A West Sussex Pub’s Enduring Christmas Pudding Tradition

The Spread Eagle in Midhurst, West Sussex, an inn established in 1430, presents an unusual spectacle: Christmas puddings suspended from its ceiling. This distinctive custom has been maintained for over a century. Chef Martin Hadden noted that the oldest pudding currently hanging dates back to 1954. Each guest staying at the Spread Eagle on Christmas Eve is still given a homemade pudding as a gift. Martin explained the tradition: “They can either take it home with them, or they can write their name on it and date it, and hang it on the ceiling, and then on their return the following year we take it down and steam it for them.” These Christmas puddings are displayed in the pub’s Cromwell Room, named after Oliver Cromwell, who became Lord Protector in 1653 and served as Britain’s first and only non-Royal head of state. “History says that he hid here at the Spread Eagle for a period of time,” Martin recounted. Cromwell, a Puritan, believed Christmas should be a time for celebrating Jesus’ life rather than for indulgence. He has been accused of banning Christmas, including Christmas puddings, although some historians dispute this claim. The Christmas pudding itself originated in the 14th Century, initially resembling a porridge made with meat, root vegetables, and dried fruit, then thickened with breadcrumbs. It was not until Victorian times that the pudding evolved into a form similar to those consumed today. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.