Originating in America in the 1920s, whoopies are small sponge disks sandwiched with buttercream. Brakes' speciality bread and patisserie firm La Boulangerie has introduced them in chocolate and strawberry flavours.

"Brakes is the first foodservice firm to take whoopies to this market," said a spokeswoman for the supplier. "We are hoping they will be the next cupcake. They began appearing in Britain's chic bakeries in early 2010."

The whoopies are part of more than 40 Brakes 'dark nights' Christmas products, which were launched last month. The range of starters, main courses, desserts, buffet selections and accompaniments have an upmarket feel and emphasise sustainably sourced British food and seasonal ingredients.

The new starters are: Smoked Haddock and Spinach Pie; Smoked Mackerel Paté; Coriander, Chilli and Garlic Marinated Prawns and Potted Crab. For main courses, launches include Brakes British Cooked Stuffed Turkey; Brakes British Stuffed Chicken Thighs and Brakes Beef Wellington. New vegetarian platters include Brakes Roasted Root Vegetable Tatin and Brakes Dolcelatte & Pear Tart.