Our Story

Picture this… It’s 1720 and a lady known now only as ‘Mrs Clements’ discovered that mustard seeds could be ground like a flour to release their full flavour and create mustard powder. Now you may associate Norfolk with mustard, however, it was here on the cobbled streets of Durham where English Mustard was originally created.

This punchy creation was quickly in high demand and Mrs Clements blazed the trail of a female entrepreneur, virtually unheard of at this time. She travelled the country selling her mustard far and wide and became extremely successful. So much so, that King George I was so impressed, he patented it.

Mrs Clement’s monopoly did not last as other mustard makers began to spring up all over the country and by the 1800’s it is believed that Durham Mustard ended up in the hands of Colmans, and the Durham Mustard name was spoken no more.

Until 2023 when a collaboration between Taste Durham and Heritage Professional, Anya Kirkby set about bringing Durham Mustard back to the region and began testing recipes based on historic research. In 2024 Durham Mustard, as we know it, was launched.

Captivated by the story of this bold and brilliant entrepreneur and the origins of Durham Mustard, this is where I come in….

My name is Steph and I’m on a mission to tell the story far and wide, put Durham Mustard back on retail shelves and in kitchen cupboards and help to secure this incredible legacy for years to come. Wish me luck!

 And please come along with us on the journey…