Has anybody noticed that Cunninghams Piccalilli is not the same as it used to be. It used to be full of large chunks of cauliflower, onions etc. Now it just seems like thin slop! Its the second jar I've bought like this, shan't be buying any more.
:gag:

Johnh,
Come to think of it, yes, you are absolutely right here. As a Sheffield ex-pat living in Southport, I bought some from the town centre's Sainsburys store a few weeks ago. It was very disappointing indeed, and nothing like the delicious stuff I would ladle onto cheese sandwiches when we lived in Sheffield [left in 91]. Cunninghams seem to have 'gone down the nick'...

Originally posted by timo
Johnh,
Come to think of it, yes, you are absolutely right here. As a Sheffield ex-pat living in Southport, I bought some from the town centre's Sainsburys store a few weeks ago. It was very disappointing indeed, and nothing like the delicious stuff I would ladle onto cheese sandwiches when we lived in Sheffield [left in 91]. Cunninghams seem to have 'gone down the nick'...
I do hope Cunninghams take notice of these comments. Seems a shame that such a good product should come to this. The alternatives are as good if not better!
Don't know of a Cunninghams website, or I'd email them direct.

I feel the same but I find that other piccalillis are much much worse.

I guess thats why i'm still buying Cunninghams, lesser of two evils.

Wilf

piccalilli...................




urghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh:gag:

Originally posted by LoopyLou
piccalilli...................




urghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh:gag:

Obviously you've tasted it then?

Haywards Original is quite chunky...:thumbsup:

Originally posted by Joanl
Haywards Original is quite chunky...:thumbsup:
Thanks Joan must give it a try!

Cunninghams was taken over by new owners a few years ago (I think to save it from closing down) they then had to move away from their old premises on Queens Rd (what an eye opener that place was) so the pickles and such like have probably been made "new and improved" and like a lot of traditional products new means :gag:

I understood that the vegetables were cut smaller so that they would be easier to put into a sandwich.

Originally posted by scout
I understood that the vegetables were cut smaller so that they would be easier to put into a sandwich.
Correct....Branston Pickle does the same.

Surely if we wanted sandwich pickle we would buy sandwich pickle..........changing for changings sake is just not on.

Originally posted by owdlad
Surely if we wanted sandwich pickle we would buy sandwich pickle..........changing for changings sake is just not on.
I think they give you the choice..sandwich style for sandwiches and original for when you want to put a dollop on your plate if you are eating salad or something or even just prefer it.......It's just that some of the shops don't bother to stock both......just make sure it says Original or even Chunky.

Hi

Just wanted to respond to the chat about Cunninghams Piccalilli.

Lots of truths and semi truths throughout the thread and I will try and tell you exactly whats what!

Yes, there was a recent difference to the Piccalilli! We continually strive to make all our prioducts 'cleaner' and 'friendlier' to the consumer whilst always trying to retain the same quality taste we have had for many years. A few months ago, after having received many requests over the years, we changed the wheat flour ingredient for a maze based one. By doing this we made our Piccalilli Gluten Free and made it available to a whole lot more Cunninghams fans. Unfortunateley the first trials made the product less thick and runnier than normal, I am pleased to say that now we have the consistency just right so hopefully we can all enjoy it again. However, the size of the vegetables hasn't changed though to be honest there has never been a uniform size as we rely on people cutting them up, a vegetable is not a nut and bolt and I would say you wouldn't find two jars with exactly the same size vegetables never mind 2 batches.

I hope this clears this up and I welcome the forum on which we believe is still the best Piccalilli out there, we sell 10,000 jars per week and now have a national listing with Sainsburys so there are more and more people getting the taste you have had for years.

Please feel free to ask anything else and I will try and answer.

Also look out soon for the new Cunninghams Spice Range which includes Tigerlilli, a spicy piccalilli with bite! and Strong & Spicy Pickled Onions.

Yours in Vinegar

Simon Webster
Cunninghams

Thanks for sharing that with us Simon, it's nice to get the truth straight from the horses mouth.

