Steph Celino is bringing one of County Durham’s oldest food traditions – Durham Mustard – back to life.
With support from Enterprising North – a programme for new and early-stage businesses in rural Northumberland and Gateshead, delivered by the Rural Design Centre (RDC) and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Rowlands Gill-based Steph is reviving the forgotten local staple.
The story of Durham Mustard dates back to 1720, when Mrs Clements revolutionised mustard making in England. She ground locally grown mustard seeds into a fine, flavourful powder, creating the first smooth dry mustard. Her innovation was so significant that King George I granted her a royal patent. Sadly, over time, competition from other producers led to Durham Mustard’s decline.
In 2023, heritage professional Anya Kirkby set out to recreate the lost mustard, testing recipes based on traditional methods. However, the fledgling business needed someone to take it forward. In 2024, Steph took on the challenge.
“I instantly had so many ideas,” she says. “I wanted to breathe new life into this mustard, celebrate the incredible woman who created it, and share the legacy of Durham.”
Balancing a lecturing career, two young children and a growing business, Steph had to be strategic with her time. After seeing a post about Enterprising North in a local Facebook group, she connected with Simon Laing – RDC’s rural start-up advisor – who encouraged her to apply for a £3,000 grant. The funding allowed her to invest in a high-capacity mixer and convert part of her garage into a production and storage space.
“It made the process instantly more efficient,” Steph adds. “Before, I could only make 24 jars at a time. Now I can produce 100 in one go. It’s been the catalyst to scale the business.”
Beyond funding, Simon provided invaluable guidance. Their meetings were relaxed and informal, often over coffee in a local café, where they could chat through challenges and ideas in a way that fit around Steph’s busy schedule.
“Simon brought his own experience as a small business owner, which was invaluable,” Steph says. “He put me in touch with useful contacts, helped me cost out my production, and boosted my confidence.”
Simon adds: “Steph’s passion is inspiring. She’s taken a historic product and made it relevant again, creating opportunities for locals to celebrate Durham Mustard’s story too.”
Durham Mustard is now stocked in farm shops and heritage sites, including Beamish Museum, Knitsley Farm Shop, Broom House Farm, and Brocksbushes Farm Shop – with plans for further expansion. Steph also attends farmers’ markets, where she loves hearing customers’ creative ideas for using it.
For contact details and more information on Enterprising North, click here.
