Jamie Oliver says the Japanese know more about Kew’s legendary Maids of Honour tarts than us locals. Our Food and Drink Editor Catherine Whyte disagrees
Anyone else feel ever so slightly aggrieved by the crass generalisations bandied about by Jamie Oliver and his mate Jimmy Doherty on their recently aired Channel Four programme Friday Night Feast?
According to the dynamic duo, the Japanese know more about Kew’s legendary Maids of Honour tarts than us locals. Utter balderdash. Subtlety has never been Jamie’s strong point.
Still, I can’t criticise the dynamic duo for their core mission: to highlight great British food that is dying out, and – crucially – encourage punters to go and buy it.
The moist, custardy Maids of Honour tarts have been made in Richmond since at least the early 18th century – though legend has it that none other than Henry VIII had once squirreled the recipe away in a locked iron box at Richmond Palace to keep it secret.
So, for something sweet with your afternoon tea, pop over to The Original Maids of Honour in Kew Road and enjoy a slice of history – whichever version you believe.