I agree with you that it's the best around and that is why we didn't like the thought of it being changed. :thumbsup:

George Cunningham the Sheffield Artist was the son of George Cunnigham that started the firm. It was young Georges job to peel the onions for pickling after school. They worked from their home on Headford St, from this humble start the business did very well they were able to buy a van for deliveries and subsequently they moved to bigger premises, they rest is history.
Their Piccalili was perfection in a jar and once the firm was sold that was the death knell for "Cunninghams" table delights.

Whilst this is a wonderful romanticised idyl, its not actually fact. Yes George did all these things and he told me about them himself after I was lucky enough to meet him on various occaisions at the latter end of his life.

However, the high popularity of Cunninghams products, the piccalilli in particular, arose after the recipe was written in 1935 by Frederick Fowler. That is when the sheffield publics great love affair with Cunninghams Piccalilli really began.

From then on you could find Cunninghams in every shop in sheffield, there were even tales of it being available in hairdressers and other such places. Up until the 80's Cunninghams continued to be available everywhere, but when the Supermarkets sounded the end of many smaller shops the sightings of Cunninghams became more scarce. We were faced with almost extinction or to supply where most people were actually shopping. Between 1993 and 1995 we went from supplying 1 sainsbury store on archer road to supplying over 300 supermarket stores in the region, as well as Fortnum and Mason and the corner shop on Coronation Street!

We are hopeful that our links with George Cunningham will continue and it is our intention next year to feature some of his artwork on the labels. Discussions are on going and I can hopefully bring good news soon.

Hope this is of interest

Simonw I didnt say that Cunninghams came on the recipe themselves, if you read the thread correctly.

I did read it correctly, my response was to your incorrect statement that

'once the firm was sold that was the death knell for "Cunninghams" table delights.'

Thanks to Simonw there. We in the pickle-consuming community greatly appreciate messages from those who are Gods in our world. Viva Cunninghams!

Originally posted by owdlad
Cunninghams was taken over by new owners a few years ago (I think to save it from closing down) they then had to move away from their old premises on Queens Rd (what an eye opener that place was) so the pickles and such like have probably been made "new and improved" and like a lot of traditional products new means :gag:

Well i wouldn't eat it. That place was a real eye opener for a 16 year old me, and the smell of the place never goes away. As you might have guessed i worked there. I cant stand the sight of piccalili. I hated pickling the onions too. Put me off them for life. oh no the smell came back yuckkkky (my body is a pickle free zone LOL):gag:

Yes it would be nice to see some of Georges artwork on the jars.And it would be all the more better if the chunks were re-intoduced instead of the mush. Always get a stock in for Christmas.:thumbsup:

Thanks for all your comments, I will take all of them on board and will endeavour to continue creating the worlds best Piccalilli!

We should get a listing from Sheffield Co-op's today for the new Cunninghams Spice Range - I am sure it won't dissapoint on the thick and chunky front.....................apart from Mr Whittaker at Maltby who keeps writing to me asking us to make it thinner so she can spread it easier!!!!!!!!

Ho Hum!

Simon, a couple of things
1. Should you need a taster at any time, I am avaliable and well versed in the art of sampling food. ;)

2. Tell Mr Whittaker that he is committing a near crime against humanity by suggesting such a thing. :|

Does anyone remember the bottles of piccallili sauce you used to be able to get. Havn't seen them for a while.

not the same?

wot you mean, now its nice?

I haven't eaten Cunninghams pickles for years. Since leaving Sheffield, all I remember to buy on my return are bottles of Hendersons.

Whilst Cunninghams piccalilli was very good, I used to love their pickled onions. Always larger than the ones from the bigger manufacturers and always crunchy, mainly because once opened a jar would disappear in a weekend.

The last Cunninghams I bought came in a squarish, bowed jar, with a green screw top lid. You'll be telling me next that they've changed those as well.

tazz

If you were ever on a tram that went down Queens Rd and picked up the women who worked at Cunninghams you were glad to get off at the next stop.
I love cunninghams Pickles

Originally posted by Tazz070299
I haven't eaten Cunninghams pickles for years. Since leaving Sheffield, all I remember to buy on my return are bottles of Hendersons.

