Omnibus Worcester Sauce (Entry 1442.NU1150)
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Mar 12, 2026 Saul Henry, comedian from Sunderland known for sharp regional observations, dives into Worcestershire sauce, its pronunciation quirks and how accents shape meaning. He traces Lee & Perrins origins, the sauce’s global 19th-century spread, its surprising archaeology finds and ancient garum links. Short, witty, and full of cultural detours.
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How Worcestershire Is Actually Pronounced
- Worcestershire pronunciation varies and the final "shire" is usually pronounced with a soft "sh" in England.
- Saul Henry corrects Ken Jennings/John Roderick: the county is pronounced Worcestershire, not just "Worcester" or "Worcester sauce".
Worcestershire Turns Up On Grilled Cheese
- Worcestershire sauce is a staple in British cooking and used in unexpected places like on grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Saul Henry says his bottle lasts years and that Brits use it for umami in pies, casseroles, and even on grilled cheese tops.
How Lee and Perrins Spread Across The World
- Lee and Perrins commercialized Worcestershire sauce from a fermented barrel after a supposedly failed attempt at recreating an Anglo-Indian recipe.
- By 1843 it was shipped on vessels and within years found global distribution and rapid adoption.