person holding round brown cupcake

Where is the best place to try a Gloucester tart?

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 ๐Ÿกโ˜•

  • 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.

๐Ÿ”น 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 ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿง

  • 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.

๐Ÿ“ Location: The Cross, Gloucester
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Best time to visit: Fridays (check local listings for exact schedules)


3. Traditional Pubs & Inns ๐Ÿป

  • 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.

๐Ÿ”น 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.

๐Ÿ”น 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! ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

  • If you canโ€™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.

๐Ÿ”น Key Ingredients:

  • Shortcrust pastry
  • Raspberry jam
  • Ground rice
  • Sugar
  • Almond essence
  • Butter & eggs

๐Ÿ“Œ 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

โœ… Best Choice: Traditional bakeries and tea rooms in Gloucester & the Cotswolds.
โœ… For fresh & local options: Visit Gloucester Farmersโ€™ Market.
โœ… For a cozy experience: Try historic pubs and country inns.
โœ… For home bakers: Make your own using a simple, traditional recipe.