At Calder’s Kitchen, everything starts with family. We’re a proudly independent, family-run business based in the North East of England, and our journey began in a very personal way – with a much-loved family recipe passed down through generations. What started in our kitchen, with Grandad Charlie’s original Piccalilli, has since grown into a much-loved brand known for its bold flavours, quality ingredients, and deep-rooted values.
But our story isn’t just about pickles and preserves – it’s about people, place, and partnerships. Our success has grown from a genuine love for local heritage, and a belief that great food has the power to connect communities and create memorable experiences – especially in the world of cultural tourism.
Where It All Began
The seeds of Calder’s Kitchen were planted in 2015, when we recreated Grandad Charlie’s Piccalilli from his handwritten recipe, using only the finest ingredients and traditional pickling methods. We quickly realised we had something special – not just a condiment, but a connection. Each jar was a conversation starter, a nostalgic taste that reminded people of Sunday family gatherings, picnics, and simpler times.
From our earliest days at local farmers’ markets to national award recognition, our mission has remained the same: to bring authentic, artisan products to food lovers across the UK, while staying true to our roots.
A Natural Fit for Visitor Attractions
It wasn’t long before we found a kindred spirit in the UK’s cultural and heritage attractions. Places like Beamish Museum, Hopetown, Alnwick Castle and Gardens, and Lindisfarne Mead on Holy Island all celebrate local history, craftsmanship, and storytelling – values that mirror our own.
We’re incredibly proud to work alongside these venues, supplying our range of traditional preserves to their gift shops and cafes.
At Beamish Museum, our products have found the perfect home. The open air museum tells the story of everyday life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s – and what better way to complement that than with a jar of something that tastes like history? As the face behind Calder’s Kitchen, I love nothing more than donning my 1950s costume at Beamish to sample Grandad Charlie’s Perfect Piccalilli in the 1900s Town and sharing our story with visitors.
Our collaboration with Hopetown Darlington is another exciting chapter. As this new and innovative rail heritage attraction grows, we’re delighted to be on board from the beginning. Hopetown champions local enterprise and community storytelling – and our range brings a modern twist to traditional tastes, perfectly suited for gift shops and hospitality settings that want to offer something unique, yet familiar. This month even marks the beginning of a regular Hopetown Sunday farmer’s market and another opportunity to engage with visitors and tell our story.
The Power of Place
Working with venues like Alnwick Garden and Holy Island has also shown us how important place and provenance are. At Alnwick, with its emphasis on natural beauty and immersive experiences, our handmade products sit comfortably among other artisan goods, offering visitors a taste of the North East to take home. On Holy Island, where spirituality, nature, and history come together, our jars have become part of the island’s distinct sensory experience – authentic, grounding, and memorable.
These partnerships are about more than just supplying our products to the gift shop. We work closely with our retail partners to understand their audience, help them tell a local food story, and ensure our packaging and products enhance the overall visitor experience. We’re proud that our name has become synonymous with quality and trust in the cultural enterprise sector.
Rooted in the North East, but Growing Nationally
Despite our national reach, we remain firmly rooted in the North East, committed to supporting the local economy and showcasing regional identity.
As a family, we are involved in every aspect of the business – from production and packaging to deliveries and product development.
We’re also passionate about sustainable growth. Whether that’s reducing our plastic use, supporting community events, or helping tourist attractions build more resilient retail strategies, we see ourselves as part of a broader ecosystem that values people over profit.
Looking Ahead
Our success with tourist attractions has shown us that cultural venues are not just about history and heritage – they’re also vibrant platforms for local enterprise. We believe there’s a growing appetite for real, honest food stories – and, as members of Food and Drink North East (Local Heroes) as well as the Association for Cultural Enterprises, we’re thrilled to be part of that movement.
Calder’s Kitchen may have started at the kitchen table, but thanks to strong partnerships, shared values, and a commitment to authenticity, we’ve become a trusted supplier to some of the most iconic destinations in the UK. And at the heart of it all? Family, flavour, and a firm belief that the best ideas are often the simplest ones.
We’re excited to keep growing, keep sharing our story, and keep making sure that when people visit cultural attractions across the country, they get to take home more than just memories – they take home a true taste of the North East and help keep Grandad Charlie’s memory alive.
About Us
Calder’s Kitchen makes award winning Piccalilli based on Andrew’s Grandad’s classic recipe. Fantastic condiments and ingredients to enhance favourite sandwiches, snacks and simple meals, our products are vegan friendly, gluten free and low in fat – great for healthy living and all foodies. For something completely unique and delicious, try our Indian spiced Sillylilli!
To find out more get in touch with Andrew by email or via LinkedIn.
