THE original secret recipe for Grasmere Gingerbread® has a new home.
Within the last few days, Sarah Nelson’s hand-written formula for her world-famous 1854 culinary invention was moved from its traditional Ambleside bank vault.
“It is now in the Windermere branch of the NatWest bank,” revealed Joanne Hunter, co-owner of Grasmere Gingerbread®.
The bank’s decision to close its Ambleside branch – prompted by the public’s increasing use of mobile and online banking – forced the relocation.
“I did toy with the idea of having a look at it,” admitted Joanne.
“But in the end I decided against it. Whilst I’m naturally curious part of me likes not knowing, that I can still appreciate the air of mystery that surrounds it.”
Only husband Andrew, co-owner and head baker at the 163-year-old business, knows the recipe.
“When we took over the business in 2000 Andrew broke a wax seal to read Sarah Nelson’s handwritten recipe and method,” she revealed.
“He memorised it and then resealed the parchment with a new wax stamp. This is one secret I am quite happy for him to keep!”
The original recipe has been stored in Ambleside since the 1960s. Before then, it was kept in a secret location in the area.
Grasmere Gingerbread® is protected from poorer quality imitations by a modern trademark but Sarah Nelson’s evocative 1854 logo is still used on all packaging.
Sue Hart, Branch Manager at NatWest Windermere, said: “The recipe has a safe and secure new home and we look forward to building on our relationship with Grasmere Gingerbread now and into the future.”