Almost 200 years after its first sale, the iconic British condiment Gentleman’s Relish has been discontinued. Known as Patum Peperium, a mock-Latin phrase that is said to mean ‘pepper paté’, this savoury paste was first created in 1828 by John Osborn and has long been considered a quintessential English delicacy.
The relish is made from anchovies, butter, herbs, and spices, and has maintained a cult following for centuries. Enthusiasts have traditionally spread it on toast or added it to recipes like cottage pie to give them a salty, slightly fishy kick. It even played a role in the James Bond series, with author Ian Fleming mentioning it in his novel For Your Eyes Only. The dish Scotch Woodcock, which features scrambled eggs and Gentleman’s Relish, was reportedly one of Fleming’s regular restaurant orders.
In 1934, food writer Ambrose Heath praised it as “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 called it “the most delicious breakfast-table accompaniment.” Despite such high praise, the condiment has struggled to maintain mass appeal in modern times.
AB World Foods, the company that has produced the spread for the past two decades, recently confirmed that it had been axed earlier this year. In a statement, the company explained: “While we recognize 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.”
Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with some calling out the decision in strong terms. One user, @MattCrivelli, wrote, “NOOOOO!!!!!!!!” while another, @bat020, commented, “Sorry to hear this, divine stuff. Will have to hunt down any remaining pots.” Supermarket shelves have since been mostly cleared by enthusiasts, and online listings now show prices for a 71g pot reaching up to £50 — far above the usual retail price of around £4.
Journalist Matthew Steeples launched a petition urging AB Foods to reverse its decision and “save this iconic product for future generations.” The campaign, which currently has 110 signatures, will need widespread support to succeed. However, the passionate demand from fans may convince a potential buyer that the product still holds value — and people are willing to pay for it.
“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 the official product no longer available, many have turned to creating homemade versions. Recipes often involve blending mashed anchovies with softened butter and adding a touch of lemon juice and spices such as cayenne, white pepper, mace, and nutmeg. For those preferring pre-made alternatives, Fortnum & Mason’s Anchovy Relish offers a close match, though it comes at a steep price of £18.95.
Other options include anchovy paste, commonly found in supermarkets near canned fish, which can be mixed with cream cheese to mimic the taste of Gentleman’s Relish. For those looking for a different approach, ingredients like miso paste, Marmite, or olive tapenade can provide a similar salty, savoury punch.
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