1990s

Gary Rhodes

The spiky-haired vanguard of New British Cuisine. Rhodes single-handedly made traditional British comfort food elegant, refined, and respected in fine dining. He took maligned national classics like bread and butter pudding, faggots, and braised oxtail, applying rigorous classical French techniques to elevate them to Michelin standards. His sharp television presence and fierce pride in national heritage redefined post-war British cooking identity.

Legacy

Elevated traditional British pub and comfort food into respected, Michelin-starred fine dining formats.


Glazed Traditional Bread and Butter Pudding

The classic British dessert elevated to absolute luxury with a rich, silky vanilla bean custard glaze.

Ingredients

  • 8 Slices of Good White Bread, crusts removed
  • 50g Butter, softened
  • 75g Sultanas or Currants
  • 300ml Heavy Double Cream
  • 300ml Whole Milk
  • 1 Vanilla Pod
  • 4 Large Egg Yolks
  • 75g Caster Sugar
  • Demerara Sugar (for glazing)

Method

  1. Butter the bread slices and cut diagonally into triangles. Layer overlapping inside a greased baking dish, scattering sultanas between layers.
  2. Scald the milk, double cream, and split vanilla pod in a saucepan. Remove from heat.
  3. Whisk egg yolks and caster sugar together in a bowl, then slowly pour the warm milk cream mixture over, whisking continuously.
  4. Strain custard over the bread layers and let sit for 30 minutes so the bread absorbs liquid like a sponge.
  5. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes until set. Dust heavily with demerara sugar and flash under a hot grill to caramelize the top.
Find more videos from Gary Rhodes on YouTube →

Book

Rhodes Around Britain


Back to all chefs