Meet The Maker x Mclaren's Pudding

McLaren's Christmas Pudding story began back in 2004. How did the brand first come to life, and what has it meant to share your puddings with visitors at the Spirit of Christmas Fair over the years?

Firstly, thank you for including us in your feature. Sandra (Mum) was always looking to earn some extra money to pay for music lessons/summer holiday for us 4 kids so she began making “Supa-Dupa Soups” and selling them at the London Farmers Markets at the weekend in the late 90s. At Christmas time she made batches of her Christmas pud on the Aga and added these to her table. Customers requested them every year and so McLaren’s Christmas Pudding emerged. (I guess she could have called them “Supa-Dupa Puds” come to think about it? hmm) Anyway, she also got offered a seasonal stand at Borough Market in 2004, which we have to this day and they became even more popular. We were also invited shortly afterwards to join Spirit of Christmas and 15 years or more later, the show remains one of our most important shows. Sandra is always there for the week and loves to meet all the loyal customers many of whom have become her friends.

McLaren's Christmas Puddings are famous for their rich, traditional recipe. What continues to inspire your commitment to artisanal baking, and how do you ensure that same high quality year after year?

Being a small producer selling directly to our customers at the markets and online allows us to maintain healthy margins which also means we can afford to purchase the best quality ingredients and put more of them in the pud! For example, unlike other puds, which use suet, oils to bulk out the mixture - we don’t. Ours is made with pure butter making it melt in your mouth. It is so important we choose the right tasting fruits every year - it must be sweet with that fruit burst sensation. We’ve all bought an underwhelming orange on the fly - so we make sure that doesn’t happen.

As we transition into autumn and start planning for the festive season, which McLaren's product or pudding size is your go-to for creating an inviting, atmosphere at home or for hosting?

We have puds which cater for 1 all the way up to 10 depending on your Christmas dinner plans. We have pre-steamed them all so just warm them up in a steamer or app them in the ding machine if you are pushed for time. The butter content makes the process quick and easy!

A delicious, handcrafted pudding is such a thoughtful gift or centrepiece. What makes a McLaren's Christmas Pudding the ultimate festive treat to enjoy on Christmas Day?

Dim the lights and light the candles, warm up some brandy in a ladle, set the ladle alight and pour the flaming liquid over the hot pud. Everyone has their favourite accompaniment. Ours is double cream whipped together with Baileys Irish cream. 

Be sure to check out McLaren's Christmas Pudding this year at our 25th year anniversary Spirit of Christmas Fair! They'll be located stand: FD07 at the Grand Hall!

Book your tickets here!