Iconic British Condiment Gentleman's Relish Discontinued After Nearly Two Centuries
The manufacturer of Gentleman's Relish, the pungent anchovy-based spread that has been a staple of British cuisine since 1828, has announced it is discontinuing the product due to insufficient commercial demand. AB World Foods confirmed production ceased earlier this year after determining the Victorian-era condiment lacked wider market appeal despite its niche following.
London Restaurant Preserves Culinary Heritage with Homemade Version
While the commercial product disappears from shelves, London's historic Simpson's in the Strand restaurant has taken matters into its own kitchen. Proprietor Jeremy King, who recently reopened the 198-year-old establishment, revealed his chef has developed a homemade version of the relish that closely mimics the original.
"We actually make our own due to the difficulty in obtaining the commercial product, so we are able to continue serving it," said King, who has operated renowned London restaurants including the Ivy and the Wolseley. "My chef found and adapted a classic Victorian recipe for patum peperium, which is its proper name. It is similar to mass-produced versions, but dare I say, I prefer it."
A Condiment with Royal Literary Pedigree and Celebrity Endorsement
Created in 1828 by English grocer John Osborn while living in Paris, Gentleman's Relish combines anchovy fillets, rusk, butter, and secret herbs and spices. The product earned its mock-Latin name "patum peperium" (pepper pâté) from its creator and became a favorite of James Bond author Ian Fleming.
Celebrity cook Nigella Lawson, who once listed Gentleman's Relish among ten foods she couldn't live without, expressed her devotion to the spread. "I love Gentleman's Relish on generously buttered toast. I think of it as the savoury version of cinnamon toast, and it is just as comforting," said Lawson, adding she would now prepare homemade versions using anchovies and butter.
Simpson's Traditional Menu Features the Relish at Premium Price
At Simpson's in the Strand, which serves traditional British fare including spotted dick and silver-trolley-carved roast beef, the homemade Gentleman's Relish appears on toast for £6.50. King noted the item has become a menu favorite, with some customers reportedly ordering it "with tears in their eyes" following news of the commercial product's discontinuation.
While King expressed interest in selling the homemade relish as a takeaway product, he cited health and safety packaging requirements as prohibitive barriers. Meanwhile, upscale London grocer Fortnum & Mason continues producing its own version priced at £14.95 in distinctive Tiffany blue packaging, described as containing "a whole armada of anchovy" enhanced with dill, garlic, and Sarawak pepper.
Manufacturer Cites Declining Retail Distribution Despite Loyal Following
In an official statement, AB World Foods explained the difficult decision: "While we recognise that this Victorian relish has a niche and loyal following, it sadly does not have wider commercial appeal and, despite our best efforts, retailer distribution has dwindled. With Gentleman's Relish no longer commercially viable and unable to secure a buyer for the brand, we regrettably stopped production earlier this year."
The discontinuation marks the end of 196 years of continuous production for a product that survived two world wars and numerous culinary trends, yet ultimately succumbed to changing consumer preferences and market realities in the 21st century.
