Delia Smith writes: "This is one of the truly great English puddings, which has, sadly, fallen victim to the health lobby.
"Originally, a whole lemon was placed inside, along with butter, and when the pudding was opened, all the buttery juices spilled out, creating a 'pond' all around it. I have converted it to small individual puddings and it's still truly wonderful."
According to Wikipedia, the dish has also been served by Heston Blumenthal as part of his campaign to revive historic British foods. Wikipedia also informs us that it is first recorded in Hannah Woolley's 1672 book, The Queen–Like Closet.
Sussex Pond Pudding is also featured as one of the Lost Foods of England. And Guardian food writer Felicity Cloake wrote about it in 2018.
The Kentish Well Pudding is similar, but uses currants instead of a lemon.
© Haydn Thompson 2018