Buxton Pudding Emporium

Museum in Buxton

The Buxton Pudding Emporium is one of the best places to visit in Buxton if you love local flavours, old recipes, and the cosy charm of independent food shops. While Bakewell may be famous for its tart, Buxton proudly champions its own signature creation: the rich, sticky Buxton Pudding, a gooey blend of custard, pastry, and jam dating back two centuries. Whether you try it in the Tasting Rooms or take a slice to enjoy in Pavilion Gardens, the experience feels wonderfully rooted in the town's culinary heritage.

The Emporium is more than a cake shop; it is a delightful world of handmade desserts and artisanal treats, tucked under one of the elegant arches of The Square, just moments from The Crescent. Its warm atmosphere and shelves packed with unique local products make it a highlight of any walking tour of Buxton, especially for travellers keen to taste the town's sweetest traditions.

History and Significance of Buxton Pudding Emporium
Things to See and Do in Buxton Pudding Emporium
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Buxton Pudding Emporium
Where to Stay close to Buxton Pudding Emporium
Is Buxton Pudding Emporium Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Buxton Pudding Emporium
Nearby Attractions to Buxton Pudding Emporium

History and Significance of Buxton Pudding Emporium

The Buxton Pudding Emporium celebrates a recipe that almost disappeared from local memory. The original Buxton Pudding dates back around 200 years, with its most famous appearance on a grand menu in 1868 during a dinner hosted for the Mayor of Derby. Served alongside Victorian delicacies such as Mock Turtle Soup and Tipsy Cake, the pudding became part of a curious yet cherished culinary heritage.

Revived in modern times, the recipe stays true to its indulgent roots: a sticky, comforting pastry filled with custard and fruit jam. The Emporium has helped revitalise this tradition, serving as the official home of the Original Buxton Pudding and drawing food enthusiasts eager to sample a taste of local history.

Housed inside a Grade II listed Victorian building at The Square, the Emporium’s setting adds another layer of significance. Its arches and period details are steeped in the spa-town elegance that defined Buxton’s Georgian and Victorian eras, making the shop a fitting place to celebrate an old-fashioned dessert.

Things to See and Do in Buxton Pudding Emporium

Sampling the Buxton Pudding is the first priority for most visitors, and rightly so. The Emporium offers slices fresh from the oven, as well as a lineup of other handmade cakes, puddings, and treats that showcase local baking at its best. You can enjoy your pudding in the cosy Tasting Rooms, but many visitors love carrying their portion outside to the Pavilion Gardens lawns for a scenic, leisurely snack.

Beyond sweets, the Emporium doubles as an artisanal pantry. Its shelves brim with speciality foods such as Abernethy Butter, black garlic ketchup, pickled samphire, and Sheffield Honey. These unique finds make perfect gifts, and the ready-made themed hampers are especially popular with visitors looking for something memorable to take home.

Just steps away is No. 6 The Square tearooms, famous for its generous Afternoon Tea. While tempting, combining both spots in one day can be overly indulgent-Buxton’s rich treats are best enjoyed slowly.

How to Get There

The Buxton Pudding Emporium is located beneath The Square, right in the centre of Buxton and only a short walk from The Crescent and Pavilion Gardens. Several public car parks are available nearby for visitors arriving by car.
Buxton railway station is a 10-12 minute walk away, making it easy to reach the shop by train. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Practical Tips on Visiting Buxton Pudding Emporium

Best time to visit Buxton Pudding Emporium: Late morning or mid-afternoon when the Tasting Rooms are quieter.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry; pay only for food or hampers.
Opening hours: Generally open daily during standard daytime hours; times may vary seasonally.
Official website: Visit the Buxton Pudding Emporium site for updated menus and gift options.
How long to spend: Around 20-40 minutes depending on whether you stop for a tasting.
Accessibility: The shop is situated at street level with accessible entry.
Facilities: Tasting Rooms, retail shelves, and nearby cafés.
Photography tip: Capture the arches of The Square outside for a lovely backdrop to your pudding.
Guided tours: No formal tours, but staff can explain the pudding’s history.
Nearby food options: No. 6 The Square, Pavilion Gardens cafés, and eateries throughout the town centre.

Where to Stay close to Buxton Pudding Emporium

For an elegant stay just steps away, Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel offers historic spa luxury in one of England’s most iconic buildings. Travellers preferring a boutique atmosphere will enjoy No6 The Square, perfectly placed opposite the gardens. For comfort and convenience, Premier Inn Buxton provides reliable accommodation within easy walking distance of Buxton’s main attractions.

Is Buxton Pudding Emporium Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Buxton Pudding Emporium is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you love discovering unique regional foods. The atmosphere is charming, the puddings are exceptional, and the selection of artisanal products turns a simple visit into a delightful foodie adventure. It's an essential stop for anyone exploring Buxton's culinary and cultural landscape.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (176)

Buxton Pudding Emporium at 12 Hardwick St, Buxton SK17 6BN is a small, neatly decorated shop known for warm scones, its signature Buxton pudding served with homemade custard, and a range of seasonal treats ideal for gifts; visitors praise friendly, attentive staff, considerate service (including alternative milk for drinks), interesting wall art, and a well-stocked unit, though some find certain menu items and coffee merely average.

obayed

2 months ago

"The scones were warm, fresh, and absolutely delicious — easily some of the best I’ve had! The service was equally impressive: attentive, friendly,and always with a smile. A lovely experience from start to finish!..."

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Johnathon Shenton

a month ago

"The buxton pudding is excellent, full of flavour and the texture is lovely. The crumbly pastry is light yet sweet and complements the raspberrypreserve perfectly. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the shop is well stocked for a small unit. It's certainly worth a visit if you're in the area...."

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Peter Hough

2 months ago

"Popped in for a coffee and had to try the famous Buxton pudding too! Delicious 🤤 We got one to share, served warm with homemade custard in a littlejug. Chai Latte was excellent too and accommodated oat milk. Small quirky setting with some very interesting artwork on the walls...."

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FAQs for Visiting Buxton Pudding Emporium

No booking is usually required, though weekends can be busier.

Yes, whole puddings and packaged slices are available for takeaway.

Some alternative treats may be available, but the Original Buxton Pudding contains gluten and dairy.

Yes, children are welcome and often enjoy the cakes and puddings.

Yes, a wide range of themed hampers and speciality foods are available.

Nearby Attractions to Buxton Pudding Emporium

Pavilion Gardens: Beautiful Victorian parklands perfect for a stroll or picnic.
The Crescent: Buxton's restored Georgian masterpiece and spa hotel.
St. Anne’s Well: Sample fresh mineral water from Buxton’s ancient springs.
Pump Room: Learn about the history of hydrotherapy and Buxton’s spa traditions.
Cavendish Arcade: Independent shops housed in the former Victorian thermal baths.

The Buxton Pudding Emporium appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Buxton!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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