The Banbury Cake is a pastry with a wonderful and rather exotic history, thought to have originated in the early 13th Century when crusaders from the east came to Banbury bringing dried fruit and spices.

Their popularity grew and by the 18th century they were being exported all over the world.

Traditionally Banbury Cakes are sold in packs of three, a custom thought to be in reference to the Holy Trinity.

Tim Bennett, the master baker at Palace Cuisine, bought the recipe from the last family who were producing them in Banbury and has since been selling them to local retail outlets, cafés and farmers markets where the feedback has been very positive.