Homemade Patum Peperium (Gentleman’s Relish) Recipe

A fabulous recipe for the discontinued and much-loved Homemade Patum Peperium (Gentleman’s Relish) Perfect on slices of hot buttered toast

Recipe for Homemade Patum Peperium (Gentleman’s Relish)

A few weeks ago, I heard some disturbing news, Patum Peperium also called Gentleman’s Relish, is to be discontinued. Sadly, it will not be made anymore.

I love Gentleman’s Relish, which is a pungent and spicy anchovy spread (paste) as does my husband, and my late father too.

I tried to order some online, but it had already sold out; I then remembered that I have made it in the past, when we lived in France, and I was unable to get any locally.

I even shared the recipe on a recipe site that I used to be a member of, RecipeZaar. And, it had some great reviews too, as I remember.

So, I trawled through my old recipe files and notes, and found my recipe for Patum Peperium (Gentleman’s Relish)

I’m not the only one who is sad at its demise, Jeremy King, who last month reopened Simpson’s in the Strand, has instructed his chef to create a version of the pungent anchovy-based condiment.

Having found my recipe, which I made and shared in 2012, I set about making a batch to fill all my vintage Gentleman’s Relish ceramic pots I’ve collected over the years.

AB World Foods, the company that made the spread, said in a statement:

“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.”

It’s such a shame, as yet another iconic and much-loved British brand has gone, such a Bath Olivers, a favourite biscuit of mine for cheese.

I’m now hoping that Geo Watkins continues to make and sell their mushroom ketchup, and anchovy sauce, two more of my favourites.

Anyway, back to my recipe for Homemade Patum Peperium (Gentleman’s Relish), which is shared below, and is very much like the original spread, as well as being easy to make.

Gentleman’s Relish is best served on hot buttered toast, white or brown bread is fine, and it must be spread sparingly, as it is quite pungent and salty.

Although my original recipe suggests using a mortar and pestle to pound the anchovies and butter, I used a small food processor last time.

I also added a few capers to a more piquant taste, which worked beautifully.

Don’t expect the spread to be as dark as the original recipe – I think it may becauses they heat the mixture before allowing it to cool.

Despite being paler, it is still a fabulous recipe and we now have enough of this relish to last a few weeks. Bliss!

I hope you enjoy this homemade version as much as we do, please do let me know in the comments below if you make it, Karen

More Dip, Spread and Paste Recipes

• Welsh Rarebit Cheese Spread
• Mini Cheese Scones with Creamy Peppadew Spread
• Copycat Heinz Sandwich Spread

• Cream Cheese & Cheddar Spread with Bacon and Herbs
• Three Cheese Spring Spread
• Cheese Savoury Sandwich Filling

Culinary Notes and News

• The recipe for Gentleman’s Relish has remained a secret since it was first invented by John Osborn in 1828 and no doubt some, whose taste buds recoil at this intensely salty blend of anchovies, butter, herbs and spices are happy for it to remain secret.
• However, it is wonderful spread on hot toast and added to scrambled eggs, as well as adding depth and a kick to savour sauces, stews and casseroles.
• John Osborn came up with the name patum peperium, which is mock-Latin for pepper pâté.
• News & History:
• A popular British condiment has been discontinued after nearly two centuries, but the decision may be reversed after fans have been begging for it to stay.
• Gentleman’s Relish is a traditional, salty and savoury Victorian-era spread made from anchovies, butter, herbs, and spices, typically used on toast or to elevate meats.
• It was first created in 1828 and later marketed to the public in 1849 when it was launched at the Paris Food Show.
• However, now it is set to disappear from shelves altogether, but fans of the condiment have issued a rallying cry to keep it around.
• AB World Foods ‘in early discussions’ to reverse decision to axe Gentleman’s Relish
• Following the outcry, the decision to discontinue Gentleman’s Relish may yet be reversed.
• AB World Foods has now said it may still be “taking the brand forward”,
• A spokesman said: “We have been blown away by the response from Gentleman’s Relish fans since we confirmed our decision to stop production. We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch”
• “Given this strength of feeling, we are pleased to say that we are at the early stages of exploring options with several third parties who have expressed an interest in taking the brand forward.”

Homemade Patum Peperium (Gentleman’s Relish) Recipe