Will You Marry Me? in Icing - The Bakewell Tart Becomes the New Engagement Season Ritual
Published On Friday 12 Sep 2025 by Sticky Beak
See Recent News Articles
More couples are choosing personal, creative proposals - and a 100-year-old Derbyshire bakery is at the heart of the trend.
As the UK approaches its peak engagement season - the festive weeks between Christmas Eve and Valentine’s Day - The Bakewell Tart Shop in the Peak District is encouraging romantics to swap roses for something far more original: a personalised iced Bakewell tart.
New data confirms that December remains the most popular month for proposals, with 17% of engagements taking place then, followed by February (12%) and August (11.5%). Research also reveals that around 35–40% of British engagements happen between December and February, with over a quarter occurring at Christmas.
At the same time, how couples choose to propose is changing. A recent UK survey found that more than half of couples now shop for engagement rings together, reflecting a cultural shift toward “quiet proposals” that favour intimacy and authenticity over grand public gestures. Other studies show that more than 50% of proposers now feel pressure to make the moment personal and unique, with creativity and meaning valued above spectacle.Against this backdrop, The Bakewell Tart Shop has already received orders for personalised “Will you marry me?” tarts - proof that Britain’s sweetest proposals can come in icing rather than roses.
Owner Duncan Kirk said:
“We’ve had personalised ‘Will you marry me?’ tarts ordered before, and it’s always a privilege knowing our bakes play a part in such special moments. Engagement season is the perfect time to celebrate love in a more personal, thoughtful way - and a Bakewell tart says it with a sweetness, nostalgia, and fun that flowers can’t match.”
The Bakewell Tart Shop, more than 100 years old, recently reopened following a summer refurbishment with a brighter café, refreshed interiors and modern touches such as a global visitors’ map. Located at 18 Matlock Street, Bakewell - the very site where Bakewell tarts are believed to have been sold commercially for the first time - the shop remains a much-loved heritage landmark.
For couples looking to propose in a unique way, personalised Bakewell tarts are available both online and in-store. Each 6-inch tart can feature a traditional romantic phrase or a custom message of up to 20 characters, including proposals. Orders can be placed via bakewelltarts.co.uk/shop for nationwide delivery or collected directly from the shop and café.
Lovingly made by skilled bakers, the tarts follow a closely guarded century-old recipe: a pastry shell filled with raspberry jam and a moist almond frangipane, topped with icing and a cherry. Unlike the more common cake-like versions, the Bakewell Tart Shop’s recipe is known today by only two people.
Couples are encouraged to join in by sharing their tart messages and proposal stories using #BakewellLoveNotes.
For more information and to order your own romantic or proposal Bakewell tart, visit bakewelltarts.co.uk.
| The Hide Opens Its Doors - Chatsworth Escapes introduces new affordable Peak District hotel Set in moorland on the edge of Chatsworth Estate, The Hide opens its doors this week, providing an affordable yet stylish base for those looking Read The Article | |
| Losehill House Stakes Its Claim As The Peak Districts Most Romantic Hotel This Engagement Season Engagement season - the time between late autumn and Valentine's Day when almost half of all proposals take place Read The Article | |
| Name Like Russo? Drinks are on the house at Derby Restaurant Football fever’s about to hit Derby - and one local restaurant is kicking things off in delicious fashion. On Tuesday, October 28, football history makers The Lionesses are heading to Read The Article | |
| Relaunch party marks expansion milestone for New Era Square success story Panenka Bar & Grill has just unveiled its brand-new look at a glitzy VIP launch party. Guests from the worlds of media, sport and entertainment raised a glass to Read The Article | |
| Every Pud Counts: Longbow Venues Donates £1 From Desserts To Local & National Charities Longbow Venues is highlighting the impact of its £1 dessert donation initiative, which turns every pudding served across its Peak District Read The Article | |
| Losehill House: Unique Luxury Peak District Hotel Marks 111 Years With Refreshed Branding Losehill House Hotel, a unique luxury four-star boutique retreat nestled in the heart of the Peak District's Hope Valley, is celebrating its 111th Read The Article | |
| Families Are Bringing Children To Fine Dining - And Losehill House Hotel Is Leading The Way Fine dining is no longer reserved for adults. Across the UK and overseas, chefs and restaurateurs are noticing the same shift: families Read The Article | |
| The Peak District's Spookiest Walk: Haunted Heritage at The Cupola this Halloween This Halloween, visitors are invited to step into the Peak District's darkest tales with eerie twilight walks through Stoney Middleton Read The Article | |
| Longbow Venues Launches 'My Longbow' App, Among The First Multi-Venue Loyalty Apps In Peak District Members earn points on food and drink, enjoy birthday bubbles, monthly treats and exclusive venue offers across Derbyshire Read The Article | |
| 12000 Steaks, Triple-Cooked Chips, and a 'Disgraceful' Amount of Butter Between them, two Derbyshire restaurants serve more than 12,000 steaks every year - and now, for the first time, their Executive Chef is lifting the lid Read The Article | |