Okay, real talk—if you’ve never had a proper British dessert, you are seriously missing out. I’m not just talking about grabbing a soggy slice of cake from the supermarket and calling it a day. I mean the real-deal, belly-warming, sometimes slightly quirky but always delicious desserts that the UK has been perfecting for centuries.
When I first moved here, I thought I knew dessert. I’d had cheesecake, I’d tried brownies, I’d even attempted to bake a souffle once (RIP to that attempt). But then I tried sticky toffee pudding in this tiny village in the Lake District—Cartmel, to be exact—and I swear, it was like a dessert awakening. Warm sponge, drippy toffee sauce, a scoop of ice cream melting on the side… I may or may not have gone back the next day. And the day after.
Since then, I’ve made it a personal mission (a very tasty one, might I add) to try as many traditional British desserts as I can. And trust me, they are so much more than just “sweets.” Some are tied to royal history, others are pub favourites, and a few are, well, kind of bizarre-sounding (Spotted Dick, I’m looking at you), but all of them are worth a bite—or ten.
So, if you’ve got a sweet tooth or you’re just dessert-curious, come along for the sugar-filled ride. I’m going to walk you through all the must-try British desserts and tell you exactly where to find the best ones across the UK. From cosy village tearooms to swanky London spots, it’s all in here.
And hey—if you do end up drooling halfway through reading this, no judgment. Been there.
1. Sticky Toffee Pudding
The ultimate comfort dessert you’ll want to write love letters to.
Alright, let’s kick things off with the king of British puds—sticky toffee pudding. If you haven’t had it yet, you’re in for a ridiculously rich, gooey, saucy treat that will ruin all other desserts for you (in the best way possible).
The first time I had this was in Cartmel, a postcard-perfect village in the Lake District. I’d heard whispers that this place was the birthplace of sticky toffee pudding, so naturally, I had to investigate. The Cartmel Village Shop is tiny but legendary, and when I say their pudding was life-changing, I’m not exaggerating. It was warm, spongey, dripping with dark toffee sauce, and came with a scoop of ice cream that melted just enough to become one with the sauce. Absolute magic. I don’t think I spoke for a full five minutes—I was too busy making “Mmmph” noises and planning a return visit.
But if you’re not heading to the Lake District anytime soon, fear not—London’s got options too. One of my favourites is from Rules, which just so happens to be the oldest restaurant in the city (established in 1798—no big deal). Their sticky toffee pudding is rich, perfectly portioned, and makes you feel fancy just by being there. Like, “pass the port and call me Lord Puddingham” kind of fancy.
Where to Get It:
- Cartmel Village Shop, Cumbria – The original and still the best. You can also buy them online, but nothing beats having it in the village it was born in.
- Rules, London – Historic, charming, and a great excuse to pretend you’re in a Dickens novel with better desserts.
Pro tip: Always go for custard and ice cream if you can. Life’s too short to choose.
2. Treacle Tart
Golden, sticky, lemony magic in a pastry case.
Let’s clear something up right away: despite the name, treacle tart isn’t made with black treacle (aka molasses). It’s actually made with golden syrup, which is way lighter, sweeter, and a lot more appealing to dessert lovers who don’t want to feel like they’re chewing on a chemistry experiment.
So, what is it? Imagine a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a warm, gooey mix of golden syrup, breadcrumbs (yep, really), and lemon juice. The breadcrumbs give it that lovely texture, and the lemon cuts through the sweetness just enough so you don’t feel like you’re being smacked in the face with sugar. It’s sweet, but in a thoughtful, moreish kind of way.
I had my first slice of proper treacle tart at Honey & Co. in London. Now, these guys usually lean more into Middle Eastern flavours, but wow—they do a version of treacle tart that still stays true to the classic while giving it a little zingy, spiced twist. It’s like your nan’s baking, but with a fun, cool-aunt energy.
And if you’re after the more traditional route, head to The Ivy. They’ve got locations all over the UK, and their treacle tart is classic, nostalgic, and served with a generous scoop of clotted cream ice cream (which I didn’t know I needed in my life until that moment).
