Acclaimed British actor and fervent food lover Richard E Grant has divulged his most deliciously eccentric Christmas tradition: an entire month dedicated to eating Christmas pudding, supported by a staggering stockpile of 27 puddings in his pantry.
In a wonderfully festive and revealing chat with renowned chef and food writer Clodagh McKenna, the Withnail & I star paints a picture of a holiday season steeped in culinary joy and nostalgic ritual.
A Festive Feast That Lasts A Month
For most of us, Christmas pudding is a treat reserved strictly for the 25th of December, perhaps with leftovers on Boxing Day. But for Richard E Grant, the festive season kicks off a full four weeks early. The actor confesses to embarking on his annual pudding pilgrimage from the first day of December, making the sweet, spiced dessert a daily indulgence right through to Christmas Day itself.
This isn't a mere spoonful each day. Grant describes enjoying it hot, cold, with brandy butter, custard, or even a simple dollop of clotted cream, ensuring no two days of pudding-eating are ever the same.
The Ultimate Pantry Stockpile
Such a dedicated tradition requires serious preparation. Grant revealed to McKenna that his commitment is backed by a formidable hoard of no fewer than 27 individual Christmas puddings, all stored in his larder, ready for deployment.
This impressive stockpile ensures he is never more than a moment away from his favourite festive treat, whether planning a solo moment of indulgence or an impromptu celebration with friends and family. It’s the ultimate insurance policy against any potential pudding shortage.
Nostalgia & The Taste Of Memory
The tradition, he explains, is deeply rooted in nostalgia and powerful sense memories from his childhood in Swaziland (now Eswatini). The specific flavour and aroma of the pudding instantly transport him back to Christmases past, making the ritual as much about emotional connection as it is about gastronomic pleasure.
His passion is so infectious that it inspired Clodagh McKenna to share her own perfected recipe, encouraging everyone to embrace the joy of homemade festive cooking and perhaps start a new tradition of their own.
This charming insight into Grant's festive habits offers a heartwarming glimpse into the simple, joyful rituals that define the holiday season for one of Britain's best-loved actors. It’s a story of celebration, memory, and an unapologetic love for the greatest of British Christmas desserts.
