The What, When and Where around Banbury
What better way to begin English Tourism Week in Banbury than with something Banbury has been famous for for centuries: the Banbury Cake.
At first glance, it is just a pastry – an oval parcel of flaky pastry filled with currants and spice. But Banbury cakes have a surprisingly long-standing story.
The oldest printed recipe for Banbury cakes was published by Gervase Markham in his book The English Huswife, first published in 1615. (Pictures below) It was quite a popular title in its day (a bestseller of its time, going through nine editions and at least two other reprints by 1683). Whether that was down to the popularity of the Banbury cake recipe, we cannot say.
Now, Banbury was known to be a stronghold of strict Puritans so it was only a matter of time before the Puritan authorities frowned officially on Banbury cakes (along with many festive foods associated with saints’ days). Despite that, the cakes endured. I suppose giving them an air of the forbidden just made them even more popular. Happens all the time, doesn’t it?
By the 18th and 19th centuries, they’d become one of Banbury’s best-known exports. Those passing through the town carried them away, and they were shipped far and wide – Australia, the East Indies and America just to name a few. What made them so good for long haul shipping? Their high sugar and spice content.
There is even a long-standing story that Queen Victoria enjoyed Banbury cakes and was given a supply every summer.
They are sometimes mistaken for Eccles cake but Banbury cakes are flatter and more oval, with a filling that often carries a sharper hit of spice and lemon peel.
There were two shops in Banbury most closely associated with the cakes over the years – The Original Cake Shop, located at 12 Parsons Street and Betts’ Cake Shop at 85 High Street. Four hundred years later, Banbury Cakes are still part of the town’s identity – and a rather tasty piece of local history and – with my marketing hat on – impressive brand longevity.
Not bad for something that began as a small local pastry.
So, the question of the day is: Have you ever actually tried a Banbury Cake? What did you think?
It may not be the Oscars but there’s been a lot of awards won around town lately –
First the 2025/26 Good Food Award winners were announced on November 10, two of my favourites here in Banbury won many well-deserved kudos.
And then The 9th Annual Food Awards England came out and both Pizza Calzone and Reg’s won praise once more!
And in the wider Banbury visitor landscape, Hook Norton Brewery was one of the winners at the VisitEngland Attractions Accolade Awards. They were awarded the VisitEngland Hidden Gem Accolade, which means it is being officially recognised as a top-tier visitor attraction.
This is especially effective when quoted while standing in front of 46 Parsons Street, which back in the day – way back – was the Shakespeare Inn. See, there he is still about Shelia’s Sweets, ready to greet all visitors.)
Banbury is, as you may know, associated with Banbury cake but one can’t live by cake alone (believe me, I’ve tried and it just cannot be done long-term). Enter the Bard and behold – Banbury Cheese!
Continue reading “Talk Like Shakespeare Day, Banbury-Style”
Last held in 2019, interrupted by pandemic safety guidelines and much longed for by local residents and traders alike – Banbury’s annual food festival returned this weekend with something to delight everyone.
Continue reading “The Yum Returns: Banbury Food & Drink Festival 2022”
Now, I don’t normally do review round-ups, but I was leaving reviews on Google and TripAdvisor today* and figured they were worth mentioning. So, a few of my favourite places to go when I get peckish in Banbury.
Smash Cow Burgers (Lock29) – I speak with some considerable experience of burgers across many lands, including JG Melons in Manhattan, one of the greatest burgers of all time. And I say this to you – Smash Cow burgers are right up there in my top 5. They are – if I am honest – in my top 3. Exceptional burgers are, sadly a rarity in the world. Most hit the OK mark. Some are so focused on toppings that you begin to wonder if they aren’t just a wee bit unsure about how their key element – the patty – tastes.
Even more rare than exceptional burgers are exceptional burgers AND exceptional chips. Smash Cow manages both and I could not be happier to have it practically on my doorstep.
Pizza Calzone, (Parsons Street) – You know the expression, even bad pizza is pretty good? There is some truth to that. But it’s irrelevant when talking about Pizza Calzone because the pizza is top notch. And the calzone (which is essentially a pizza folded on to itself) is equally delicious. I am a particular fan of the mushroom and chicken options (or as they say pollo e fungi). On occasion, when I am not in the pizza mood (rare but not unknown), I have ordered a pasta dish or risotto. All well prepared and delicious – and in considerable portions. But the pizza is where things really shine so when in the mood – that’s where to go.
That said, I am also a fan of Jammin’ Pizza (Lock29). There’s something delightful about a personal size pizza, freshly made and enjoyed sitting out by the canal.
Banbury breakfasts for the win: I was going to do a while post about local breakfast/brunch options and I still may but I can’t leave them out of this entirely – because there are so many good ones these days.
Pinto Lounge (High Street) – has been moving up our breakfast rankings as well since the end of lock down. It was OK before, but they’ve raised their breakfast game and Lounge Eggs is one of the best ways to start the day. I would say – go earlier rather than later in the morning. It’s quite a popular place and when things get busy, eggs that should be runny can get a tad overcooked. Oh – and their iced coffee is divine.
Reg’s Cafe (Thorpe Way or Church Lane) has been one of our go-to weekend breakfast spots for a while now so we were pleased to see it open in town centre where even more people can enjoy their very substantial breakfast.
Van Jordans (Horse Fair) was our most recent breakfast discover and we’re here regularly now. Let’s get this out of the way first – their potato hash is the best breakfast side in town. I would almost go just for that. But they also have superb bacon (good in the full breakfast and even better in the bacon egg sandwich), really nice sausages and – GLORIANA – properly seasoned mushrooms.
Now I’m sort of peckish all over again. More coming soon. Post snack.
* if you want to help support indies near you – consider doing the same on a regular basis. People who are unhappy always leave reviews while at the same time people who are happy often forget so its easy for things to come across as unbalanced. If you had a great meal or a good customer service experience, why not take a minute or two to help balance things out.