Whilst Cunninghams piccalilli was very good, I used to love their pickled onions. Always larger than the ones from the bigger manufacturers and always crunchy, mainly because once opened a jar would disappear in a weekend.

The last Cunninghams I bought came in a squarish, bowed jar, with a green screw top lid. You'll be telling me next that they've changed those as well.

tazz
Its now around jar with a silver lid! Just stopped buying it now, Haywards is fine for me!

Has anybody noticed that Cunninghams Piccalilli is not the same as it used to be. It used to be full of large chunks of cauliflower, onions etc. Now it just seems like thin slop! Its the second jar I've bought like this, shan't be buying any more.
:gag:

I WISH I COULD TASTE SOME SLOPPY OR NOT I HAVE LIVED IN NEW ZEALAND FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS, DOES ANY BODY KNOW THE RECIPE IF SO E-MAIL ME AT blades@clear.net.nz PLEASE HELP SHEFFIELD EX PAT
THANKS BOB

I WISH I COULD TASTE SOME SLOPPY OR NOT I HAVE LIVED IN NEW ZEALAND FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS, DOES ANY BODY KNOW THE RECIPE IF SO E-MAIL ME AT blades@clear.net.nz PLEASE HELP SHEFFIELD EX PAT
THANKS BOB

I honestly dont think home made would taste the same as Cunninghams do I ?

Did i read those magic words,Hendersons, Sheffields gift to meat and potato pie
lovers,used to go past their factory when i was 7, 60yrs later have it sent down
every year.

My grandmother made the best piccalilli in the world, she always had a pickling day at the beginning of July. She duly completed her years supply of piccalilli, and her fantastic pickled onions in 1969, but sadly died a few days later.

We consumed her efforts during the following year, but I never tasted their like again, until however, I visited Bakewell Farmers Market a few years ago and noticed that the WVS stall were selling home made piccalilli and pickled onions. I was not hopeful, but purchased a jar of both products, when I tasted them my grandmother's efforts appeared to have been almost replicated, unfortunately these wonderful products have now been made illegal to market, by our nanny state.

I respectfully suggest that Cunninghams go and speak to those splendid ladies, who actually know how to make the stuff, before its too late.

Has anybody noticed that Cunninghams Piccalilli is not the same as it used to be. It used to be full of large chunks of cauliflower, onions etc. Now it just seems like thin slop! Its the second jar I've bought like this, shan't be buying any more.
:gag:
Picking this thread up again a bit late but I was only commenting recently how thin and sloppy Cunninghams Piccalilli is now. Have moved up to West Yorks now and you can get it in Morrisons up here, but it's not the same anymore (unless you get different stuff down there in Sheffield). We still have Henderson's Relish imported for us when relatives come up to visit, but no point with the piccallili anymore sadly.

I'd be interested to hear if Simon Webster has anything to comment on it, having read his post of 2005.

I WISH I COULD TASTE SOME SLOPPY OR NOT I HAVE LIVED IN NEW ZEALAND FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS, DOES ANY BODY KNOW THE RECIPE IF SO E-MAIL ME AT blades@clear.net.nz PLEASE HELP SHEFFIELD EX PAT
THANKS BOB

In my opinion based on the last 2 jars it's no different from any bog standard picallili now (in fact I now prefer Haywards), so unless you can't get any type of picallili at all out there then I wouldnt worry. As for a recipe I remembered seeing Gary Rhodes make it on tv so did a search and found this for you if it's any good? http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/piccalilli_13702.shtml

Nearest texture, flavour, chunky vegetable size I've come across since the demise of Cunninghams is: "Smyllies of Bakewell Luxury Sweet Piccalilli".
Our jar was purchased in Bakewell from the green grocery store on the left going down towards the Boots building.
It was a curiosity purchase as we'd not had any piccalilli for years because the ones we'd tried were all runny and bright yellow. You can stand this jar on its' lid and the contents don't move!
This Smyllies one is just as we remember Cunninghams to be.

