OUR STORY

The Victorian pharmacist was not just a “Chymist and Druggist” but, as an apothecary, would turn his skill and knowledge to inventing household, veterinary, toiletries and culinary recipes using the ingredients available.

In the 1800's, Philadelphus Jeyes invented, produced and sold his medications, remedies and healthy culinary delights across town and country, closely guarding his handwritten recipes from prying eyes. Using the same pestle and mortar for grinding drugs, he created sauces, relishes, catsups with herbs, spices and vinegars.

Philadelphus I was the great, great grandfather and direct ancestor of David Jeyes, both having worked at 6 The Drapery Northampton - Philadelphus in 1818, being apprentice to John Perrin, and David as a pharmacy student in the 1960’s.

In the early days of lockdown, The Jeyes Family made a special discovery in their heritage archives. In an old tin cabinet in a well-thumbed pocketbook, was the original recipe for Jeyes's Northamptonshire Sauce. Teaming up with Steve Reid from Friars Farm, Jeyes’s Northamptonshire Sauce was re-created and launched at Jeyes of Earls Barton in October 2020.

In November 2020 we published a charity cookbook 'A Taste of Jeyes's Northamptonshire Sauce - Recipes, Tips & Tales' with the help of sauce-loving celebrities, award-winning local chefs, family and friends. The sauce has been sent near and far and in July 2021, Jeyes's Northamptonshire Sauce was awarded GOLD Artisan Product of The Year at The Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards.

The history of the sauce is now well-known and well- loved, used in many households and pubs across the county. 2022 is set to be Jeyes's biggest adventure as the Jeyes family and their story will feature on a new Channel 4 series 'Aldi's Next Big Thing'. Who knows where the saucy journey will end but for now...we are just enjoying the ride!