Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake
Have you ever wondered what links a little bar of pepperminty Kendal Mint Cake with some of the greatest adventures in the history of mountaineering?
From the fells of the Lake District to the summit of Mount Everest, Kendal Mint Cake has travelled a remarkable distance.
This simple combination of sugar, glucose, water and peppermint oil has been carried by walkers, climbers and explorers for more than a century — and it all began in the Cumbrian town of Kendal.
At a Glance
- What is Kendal Mint Cake? A traditional confection made from sugar, glucose, water and peppermint oil.
- Where is it made? Kendal, in the Lake District.
- When did it originate? Its origins are generally traced back to 1869.
- Who makes it? Romney’s, Quiggin’s and Wilson’s are the three best-known surviving names associated with Kendal Mint Cake.
- Why is it famous? It became closely associated with walkers, climbers and explorers.
- Did it go to Everest? Yes. Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake was included in the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition’s high-altitude rations.
- What does it taste like? It is very sweet, hard and intensely pepperminty — a little goes a long way!
- Is it still popular? Yes. It remains a traditional Lake District favourite and a popular souvenir for visitors.
A Sweet Moment on the Roof of the World
On 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest as members of the successful British expedition.
Among the supplies carried by the expedition was Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake.
Romney’s had produced 300 small bars specifically for the high-altitude ration packs, and Kendal’s famous confection became forever linked with one of the greatest achievements in mountaineering history.
So, when you unwrap a bar of Kendal Mint Cake today, you are holding a small piece of Lake District history that once travelled all the way to the top of the world.
More Than Just a Sweet
Kendal Mint Cake may look rather unassuming, but there is a good reason it became such a favourite with explorers.
It is lightweight, compact and extremely high in sugar, making it easy to carry in a rucksack and useful when extra energy was needed.
The intense peppermint flavour also gives it a distinctive freshness — although if you’ve never tried it before, the first bite can come as something of a shock!
For generations of walkers heading into the Lake District fells, Kendal Mint Cake has been part of the traditional outdoor experience.
Kendal’s Minty Legacy
The history of Kendal Mint Cake is a long one, and the confection has become inseparable from the town that gave it its name.
At one time, there were five major manufacturers in Kendal, along with several smaller producers.
Today, Romney’s, Quiggin’s and Wilson’s are the three best-known surviving names associated with Kendal Mint Cake.
Romney’s began producing Kendal Mint Cake in 1918 and continues to make it using traditional methods.
The company produces more than 100 tons a year and remains one of the most familiar names associated with this famous Cumbrian confection.
A Delicious Accident
The story of Kendal Mint Cake begins with a happy accident.
In 1869, Kendal confectioner Joseph Wiper is said to have been making clear mint sweets when a batch was left and became cloudy and solid.
Rather than throwing it away, the resulting confection was discovered to have its own distinctive character — and Kendal Mint Cake was born.
Whether every detail of the story is quite as simple as legend suggests, Kendal Mint Cake certainly became established as a distinctive local confection during the 19th century.
Its popularity grew well beyond Kendal as walkers, climbers and explorers discovered that the hard, compact sweet was easy to carry and provided a quick source of energy.
It became associated with some remarkable expeditions, including the successful ascent of Everest.
From Kendal to the Wider World
It is perhaps fitting that something created in a small Cumbrian town should have travelled so far.
Kendal Mint Cake has accompanied explorers to some of the world’s most remote places, but you don’t need to climb Everest to enjoy it!
Today, visitors to the Lake District can still buy a traditional bar in Kendal and elsewhere around Cumbria.
It has become as much a part of the area’s heritage as walking boots, rucksacks and maps.
And if the traditional version is a little too much for your sweet tooth, there are now other ways to enjoy the distinctive flavour.
English Lakes Ice Cream, for example, added Romney’s chocolate-coated Kendal Mint Cake to its luxury range in 2021
Exploring the Lake District from Grange-over-Sands
If you’re staying in Grange-over-Sands, Kendal is an easy place to visit during your Lake District holiday.
The journey takes you inland from the shores of Morecambe Bay towards this historic market town, where you can discover more about Kendal Mint Cake and perhaps pick up a bar to take home.
It makes a lovely addition to a day exploring the area. You could visit Kendal, enjoy a walk through the town, stop for lunch and then return to the quieter surroundings of Grange-over-Sands.
If you’re looking for holiday cottages in Grange-over-Sands, our cottage at Kents Bank makes a comfortable base for exploring Kendal, Cartmel, the southern Lake District and the beautiful shores of Morecambe Bay.
Try a Taste of Lake District History
Whether you’re a keen fell walker, a lover of traditional sweets or simply curious about the history of the Lake District, Kendal Mint Cake is well worth trying.
It may be a simple confection, but its story is anything but ordinary.
From a confectioner’s kitchen in Kendal to the summit of Mount Everest, this little bar of minty sweetness has earned its place in Lake District history.
If you are looking for a Lake District holiday cottage near Kendal ring: 07785944194 or enquire here.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is Kendal Mint Cake?
Kendal Mint Cake is a traditional confection from Kendal in Cumbria. It is made primarily from sugar, glucose, water and peppermint oil, producing a hard, intensely minty sweet.
2.) Why is Kendal Mint Cake famous?
It became famous because of its association with walkers, climbers and explorers. Most famously, Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake was carried by the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition.
3) Did Edmund Hillary eat Kendal Mint Cake on Mount Everest?
Yes. Romney’s records that Kendal Mint Cake was included in the expedition’s high-altitude rations and that it became a popular part of the climbers’ supplies during their successful attempt on Everest.
4) Who invented Kendal Mint Cake?
Joseph Wiper is widely credited with creating Kendal Mint Cake in 1869, supposedly after a batch of clear mint sweets went wrong and became cloudy and solid.
5) Why is it called Kendal Mint Cake?
It takes its name from Kendal, the historic market town in Cumbria where the confection became established and where it continues to be produced.
6) What is in Kendal Mint Cake?
The traditional recipe uses sugar, glucose, water and peppermint oil. Different manufacturers have their own methods, which means that individual brands can taste and feel slightly different.
7) Is Kendal Mint Cake good for walking?
Kendal Mint Cake has traditionally been popular with walkers because it is compact, easy to carry and provides a quick source of energy. It is best thought of as an old-fashioned high-energy sweet rather than a modern sports nutrition product.
8) Who makes Kendal Mint Cake today?
Romney’s, Quiggin’s and Wilson’s are the three names most closely associated with Kendal Mint Cake today. Romney’s and Quiggin’s continue to produce it in Kendal.
9) Is Kendal Mint Cake very minty?
Yes! It has a strong peppermint flavour and is considerably more intense than an ordinary mint sweet. If you’ve never tried it before, start with a small piece!
10) Where can I buy Kendal Mint Cake?
You can find Kendal Mint Cake in shops around Kendal and throughout the Lake District, including outdoor and camping shops. It also makes a popular traditional souvenir to take home after a visit to Cumbria.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 07785944194.
We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay.
Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on looking forward to your relaxing holiday in the Lake District.