Hitting the sweet spot

I tried a Lardy Cake for the first time this weekend at a bakery called Huffkins and for those who are like me thought what on earth is a Lardy Cake, well I can explain. It’s a very rich, sweet bread dough based cake originating from south England and was traditionally eaten as a snack by field labourers. Instead of using butter or margarine to make the dough, lard is used instead hence the name Lardy Cake. From reading it’s usually made into a loaf and cut into slabs but in my experience it was made into a wheel, like a Chelsea bun and drenched in sticky caramel. I thought it was delicious, tasted even better warmed up and served with tea. I did feel guilty eating it as with every bite I could feel the calories and the sweet caramel sticking to my teeth but have no doubt I would order it again!

I didn’t realise at the time what a great reputation Huffkins had until I got back home. It’s an independent family run business dating back from 1890 who take pride in hand baking their cakes and sourcing local ingredients where possible. They even blend tea leaves and roast coffee by hand in the Cotswolds! And if delicious sweet treats aren’t your thing they also serve sandwiches, soups and British classics like fish and chips or pie.

Huffkins – Burford

The famous Lardy Cake

Huffkins – Burford
Address: 98 and 96 High Street, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4QF
Telephone: 01993 822126
Email: burford@huffkins.com
Opening times of tea rooms:
1st April – 30th Oct – Mon/Fri: 9am to 5.00pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 5.00pm
1st November – 31st March – Mon/Fri: 9am to 4.30pm, Sat: 9am to 5.00pm, Sun: 10am to 4.30pm