Henderson’s Relish is linking with the city’s next generation of chefs in a bid to create Sheffield’s signature dish.
Final year chef diploma students from The Sheffield College are set to put their skills to the test in the Henderson’s Relish signature dish competition.
Students have been challenged to create a main dish that captures the character and spirit of Sheffield.
Prizes will be awarded for creativity and taste, with one dish being crowned the city’s favourite.
Henry Henderson blended the first batch of his famous Relish in Broad Lane, Sheffield in 1885. This year, the family-owned business celebrates its 140th birthday.
In the summer, Pete McKee created the ‘Relish Life’ mural on the Sheffield Moor Market wall.
This month Henderson’s has launched limited-edition bottles of its famous Relish, which are available across the city. Now, the city’s finest catering students are searching for Sheffield’s signature dish.
Matt Davies, Henderson’s General Manager, said: “If I had £1 for each different dish that Sheffield people tell me needs Henderson’s Relish, I’d have retired years ago! Sheffielders use Henderson’s Relish with everything, which makes this competition a special challenge for the next generation of the city’s chefs. I’m looking forward to the judging!”
Len Unwin, Curriculum Team Leader, Catering and Hospitality, The Sheffield College, said: “We are really excited to provide our trainee chefs with a creative industry brief set by such an iconic culinary brand in the city. Applying their knowledge and skills in this way will help our students develop their creative, culinary and teamwork skills, preparing them for employment and their future careers.”
The cook off will take place in the catering department’s kitchens at City Campus, Granville Road, on 15th October 2025. A shortlist of dishes will be selected and judged by a panel including staff from Henderson’s Relish.
Prizes will be awarded to the overall winner of the best dish and for teamwork and creativity. The presentations will take place in the college’s Silver Plate restaurant.
The Silver Plate earned a catering industry ‘Oscars’ award for the second year in a row, winning the Craft Guild of Chefs Accredited College Restaurant Award 2025.
Pictured: The presentations for the Henderson’s Relish signature dish competition will take place in The Silver Plate restaurant.