So how has Cunninghams Piccalilli squared up since these posts in 2005, did Simon Webster from Cunninghams get the recipe back to the original?
Your thoughts ....

It's rubbish the old style was better, the new is like something you'd find in a nappy.

It's rubbish the old style was better, the new is like something you'd find in a nappy.
Well thats my opinion, I bought some the other week, you couldn't have described it better ... over to you SimonW

Has anybody noticed that Cunninghams Piccalilli is not the same as it used to be. It used to be full of large chunks of cauliflower, onions etc. Now it just seems like thin slop! Its the second jar I've bought like this, shan't be buying any more.
:gag:

Have you contacted Cunninghams with your thoughts on their product? I think its warrants an e-mail or a lette, as companys mess with their recipes using less ingredients but still charge the same. My wife loves Hartleys Blackcurrent jam but for the past six months its been very runny instead of a more solid product it once was.

still not changed, its still the most disgusting stuff ont he planet :P

the taste changes over time bought a jar few month back manage not to waste it but boy was it strong

George Cunningham the Sheffield Artist was the son of George Cunningham that started the firm. It was young Georges job to peel the onions for pickling after school. They worked from their home on Headford St, from this humble start the business did very well they were able to buy a van for deliveries and subsequently they moved to bigger premises, they rest is history.
Their Piccalilli was perfection in a jar and once the firm was sold that was the death knell for "Cunninghams" table delights.

Can you tell me exactly what year you are referring to about George Cunningham living on Headford st only I remember George living in the corner house on Clarence st and Michal rd I lived in the same yard up to us being moved for the slum clearance in the 60s.

Well thats my opinion, I bought some the other week, you couldn't have described it better ... over to you SimonW


I don't think you'll find SimonW involved with Cunninghams anymore. Pretty certain he's heavily involved with Thornbridge brewery, and was looking after the Cricketers at Totley along with others.

Can you tell me exactly what year you are referring to about George Cunningham living on Headford st only I remember George living in the corner house on Clarence st and Michal rd I lived in the same yard up to us being moved for the slum clearance in the 60s.

I only stated Headford St because thats the address I read in a book about George BUT if you knew the family, your info is the one I will use in Future.

I only stated Headford St because that's the address I read in a book about George BUT if you knew the family, your info is the one I will use in Future.

Thanks for that are the books you are referring too the ones George wrote." BY GEORGE" and "MORE GEORGE" both excellent books and well worth trying to get hold of try Amazon as both are now out of print.

Thanks for that are the books you are referring too the ones George wrote." BY GEORGE" and "MORE GEORGE" both excellent books and well worth trying to get hold of try Amazon as both are now out of print.

Ive looked up my original post and I said Hodgson Strret not Headford St.

So how has Cunninghams Piccalilli squared up since these posts in 2005, did Simon Webster from Cunninghams get the recipe back to the original?
Your thoughts ....

seems like my post in 2010 still applies and I haven't touched the stuff since. My favourite nowadays is Barton's, it's a bit like Cunningham's used to be.

I feel the same but I find that other piccalillis are much much worse.

I guess thats why i'm still buying Cunninghams, lesser of two evils.

Wilf

Digging in the old grey cells, wasn't it Fredrick Fowlers Cunningham Piccalli on Queens Road, you could always smell it you went passed, cleared the nasal passages.

Has anybody noticed that Cunninghams Piccalilli is not the same as it used to be. It used to be full of large chunks of cauliflower, onions etc. Now it just seems like thin slop! Its the second jar I've bought like this, shan't be buying any more.
:gag:

We aiways loved cunninghams piccalilli when i was a kid in sheff didnt know they were still going.i loved the mixed pickle they made,there was always a whole gherkin in there yum.

Hah!I thought it was me.It's got thinner, no big chunks and it tastes different.I stopped buying it and now I get Barton's,