Haus of Condiments

Something wicked this way comes.

A quietly unique arrival is bringing a little more heat to Rochester High Street. Haus of Condiments is the brick-and-mortar home of multi-award-winning Condimaniac, where sauces, seasonings, pickles and condiments are carefully brewed, mixed and bottled in Medway and take centre stage here in the shop.

Can this sort of offering be found elsewhere? We’re not entirely sure. But here, among the historic buildings of Rochester High Street, Haus of Condiments feels curiously at home.

The building, found just beyond Eastgate House in the direction of Chatham Intra, has a rich history. This characterful Grade-I listed building dates from the 17th century and is easily recognisable. Throughout its life it has served many purposes. By the late 19th century No. 154 was home to Mr B. J Seeley – draper, glover, hosier and milliner. More recently, it was home to Elizabeth’s of Eastgate, which closed in 2019. The building also has a place in Rochester’s Dickensian history, providing real-life inspiration for the home of Uncle Pumblechook in Great Expectations, then later Mr Sapsea’s home in The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Stepping over the threshold feels like stepping back in time. Bare brickwork, creaking timber beams, dried chillies, lavender and herbs hang in front of the windows among old weighing scales and glass jars, some brimming with sage leaves. The shop has leaned into the character of its surroundings rather than fight against it. Think old apothecary, with just a hint of something more mysterious.

So, what’s in the bottles and jars? Rich, bold flavours to be poured, shaken, spooned, rubbed or spread. Sauces, pickles and seasonings are made in limited batches for those looking to spice up what is served at home, with an emphasis on quality and attention to detail.

You’ll also find IPAs and beers with a pickle twist too, best accompanied by a bowl full of pork scratchings if that’s your thing.

It’s Jen and Kier, the couple behind the brand, who really give the story its charm. Both condiment lovers, they started an Instagram account reviewing what they loved before making their first batch of Smokey Dragon while living in north London. They moved to Kent in 2019 and later set up production for their sauces in Chatham. Haus of Condiments is the next chapter, bringing everything together under one characterful roof.

There’s a pickle bar where you can pick and mix your combinations. If you have an idea for a sauce the team may be able to run small batches. If you’re overwhelmed by the variety on offer the staff will happily point you towards something that suits your palate, and you can even try before you buy.

Like many of Rochester High Street’s independent shops, this is the sort of place that works equally well for stocking up the kitchen cupboard or finding something for the condiment connoisseur in your life who is notoriously difficult to buy for.

There’s something charmingly old-world about it all. Bottles, jars, dried herbs give hints of things being brewed and preserved and feel strangely appropriate within walls that have stood here for centuries. Add the dried chillies hanging in the window and it’s not difficult to see where the faint suggestion of witchcraft and magic creeps in.