Spotlight on Ramsbottom - Lancashire Sauce

Reporter: Kevin Burke
Date online: 11 December 2010

A Ramsbottom condiment is making such a splash on dinner tables, the business behind it needs to invest in bigger premises.

Grandma Entwistle’s Lancashire Sauce is stocked in more than 300 stores globally and production is set to double next year, from around 30,000 bottles to 60,000 bottles, each containing 150mls of sauce.

So owner and sauce heir David Entwistle is set to invest in new premises in Haslingden.

“Over the last 5 years it has taken off really well.”

“The main thing for me is people coming back and telling me that they love the sauce. It’s not about the money, just seeing it in different shops.”

“I got the recipe from it being on the table at my mum and dad’s house,” he explained. “We used to use it every day.”

“I think it’s good for a lot of things. It compliments any food really well but especially Lancashire food.” And reviewers rave about using it on black pudding or chip-shop chips, two Lancashire staples.

Mr Entwistle was originally a mechanic in Accrington, but nine years ago decided on a career change. So, as he explained: “I set up this lovely shop in a lovely little town, and I haven’t touched a car since.”

Only Mr Entwistle and his son work in the factory, bottling the products, but they are planning to take someone else on in the New Year when they expand production. Their Ramsbottom premises will remain open.

Lancashire Sauce, described as a ‘condiment for everything’, is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

It is available from a large number of retailers, including Booths Supermarkets and Harvey Nicholls, and can also be bought online.