Imagine a dessert so good that a king kept its recipe secret! Having tasted a Maids of Honour in Kew, I can tell you it’s a delicious mix of sweet and savoury, with a little royal gossip on the side!
You can still try one at Newens, one of London’s oldest tearooms, just a short walk from Kew Gardens. And the best part? The original recipe is still a closely guarded secret!
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON brings you to the Original Maids of Honour, the historic Kew tearoom behind Richmond's most famous tart!
The history of the Maids of Honour tart
Legend says Henry VIII walked in on Anne Boleyn and her maids of honour eating these little tarts from a silver dish at Richmond Palace.
He tried one, loved it, and took the recipe!
It was supposedly kept in a locked iron box inside the palace. One version even claims the maid who invented it was confined there, baking only for the King.
From Richmond Palace to the Kew Road
The secret finally reached a Richmond bakery in the early 18th century. That's where a young apprentice called Robert Newens learned to make them.
He later opened his own shop, and in 1850 his son Alfred opened a new one on the Kew Road. It's the exact spot where the tearoom stands today.
Rebuilt after the war
The original Victorian building was badly bombed during the Second World War. The Newens family rebuilt it afterwards, giving it the mock Tudor front you see now.
The family no longer runs it. Still, walking in, you get the feeling that very little has changed since the rebuild.
What's a Maids of Honour tart actually like?
It's a small puff pastry shell filled with creamy cheese curds. The texture is rich and almost custardy, with that unusual balance of sweet and salty.
I'll be honest: it may not be everyone's cup of tea. I really enjoyed it, though, and knowing the story behind it made each bite more fun!
Inside the Original Maids of Honour tearoom
What stayed with me most was the atmosphere. Vintage photographs line the walls, tea arrives on delicate porcelain, and the whole room feels like the 1930s never quite ended.
A small, cosy tearoom near Kew Gardens
The room is fairly small, so groups should definitely book ahead. That size is part of the charm, though.
A few tables sit by the windows, looking out onto the Kew Road or a pretty little garden. On a sunny day, that's the seat to ask for.
The staff are friendly and relaxed. It feels more like a neighbourhood tearoom than a tourist stop.
What's on the menu
Expect classic British food: quiches, pasties, pies, salads, sandwiches and cakes. Nothing fancy, but it's simple, generous and properly satisfying.
Save room for dessert, as the cake selection is huge. Confession: some of the other cakes looked and tasted as good as the famous tart!
Is the Original Maids of Honour worth visiting?
For me, yes! Tasting a recipe that's survived since Tudor times, in the same spot it's been baked since 1850, is a rare thing in London.
Pair it with a morning at Kew Gardens and you've got a lovely Sunday with family or friends. Just book your table in advance, especially at weekends.
I went for the history and left with a soft spot for this little tearoom!
Feeling inspired? If you're planning a visit to the Original Maids of Honour, I'd love to hear how it goes on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
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Everything you need to know about the Original Maids of Honour:
Address: 288 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3DU
Nearest station: Kew Gardens (District line and London Overground)
Prices: No entry fee. A Maids of Honour tart is £2.25 (online shop price; in-store may vary).
Opening hours: Every day, 9am–6pm
Booking: Recommended, especially for groups and afternoon tea
Phone: 020 8940 2752
Website: theoriginalmaidsofhonour.co.uk
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