Oh, and fun fact—this dessert is also Harry Potter’s favourite, in case you needed another reason to try it.
Where to Get It:
- Honey & Co., London – A slightly modern take that still hits all the right notes.
- The Ivy, Various UK Locations – For that classic, no-fuss, creamy-dreamy version.
If you’re a lemon dessert person, you’re going to fall hard for this one. If you’re not… this might just convert you.
3. Eton Mess
A glorious mess you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Possibly with zero shame.
Okay, so picture this: crushed meringue, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries all swirled together into a creamy, crunchy, fruity mess. That’s Eton Mess—a dessert that looks like someone dropped a pavlova, panicked, and said, “Wait, no, actually this is genius.” And they’d be right.
Legend has it this dessert was first served at Eton College (yep, the super posh boys’ school where half of Britain’s prime ministers went), during a cricket match in the late 1800s. Apparently, someone sat on a pavlova or it got squished in a picnic basket—depends who you ask—and instead of tossing it, they mixed it all up and served it anyway. Honestly? Iconic.
The first time I had it was at Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond, and it felt like a romantic countryside picnic in dessert form. Their version is extra lush—super fresh berries, perfectly crisp meringue, and cream that’s so light you could probably use it as a pillow (not recommended, but you get the vibe).
What I love about Eton Mess is how unfussy it is. You don’t need precision or fancy plating—it’s supposed to look a bit wild. It’s summer in a bowl, and when strawberries are in season, nothing beats it.
Where to Get It:
- Petersham Nurseries Café, Richmond – Rustic, romantic, and basically what Instagram dreams are made of.
- The Orange, Pimlico (London) – This cosy gastropub serves a fabulous no-frills Eton Mess with seasonal berries. You’ll want seconds. Possibly thirds.
Pro tip: This is the perfect dessert to DIY at home with whatever fruit you’ve got lying around. Peaches, raspberries, blackberries—go wild.
4. Spotted Dick
Silly name, seriously good pudding.
Let’s get it out of the way: yes, the name sounds like a punchline. And yes, everyone snickers the first time they hear it. But once you get past the name (or embrace it—I fully support that), Spotted Dick is an absolute classic that deserves your respect and your spoon.
So what is it? It’s a traditional suet pudding—basically a dense, steamed sponge—studded with dried fruits (the “spots”) like currants or raisins. It’s usually served hot, drowned in custard, and it is the definition of comfort food. Think of it like a warm fruitcake’s cooler, more puddingy cousin who knows how to throw a winter dinner party.
The first time I tried it was at Simpson’s in the Strand, a super old-school British restaurant in central London that still carves roast beef on trolleys. I was half-expecting Spotted Dick to be heavy and bland—but nope. It was warm, lightly spiced, and the custard soaked into every bite like it had trained its whole life for that exact moment.
And here’s the thing: it’s one of those desserts that feels like a hug. It’s not trying to impress you with flair or dainty garnish. It’s just… good. Honest. British. Pudding.
If you’re up for trying it in a proper pub setting, head to The Laughing Gravy (yes, that’s really its name) in Southwark. They do a fantastic version, and the vibe is cosy and welcoming—like the dessert itself.
Where to Get It:
- Simpson’s in the Strand, London – For that historic, proper British experience. You’ll feel like you’ve time-travelled.
- The Laughing Gravy, Southwark – Cosy gastropub vibes, and their Spotted Dick is the warm hug you didn’t know you needed.
Warning: once you start eating it, you’ll stop caring about the name. Promise.
5. Bakewell Tart
Jam, almond, pastry, and a whole lot of joy.
Okay, Bakewell Tart is one of those desserts that sounds innocent and simple—but one bite in, and you’ll be like, “Why don’t I eat this every day of my life?” It’s that good.
So what’s in it? A shortcrust pastry base, a layer of raspberry jam, topped with almond frangipane (which is basically a fluffy almond cake), and finished with a little icing or flaked almonds on top. The combo of sweet jam and nutty almond is dangerously addictive. It’s a bake sale classic, a tea-time favourite, and honestly? It deserves a place in dessert royalty.
