This week, much of the world’s media is focused on Friday’s marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It is estimated that 600,000 tourists are in London this week to catch a glimpse of the festivities.
All of these travelers need to eat, so the impact that the increase in tourism will have on the London economy, including tea shops and bakeries, should be quite positive. However on the day of the wedding, a number of streets will be closed off for logistical purposes, and some store owners are debating about whether to open at all on that day because business is actually expected to be slow. So the economic impact of the royal wedding on local bakeries will be mixed and dependent somewhat on location.
Of course, enjoying a British baked good is not just limited to one country. British societies all around the world are having festivities to commemorate the nuptials. Some of the events are multi-day affairs involving more than just tea and crumpets – for a listing of events, click here.
One particular food that is getting a lot of attention right now is the McVitie’s brand Rich Tea Biscuits, which is a favorite among the Royal family. In fact, the groom’s cake is expected to be made with these cookies. A recipe for the cake is available online and as long as the chocolate is grain sweetened and tea biscuits are without cane sugar, is a “sensitive” food too!