"Made in Sheffield - Hendersons Relish" Top 5 Page for this destination Sheffield Local Custom Tip by suvanki

Hendo's or Hendersons Relish has been manufactured in Sheffield since its creation in the 1880's by Henry Henderson, to 'spice up' poor cuts of meat.
A Family run business, now headed by an ex Liverpool GP (through marriage), Dr Kenneth Freeman, who has had to 'roll his sleeves up' and learn the 'Secret Recipe' of this Elixir of Life. The factory has been at its present location 41 Leavygreave Rd Sheffield S3 7RD, since the early 1960's

Arriving in Sheffield in the late 1970's, I soon became aware of this tasty condiment, as its distinctive black glass bottle and orange label adorned every local shop, cafe, fish and chip shop and student accommodation. The labels haven't altered too much from their original hand drawn labels.

In 1993, Hendersons produced bottles with red and white (and blue and white) striped labels, to commemorate Sheffield United and the other team in the city playing in the FA Cup semi-finals - I'm afraid that I can't remember who won this Steel City Derby ;-)
These bottles are still available through their respective Club shops.

The bottle is no longer topped by its red sealing waxxed cork though.

The black bottle/orange label may look similar to another condiment - (better known, but not nearly as adored) Lea and Perrins' - Worcestershire Sauce (That's Wussturshire Sauce for any Americans)!

Hendo's scores points over L&P's though -It doesn't contain anchovies, so is suitable for Vegetarian and vegan diets.

The ingredients are ; Sheffield Water, sugar, spirit vinegar, caramel colouring, syrup, salt, Tamarinds, Cayenne Pepper, cloves, Saccharin and garlic oil.
Now, whether anyone other than the present owner and 'one other' knows the 'secret recipe' is unsure. Rumours abound regularly, that Hendos is closing due to the good doctors imminent retirement - which results in 'panic buying'

The small factory is closed to the public - except for the small 'front room' office/shop. Though from the pavement you can inhale lung fulls of the vinegary and spicy aroma - gratis.

(I'm sure that one of the reasons that Hendersons has such a loyal following 'From the cradle to the grave' is that it is located nearly opposite the old Jessops Hospital for Women - was the Relish scented air inhaled in a new borns first breath)????

The factory stands alone, and looks quite shabby. I visited the factory one rainy day last year to purchase T-Shirts for an ex-pat Hendersons fan living in Australia. I rang the bell and waited 'for ever' until I was finally let into the office/shop - bottles of Hendersons from over the years stood on a mantlepiece, while T-shirts were stacked in boxes strewn around the room - it wasn't quite what I'd been expecting, but then again, I liked the haphazardnesss, rather than a slick 'polished' operation.

I held out my card to pay for the shirts, but was told that it was cash only- I left 1960's Sheffield, stepped into the downpour, and back to 2011 as I negotiated the traffic and a nearby ATM, before returning. Ringing the bell again, I had as long a wait again, while rain dripped down my neck - I was beginning to wonder if the recipient of the gift wouldn't have preferred a soccer shirt, or if I should have queried if cash only was pre- decimal? when I was admitted back to the 'unswinging sixties' and made my purchase.
I had to buy another shirt later - this time I nipped into The Milennium Galleries.

Local celebrities extoll the virtues of Hendersons Relish -Singer/songwriter/musician/presenter/All Round Good Sheffield Bloke - Richard Hawley had specially printed 'Hendersons Relish' labels for his 'Lady's Bridge' tour - he'd previously used the iconic bottles in promoting his Coles Corner Album.
Sean Bean 'splashes it all over' and local legend has it that he purchased 2 gallons of Hendos, in response to the above retirement rumour.
Peter Stringfellow is another addict - It's often mentioned that the amount of Hendos he consumes is in proportion to the depth of his tan :-)

I tend to use it for adding flavour to stews and meat dishes, but many locals are reported to sprinkle it on their fried breakfasts or even fish and chips.

In the late 1990's as Sheffielders became more interested in dining out and eating good quality food, Hendersons decided to promote its Relish as a 'cooking ingredient rather than a garnish'
A cooking competition was arranged between Sheffield Chefs, and a book 'Recipes to Relish' was published containing the winning recipes, also anecdotes from Well known Sheffield fans of Hendersons. 50p from each book sold went to the Sheffield Childrens Hospital charity.

Hendersons Relish is becoming more popular outside the city bounderies - thanks to the internet, the factory has a mail order service for ex-pats.

It's iconic design has been recognised recently (or more likely its marketing value)- T-shirts and aprons bearing the bottle are sold from the factory (cash only) or other outlets including The Milennium Galleries Shop and The Sheffield Shop on Surrey Street

Local artists such as Joe Scarborough and George Cunningham have painted scenes depicting the brew, while more contemporary artists such as Kid Acne and Jim Connolly have limited edition prints of a different genre.

Made in Sheffield for over 100 years! Sheffields Best Kept Secret ...........Hendersons Relish!

Phone: 0114 272 5909
Website: http://www.hendersonsrelish.com/