‘Beloved’ British condiment discontinued after 200 years — with fans snapping up last jars

It was first invented in 1828 (Picture: Jeff Blackler/Shutterstock)

Almost 200 years after first going on sale, Gentleman’s Relish has been discontinued.

The savoury paste — also known as Patum Peperium (a mock-Latin phrasesupposed to mean ‘pepper paté’) — was first invented in 1828 by John Osborn, described as a ‘quintessential English delicacy’.

Made using anchovies, butter, herbs and spices, the product has remained a cult favourite for centuries, with fans spreading it on toast or adding a spoonful to recipes like cottage pie for a salty, slightly fishy flavour.

Scotch woodcock, a dish featuring scrambled eggs and Gentleman’s Relish, was said to one of James Bond author Ian Fleming’s regular restaurant orders — and he even mentioned the condiment in For Your Eyes Only.

In 1934, food writer Ambrose Heath called it ‘an admirable ending to a meal, like some unexpected witticism or amusing epigram at the close of a pleasant conversation,’ while Admiral Sir Sydney Smith described it as ‘the most delicious breakfast-table accompaniment’.

However, despite a devoted following, it seems this iconic British speciality has struggled to maintain mass appeal in modern times.

Gentleman’s Relish has remained a cult favourite (Picture:: Martin Lee/Shutterstock)

AB World Foods, which has manufactured the spread for the past two decades, recently confirmed it had been axed earlier this year.

In a statement, the company said: ‘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.’

Jars are now flying off shelves (Picture: Getty Images)

Fans shared their upset at the announcement on X, with @MattCrivelli writing, ‘NOOOOO!!!!!!!!’ and @bat020 adding: ‘Sorry to hear this, divine stuff. Will have to hunt down any remaining pots.’

He’s not the only one either; supermarket shelves have now been mostly emptied by enthusiasts, and listings have appeared online charging upwards of £50 for a 71g pot (which normally retails for around £4).

Journalist Matthew Steeples started a petition calling on AB Foods to reverse its decision and ‘save this iconic product for future generations.’

POLL

Poll

How do you feel about the discontinuation of Gentleman's Relish?

• It's a shame; it was a beloved British classic.Check

• I don't mind, as I never tried it or didn't like it.Check

• I'm curious to try making a homemade version.Check

Hey, foodies! Add us as a Preferred Source

At Metro Food, we're here to bring you all the latest foodie news, delicious recipes, restaurant reviews, and cooking tips. As a loyal reader and a part of our vibrant community, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories

Click the button below and tick ** Metro.co.uk** to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Add us as a Preferred Source

From the latest Walkers flavours to the secret McDonald's menu, Metro Food has it all

‘Gentleman’s Relish is a beloved staple in homes throughout the land,’ he said. ‘Its discontinuation by AB World Foods is more than just a loss of a culinary delight; it is yet another loss of a part of our culinary heritage.’

With 110 signatures at the time of writing, the campaign will need a wave of support if it’s to succeed.

Still, the fervour of those begging for their favourite toast topping’s return may just convince a prospective buyer that people only know what they’ve got after it’s gone — and will pay handsomely to get it back.

Some have resorted to making their own versions (Picture: madefordrink.com)

Gentleman’s Relish alternatives

Unable to get their hands on the official product, many have concocted recipes for homemade versions of Gentleman’s Relish, blending mashed anchovies with softened butter and a touch of lemon juice and spices like cayenne, white pepper, mace and nutmeg.

Fortnum & Mason’s Anchovy Relish is a close alternative if you prefer pre-made, packaged in the familiar ceramic jar as the original and with an almost identical ingredients list — but at £18.95, it doesn’t come cheap.

Otherwise, anchovy paste, available in most supermarkets, often in tubes near canned fish, may serve to scratch your Gentleman’s Relish itch mixed with some cream cheese.

And if all else fails, ingredients such as miso paste, Marmite, or olive tapenade provide a similar salty, savoury punch.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailingMetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source