My first proper Bakewell experience was, unsurprisingly, in Bakewell—the actual town in the Peak District where the tart was born. I went to The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop (yep, that’s what it’s called), and let me tell you: this wasn’t just dessert. It was an event. They actually serve the Bakewell Pudding there too—which is like the tart’s older, gooier cousin—but the tart stole my heart. Buttery crust, slightly warm filling, just the right amount of jam. I may have bought a box. And eaten it. Solo. No regrets.
If you’re sticking to London, though, Melrose and Morgan in Primrose Hill do a posh little Bakewell Tart that’s all kinds of lovely. Their version is neat, elegant, and goes perfectly with a strong cup of English Breakfast tea.
Where to Get It:
- The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell (Peak District) – You have to try it here at least once. Bonus: the Peak District is stunning, so you can pretend you went for the nature.
- Melrose and Morgan, London – A fancier, more polished take on the classic. Great if you like your desserts as Instagrammable as they are tasty.
Hot tip: If you’re a fan of cherry Bakewells (those little iced ones with the cherry on top), just know they’re the supermarket cousin of the real thing. Still tasty, but very different vibes.
6. Trifle
Layers of sponge, jelly, custard, cream… and chaos.
If you’ve never had a proper British trifle, just imagine someone took all the best dessert elements—cake, fruit, jelly, custard, cream—and stacked them in a dish like they were trying to win an edible architecture competition. The result? A cold, creamy, slightly boozy dessert that shouldn’t work… but absolutely does.
At its best, trifle is rich and refreshing at the same time. You usually start with a layer of sponge cake soaked in sherry or fruit juice, then comes a layer of fruit jelly, topped with custard, and finished off with a massive swirl of whipped cream. Some versions also toss in fresh berries or even chocolate shavings if they’re feeling cheeky.
My first “wow” trifle moment was at St. John Restaurant in Clerkenwell, London. You’d think a place known for nose-to-tail cooking wouldn’t be big on dessert—but ohhh, their trifle is a revelation. Boozy, bold, not too sweet, and layered so neatly it almost felt rude to dig in. (Almost. I still did. Obviously.)
Another amazing spot for trifle? Pudding Club at The Three Ways House Hotel in Gloucestershire. Yes, that’s a real thing. A whole club. For puddings. They host themed nights dedicated entirely to classic British puds, and the trifle they serve is nostalgic, creamy perfection.
Trifle is also very British-family-Christmas, so it carries this lovely sense of tradition and nostalgia. But honestly, it deserves to be a year-round dessert.
Where to Get It:
- St. John Restaurant, Clerkenwell, London – Sophisticated trifle with the perfect boozy punch.
- The Pudding Club, Gloucestershire – The holy grail for traditional dessert lovers. Go hungry.
Pro tip: If you ever try to make it at home, don’t stress about the layers being perfect. Part of the charm is how messy and fun it gets once you scoop it out.
7. Rhubarb Crumble
Sweet. Tart. Crumbly. Basically dessert therapy in a bowl.
Alright, picture this: warm, slightly sour rhubarb bubbling away underneath a golden, buttery blanket of crumble topping. Then imagine spooning that into a bowl and drowning it in hot custard or cold cream (or both, because we are not here to mess around). That’s rhubarb crumble. It’s simple, nostalgic, and one of those desserts that just feels like home.
Rhubarb can be a bit divisive—some people are weirded out by the tartness, or the fact that it looks like pink celery. But hear me out: when it’s cooked with sugar and a touch of orange or vanilla, it transforms into this beautifully tangy-sweet filling that pairs perfectly with that crumbly topping.
My first unforgettable rhubarb crumble moment happened at a little countryside pub in Yorkshire called The Star Inn at Harome. I’d just come in from a windy walk, mildly soaked, and someone handed me a bowl of crumble so good I nearly cried. It was tart but balanced, the crumble had just the right crunch-to-butter ratio, and the custard came in a little jug that I did not share. 10/10 healing energy.
Back in London, you can’t go wrong with St. JOHN Bread and Wine in Spitalfields. Their seasonal crumbles (rhubarb included when it’s in season) are hearty, honest, and served with a confidence that says: “You don’t need anything else. Just this.” And you really don’t.
