1. Beckleberry's - £3.50 (for box of 2)
With its sprinkling of almonds, this award-winning "Geordie" tart from Newcastle fooled some as a Bakewell. Actually, it's a heavy, sweet and delicious lemon delight.
0191-414 1180; www.beckleberrys.co.uk
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2. Daylesford Organic - £24 (serves 8)
Made fromorganic dark chocolate folded into a light zabaglione, the filling has a subtle bitter edge, while the firm pastry keeps it intact during the brief journey from table to mouth.
0800 083 1233
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3. Popina - £11.50 (serves 6)
Yes, yes, you don’t like gooseberries, but you really must try a slice of this delectable number. With only a hint of sharpness, the delicate fruits sit in organic custard. Serve with cream.
020-3212 0110; www.popina.co.uk
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4. Forman and Field - £24.95 (serves 14)
An award-winning French fancy, made by top pastry chef Michael Nadell. Easily the best of the lemon tarts, with its smooth, zesty custard filling, and perfect pastry.
020-8525 2352; www.formanandfield.com
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5. Popina - £4.99 (box of 4)
Offering a modern twist on some classic recipes, these four “starlets” include an indulgent white chocolate and mocha one and, my favourite, a lemon and poppy seed treat.
020-3212 0110; www.popina.co.uk
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6. Sainsbury’s - £1.99 (box of 2)
The crunchy pecans might not be artfully arranged in this mini tart, but who cares when they’re set in sticky, unapologetically rich maple caramel – youwon’t look at them for long.
0800 636 262; www.sainsburys.co.uk
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7. Duchy Originals - £4.39 (serves 4)
Treacle tart purists sniffed at this award-winning incarnation from Duchy, but for some the hint of lemon was the perfect foil for the rich filling, making it all too easy to scoff.
www.ocado.com
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8. Carluccio’s - £17 (serves 10)
This textbook Italian tart is a perfectly balanced confection, with slices of plum set in splendidly succulent pastry. Not too sweet and with coconut overtones, it’s perfect for a picnic.
www.carluccios.com
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9. Daylesford Organic - £24 (serves 8)
Studded with rhubarb from the maker’s Gloucestershire farm, this tantalising treat has a frangipane (posh custard with almonds) filling and a fine sweet pastry case.
0800 083 1233
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10. Marks & Spencer - £4.99 (serves 6)
Almost all the supermarkets do a posh choc number, but this one from M&S was top of the tarts thanks to its crisp all-butter pastry and generous filling of glazed chocolate cream.
0845 302 1234
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20 May 2008, Chosen by Simon Usborne
