Iconic British food to disappear from UK supermarkets forever

An iconic British dish is set to disappear after its maker confirmed it was discontinued. Officially referred to as Patum Peperium, Gentleman’s Relish is a spicy version of potted anchovies. It has been a kitchen cabinet staple for decades after it was created by John Osborn in 1828. Recently the production of the paste has been regulated by parent company AB World Foods, indicating that it no longer has wide enough appeal.

Gentleman’s Relish has been a favorite of famous Britons; these include Nigella Lawson, who listed it as one of 10 foods she couldn’t live without, and Jessica Mitford, who singled it out as a luxury item in a 1977 episode of her BBC radio program Desert Island Discs.

Earlier, early 19th-century naval hero Admiral Sir Sydney Smith said Patum Peperium was “the most delicious accompaniment to the breakfast table.” Victorian food writer Isabella Beeton recommended it. Home Management Book.

Ian Fleming, in the novel James Bond, For Your Eyes OnlyHe wrote that Mrs. Havelock was eating a Patum Peperium sandwich.

Evelyn Waugh, in her novel Vile BodiesHe described a lavish breakfast of “toast with hot butter and honey and gentleman’s delight and chocolate cake and cherry cake and seed cake and fruit cake and some tomato sandwiches and pepper and salt and currant bread and butter.”

AB World Foods told Spectator magazine: “After nearly 20 years as custodian of the Gentleman’s Relish brand, we can confirm that we no longer produce Patum Peperium.

“Whilst we recognize that this Victorian delicacy has a niche and loyal following, unfortunately it does not have wider commercial appeal and retailer distribution has declined despite our best efforts.

“We unfortunately ceased production at the beginning of this year due to Gentleman’s Relish being no longer commercially viable and unable to find a buyer for the brand.”