Where to Get It:
- The Star Inn at Harome, Yorkshire – Countryside crumble heaven. The pub is gorgeous and the desserts are next level.
- St. JOHN Bread and Wine, London – Comfort food done right, with no unnecessary frills—just good, honest crumble.
Hot tip: Best eaten with a spoon bigger than your mouth. Bonus points if you eat it in pyjamas while watching British telly.
8. Arctic Roll
Sponge. Ice cream. Jam. All rolled up like the coolest dessert burrito ever.
If you grew up in Britain, chances are the Arctic Roll was a staple in your nan’s freezer. And if you didn’t grow up here, well—welcome to one of the UK’s most charming retro treats.
Here’s the breakdown: it’s a layer of soft vanilla sponge cake, spread with raspberry jam, then wrapped around a thick core of vanilla ice cream, and frozen into a roll. That’s it. It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it tastes like childhood birthdays, school dinners, and 1980s dinner parties all in one bite.
I stumbled across Arctic Roll by accident at Gelupo, a little gelato shop in Soho that does creative ice cream twists—and they had this cheeky Arctic Roll-inspired gelato sandwich that was equal parts classic and cool. But if you want the real-deal, retro, straight-from-the-freezer experience, head to Fortnum & Mason. Yep—posh Arctic Roll is a thing. Their version is fancy, but still holds on to that fun, nostalgic vibe.
What’s great about Arctic Roll is it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s sweet. It’s a little silly. It makes you smile. And that’s kind of the whole point.
Where to Get It:
- Gelupo, Soho, London – For a modern, gelato-filled take that’ll make you feel fancy and fun.
- Fortnum & Mason, London – For a posher version of the classic. Best enjoyed after pretending you understand their tea menu.
Also worth noting: you can find boxed Arctic Rolls in most UK supermarkets (hello, Birds Eye classic!). It’s a great one to stock at home for emergency dessert moments—or just Tuesday nights.
9. Sticky Toffee Pudding
A warm hug disguised as a dessert.
If British desserts had a superstar, this would be it. Sticky Toffee Pudding is like the Michelin star of comfort food desserts: moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, smothered in a rich, buttery toffee sauce that’s basically liquid gold. It’s served warm, often with vanilla ice cream or custard, and every bite tastes like pure joy.
The first time I tried it was at The Black Swan in Yorkshire, a charming country pub that felt like stepping into a cozy storybook. The pudding was so soft and the sauce so decadently sticky that I pretty much forgot how to behave at the table and just dug in with my hands (kidding… mostly).
Sticky Toffee Pudding is the dessert equivalent of your favourite woolly jumper — warm, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings. It’s the kind of thing you order when you want to feel pampered but without any fuss.
Where to Get It:
- The Black Swan, Yorkshire – Rustic, hearty, and unforgettable.
- Rules Restaurant, London – London’s oldest restaurant serves a classic version that feels like a delicious history lesson.
Pro tip: Don’t be shy about ordering this after your main meal. Your dinner deserves a grand finale, and this pudding is it.
Why British Desserts Deserve a Spot on Your Sweet Radar
Alright, friend, if you’ve stuck with me this far, you’re officially on your way to becoming a British dessert connoisseur. Whether you’re already dreaming about diving face-first into a bowl of sticky toffee pudding or curious about trying that quirky Spotted Dick (don’t worry, it tastes better than it sounds), British desserts have so much more to offer than just nostalgia and funny names.
What I love about these desserts is how real and comforting they are. They don’t need fancy plating or weird ingredients to make an impact — just good, honest baking, a dash of tradition, and a whole lot of heart. And guess what? You can find them everywhere — from cosy country pubs to high-end London restaurants, and even in your local supermarket’s frozen aisle (hello, Arctic Roll).
If you’re planning to explore the UK (or just fancy a tasty challenge), make a mission of trying as many of these as you can. Start with a creamy treacle tart in a historic London café, chase it with some fresh Eton Mess in a countryside garden, and finish strong with a sticky toffee pudding that feels like a warm hug.
Trust me, your sweet tooth will thank you.
