Читать книгу The Taste of Britain - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - Страница 363

Chelsea buns have been known since the eighteenth century. Originally they were sold from a pastry cook’s shop known as the Bun House in Chelsea. David (1977) discusses the history of the buns and the Bun House, and speculates that the patronage of the royal family in the 1730s may have helped their popularity. Their earliest occurrence in literature is 1711, when Jonathan Swift reported buying one for a penny and finding that it was stale (OED).

The Chelsea bun as made at the Bun House was thought very light, rich and delicate in the early 1800s, but there is no record of what size or shape they were; it can only be assumed that they were the coils we now associate with them. The Bun House in Pimlico Road was demolished in 1839. Kirkland (1907) said that it was ‘a popular bun in English confectioners’ shops—but, it must be confessed, not so popular as it was at one time.’ Observations by Harris and Borella (c. 1900) show there were various grades baked, and that bakers did not view Chelsea buns with much regard, a situation which has continued through the century. They are to be found in many bakers’ shops and are generally rather large and filling.