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 ๐กโ
- 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.
๐น Recommended Areas:
- Gloucester city center โ Home to several traditional bakeries and tearooms.
- The Cotswolds โ Some Cotswold village cafรฉs offer Gloucester Tarts as part of their homemade selection.
- Farm shops and local markets โ They often sell fresh, homemade Gloucester Tarts and other regional treats.
2. Gloucester Farmersโ Market ๐๐ง
- The Gloucester Farmersโ 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.
๐ Location: The Cross, Gloucester
๐๏ธ Best time to visit: Fridays (check local listings for exact schedules)
3. Traditional Pubs & Inns ๐ป
- 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.
๐น Recommended Spots:
- The Dick Whittington (Gloucester) โ A traditional Gloucester pub that sometimes features local desserts.
- Historic inns in the Cotswolds โ Many offer regional baked goods on their menus.
4. Tea Rooms in the Cotswolds & Gloucester โ
- 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.
๐น Where to look:
- Tewkesbury โ A historic town near Gloucester with traditional cafรฉs.
- Cheltenham โ A larger town with high-quality bakeries and tearooms.
- Cirencester โ A lovely spot to try regional baked goods.
5. Make Your Own Gloucester Tart! ๐ฝ๏ธ
- If you canโt 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.
๐น Key Ingredients:
- Shortcrust pastry
- Raspberry jam
- Ground rice
- Sugar
- Almond essence
- Butter & eggs
๐ 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
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Best Choice: Traditional bakeries and tea rooms in Gloucester & the Cotswolds.
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For fresh & local options: Visit Gloucester Farmersโ Market.
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For a cozy experience: Try historic pubs and country inns.
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For home bakers: Make your own using a simple, traditional recipe.