltenham – A larger town with high-quality bakeries and tearooms.
- Cirencester – A lovely spot to try regional baked goods.
5. Make Your Own Gloucester Tart! 🍽️
- If you can’t find a bakery selling Gloucester Tarts, why not try baking one at home?
- The recipe is simple and similar to a Bakewell Tart, but with ground rice and almond essence for a unique texture.
🔹 Key Ingredients:
- Shortcrust pastry
- Raspberry jam
- Ground rice
- Sugar
- Almond essence
- Butter & eggs
📌 Fun Fact: The Gloucester Tart is believed to have been popular in the 19th century, often served as a sweet treat for tea time.
Final Thoughts: Where to Find the Best Gloucester Tart
✅ Best Choice: Traditional bakeries and tea rooms in Gloucester & the Cotswolds.
✅ For fresh & local options: Visit Gloucester Farmers’ Market.
✅ For a cozy experience: Try historic pubs and country inns.
✅ For home bakers: Make your own using a simple, traditional recipe.