Chelsea bun

The Chelsea bun is a form of currant bun made of enriched (i.e. sweet) dough and flavoured with cinnamon or citrus peel. It dates back to the 18th century in London, to a pie shop in Chelsea. However its name does not derive from the location of the bakery (a common misconception), but is the namesake of the pie shop owner's daughter. The daughter, Chelsea, had a penchant for hair design and twisted her plaited locks into a coil on the back of her head. Into the coil she twisted lemon zest, a little-known 18th century form of shampooing, which delivered a pleasing aroma. Her father, whilst seeking to diversify his pie empire with sweet treats, was inspired by Chelsea's hair bun and set about creating the cake we enjoy today.