Gentleman’s Relish is toast after its maker axes the pungent anchovy spread

Falling sales end production of condiment created in 1828 – but London restaurant Simpson’s keeps it on the menu Fans of traditional British cuisine were heartbroken by news that Gentleman’s Relish was being discontinued by its manufacturer. But 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 almost identical to the real thing for the 198-year-old London restaurant. King, who has run famed establishments including the Ivy, the Wolseley and Le Caprice, told the Guardian: “We actually make our own, due to the difficulty in obtaining, so are able to continue to serve it.” Simpson’s, which offers traditional fare including spotted dick and roast beef carved on a silver trolley, serves the relish on toast for £6.50. A favourite condiment of the James Bond writer, Ian Fleming, it was created by John Osborn, an English grocer living in Paris. His mixture of anchovy fillets, rusk, butter and a secret selection of herbs and spices was launched in 1828, the same year Simpson’s opened. King, 71, said: “My chef found and adapted a classic Victorian recipe for patum peperium, whic