Our Story

Hi, I’m Anya Kirkby and I am the owner of Durham Mustard. Having studied agriculture at university, I previously worked at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North (whilst completing a masters degree in museum studies).

While at Beamish I worked in the retail team researching and developing products based on the region’s history, which combined with my background in agriculture, has brought me to this point – bringing Durham Mustard back to the region!

England’s first smooth dry mustard was developed by Mrs Clements of Durham in 1720. You may associate Norfolk with mustard however it was here in Durham where dry mustard powder was originally created.

At the time County Durham grew a lot of mustard plants, unfortunately Mrs Clement’s monopoly did not last long as more producers began to spring up all over the country during the 1700s.

Researching more about Mrs Clements and Durham Mustard I was inspired to bring the story back to the region and set about trialing and testing recipes based on historic research.

I have just launched ‘Durham Mustard’ and I am now looking to sell my handmade mustard to shops, accommodation providers, food producers and restaurants across County Durham. I could not have done this without the support of Taste Durham which showcases and celebrates the county’s food and drink and encourages people who live here, and those who are visiting, to sample the best we have on offer.

If you’d like to find out more about how we could work together (including stocking or using Durham Mustard in your business, or a talk about the history of mustard and my new business) please get in touch!