The Original Maids of Honour

The Maid of Honour cake has been part of Richmond history for nearly 300 years. Although there are numerous legends about their origin, it is generally believed that Henry VIII was the first to use the name when he met Ann Boleyn and other Maids of Honour eating the cakes from a silver dish. It would appear that King Henry VIII was so delighted with the cakes that the recipe was kept secret and locked in an iron box in Richmond Palace.

The first Richmond Maids of Honour shop can be traced back to the early 18th century and it is here Robert Newens the present owner's great great grandfather served his apprenticeship. The cakes soon became a feature of taking tea in fashionable Richmond.

Everything is homemade on the premises using traditional methods to their own recipes.