A love letter to Nottingham's greatest invention - HP Sauce: The Kate Moss of condiments

HP Sauce is as iconically British as phone boxes, Dr Who, Harry Potter and Kate Moss
By Abigail Rabbett
Published 29th Jan 2024, 11:30 GMT
Updated 29th Jan 2024, 13:46 GMT
Just two British icons doing iconic British thingsJust two British icons doing iconic British things
Just two British icons doing iconic British things

Nottingham has given the world some sensational things from Raleigh bicycles to ibuprofen - but the greatest invention of all has to be HP Sauce.

While the topic of whether to have brown sauce or tomato ketchup on a bacon sandwich might be a divisive one, there is very little argument over which brand of brown sauce is best.

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There might be a very select group out there who say Daddies rules the roost when it comes to brown breakfast condiments but we're saying there's just no way it beats Nottingham's finest.

READ MORE: Your Nottingham

The iconic brown sauce has been a mainstay in UK homes for more than 100 years. The legendary sauce was invented here in Nottingham by grocer Frederick Gibson Garton, who had a small shop on Milton Street.

Are you a HP sauce or Heinz Ketchup person? Are you a HP sauce or Heinz Ketchup person?
Are you a HP sauce or Heinz Ketchup person?

The cash-strapped grocer would go on to sell the recipe for just £150, which is wild considering a bottle today costs at least £2.30.

We like to think of HP as the Kate Moss of condiments because much like the famous supermodel it too has the London look. A stylish glass bottle embellished with the Houses of Parliament - the only thing more typically British, are Kate's iconic Glastonbury outfits.

Kate Moss and Pete Doherty walk backstage on the second day of the Glastonbury Music Festival 2005Kate Moss and Pete Doherty walk backstage on the second day of the Glastonbury Music Festival 2005
Kate Moss and Pete Doherty walk backstage on the second day of the Glastonbury Music Festival 2005
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There are many ways this sauce can be enjoyed - with a Full English breakfast, in a cheese toastie, or my preferred way on its own in a sandwich. Simply take a slice of white bread (preferably Hovis thick white sliced) and smother one side with HP sauce. Don’t be tempted to add butter; it takes away from the flavour. Then fold the bread in half to create a sandwich. Consume while standing up in the kitchen, ideally while reading a trashy magazine.

I have been devouring these since I was a teenager. In fact, I consider them to be my ultimate comfort food. I’ve experimented with other sauces, I even went through a Daddies phase for a while (take from that what you will) but I always, always come home to HP.

And it seems HP Sauce is a hit across the pond too, or at least that’s what the reviews on influenster would have you believe.

Workers and supporters from Birmingham's HP Sauce company march outside the factory against closure on June 3, 2006,Workers and supporters from Birmingham's HP Sauce company march outside the factory against closure on June 3, 2006,
Workers and supporters from Birmingham's HP Sauce company march outside the factory against closure on June 3, 2006,

Sheila P wrote: “A more perfect sauce is hard to find. Perfect for bacon and eggs or anything at all. So fruity & spicy and just delicious.”

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And Lisa B said: “Love this original British [sauce]. I'll eat it with an egg, with toasted bread, Italian pasta, sausages.”

Katelyn L commented: “I bought this at an Irish/British store and am hooked. It tastes like A1 Sauce with molasses and vinegar. Delicious on bacon sandwiches and sausage! Rather pricey to get in the US though.”

I could ramble on for another 500 words about why HP sauce is the greatest thing since (and to put on) sliced bread but I think you already know.

So I'll leave you with the (slightly altered for entertainment purposes) words of Kate Moss: "Nothing tastes as good as HP feels." ICONIC.

Related topics:TeenagerNottinghamLondonParliamentHovis