Top 15 Oldest UK Brands
The UK has a rich history of commerce and innovation, dating back centuries. Some of the brands that are known and loved today have their origins in the ... read more...distant past, and have survived wars, recessions, and social changes. In this article, let's explore 15 of the oldest UK brands, their stories and achievements.
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Royal Mail is a trusted British institution that has been delivering mail in the UK for over 500 years. It offers a range of services for sending letters and parcels both within the UK and internationally.
Royal Mail provides various postage options to suit different needs. Whether it’s First Class or Special Delivery, customers can choose the right delivery speed and service for their mail. They also offer online postage through their Click & Drop service, making it easier for customers to send items from the comfort of their homes.
In addition to mail delivery, Royal Mail offers a range of other services. These include tracking items, finding postcodes, and arranging redeliveries for missed deliveries. They also provide business services to help businesses grow with mail. Royal Mail is committed to sustainability and has made an ambitious environmental pledge for 2040. They also offer free parcel collection until January 2024 as part of a promotion.
Overall, Royal Mail continues to be a reliable service for sending letters and parcels, combining centuries of experience with modern innovations.- Founded: 1516
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalMail
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalmailofficial/
- X: https://twitter.com/RoyalMail
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/royal-mail/
- Website: https://www.royalmail.com/
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Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, has been trading from the same shop since 1698. Today, the company has expanded its reach with offices in Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. It also operates a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in London’s St James’s.
Berry Bros. & Rudd offers a wide range of fine wines and spirits for sale. Their offerings include En Primeur wines, which are wines that are sold while still in the barrel, and a fine wine exchange known as BBX. They also host various events and experiences, making them a comprehensive destination for wine enthusiasts.
In addition to their retail operations, Berry Bros. & Rudd also has a brands division that supplies exceptional spirits to bars, restaurants, wholesalers, and retailers across the UK and overseas. This division further extends their influence in the world of fine wines and spirits.
In recognition of their exceptional service and quality offerings, Berry Bros. & Rudd is honored to hold two Royal Warrants for H.M. This speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence in the industry.- Founded: 1698
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berrybrosrudd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berrybrosrudd/
- X: https://twitter.com/berrybrosrudd
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/berry-bros-rudd/
- Website: https://www.bbr.com/
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Twinings, a renowned British tea company, has a rich and storied history dating back to 1706 when Thomas Twining opened the world's first tea shop in London. With over three centuries of experience, Twinings has become synonymous with exceptional tea craftsmanship and innovation.
Twinings offers an extensive range of teas, catering to a diverse palate. From classic blends like Earl Grey and English Breakfast to more adventurous options like chai and herbal infusions, Twinings consistently delivers high-quality teas enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide.
What sets Twinings apart is its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. They work closely with tea-growing communities, ensuring fair wages and environmentally responsible practices. This commitment to both tradition and progress has earned Twinings a loyal customer base and numerous awards for their teas.
Twinings continues to evolve, embracing modern trends like tea infusions and wellness teas while staying true to their heritage. With a dedication to quality and sustainability, Twinings remains a beloved brand that brings the finest teas to homes across the globe.
- Founded: 1706
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twiningsuk/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twiningsuk
- X: https://twitter.com/TwiningsUK
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/twinings/
- Website: https://twinings.co.uk/
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Fortnum & Mason, often abbreviated as Fortnum’s, is a renowned British department store. Established in 1707 by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason, the store is based in Piccadilly, London. It has been providing food, tea, and various goods to the British royal family for over three centuries3, earning it the nickname "The Queen’s Grocery Store".
Fortnum & Mason is famous for its extraordinary food, joy-giving gifts, and unforgettable experiences. Their offerings include seasonal tipples, savoury favourites, sweet treats for cosy days, and a wide range of hampers. They also host a series of exciting events with harvest and sustainability at their core.
In addition to their flagship store in Piccadilly, Fortnum & Mason has stores at St Pancras International, The Royal Exchange, Heathrow Terminal 5, and most recently, Hong Kong’s K11 MUSEA. This global presence underscores their commitment to providing exceptional products and experiences to customers worldwide5.
Overall, Fortnum & Mason represents a blend of tradition and innovation in the world of luxury retail.
- Founded: 1707
- Headquarters: City of Westminster, London, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortnums
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortnums/
- X: https://twitter.com/Fortnums
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortnum-&-mason/
- Website: https://www.fortnumandmason.com/
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Wedgwood is an esteemed English fine china, porcelain, and luxury accessories manufacturer. Founded on May 1759 by the potter and entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood, the brand was first incorporated in 1895 as Josiah Wedgwood and Sons Ltd. It quickly became one of the largest manufacturers of Staffordshire pottery.
Today, Wedgwood offers a wide range of products including tableware, serveware, drinkware, and gifts. Their collections have been designed with London style since 1759, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and heritage. From the fine bone china dinnerware to the iconic Wedgwood blue boxes, they’ve been an integral accoutrement to the festivities for nearly three centuries3.
In addition to their product offerings, Wedgwood also provides a collection of delicious recipes on their website. These recipes feature the pure sweetness of Lyle’s Golden Syrup in dishes ranging from flapjacks and cakes to puddings and dessert sauces.
Overall, Wedgwood represents a blend of tradition and innovation in the world of ceramics and home accessories.- Founded: 1759
- Headquarters: Stroke- on-Trent, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wedgwood/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wedgwood/
- X: https://twitter.com/Wedgwood
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wedgwoodofficial/
- Website: https://www.wedgwood.com/en-gb
- Founded: 1759
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John Smedley Ltd is a prestigious English luxury clothing brand, specialising in knitwear. The company has been a family business since 1784 and is now managed by the 8th generation of the Smedley family1. Every garment made by John Smedley carries a “Made in England” tag, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and heritage.
The brand offers a wide range of products for men and women, including polo shirts, sweaters, and other knitwear. They constantly innovate to create new products and collections. For instance, they recently launched their first clean mascara, the Kind & Free Clean Mascara.
John Smedley is also known for its commitment to sustainability. They work with customers to use their low and no-calorie sweeteners to help remove millions of tonnes of sugar from people’s diets.
In addition to their product offerings, John Smedley is known for its memorable advertising campaigns. One of the most notable ones is the ‘Secret Lemonade Drinker’ campaign from the 1970s.
Overall, John Smedley represents a blend of tradition and innovation in the world of luxury fashion.- Founded: 1784
- Headquarters: Matlock, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnSmedleyKnitwear/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnsmedleyknitwear/
- X: https://twitter.com/JohnSmedley
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-smedley-ltd/
- Website: https://www.johnsmedley.com/
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Royal Doulton is an esteemed English ceramic and home accessories manufacturer. Founded in 1815, the brand has a rich history that spans over two centuries. Originally operating in Vauxhall, London, it later moved to Lambeth and opened a factory in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, in the centre of English pottery.
Today, Royal Doulton offers a wide range of products including tableware, serveware, drinkware, and gifts. Their collections have been designed with London style since 1815, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and heritage. From the Gordon Ramsay Maze collection to the Urban Dining Collection, Royal Doulton’s offerings cater to different styles and seasons.
In addition to their product offerings, Royal Doulton also provides a collection of delicious recipes on their website. These recipes feature the pure sweetness of Lyle’s Golden Syrup in dishes ranging from flapjacks and cakes to puddings and dessert sauces.
Overall, Royal Doulton represents a blend of tradition and innovation in the world of ceramics and home accessories.
- Founded: 1815
- Headquarters: Stroke- on-Trent, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royaldoulton
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royaldoulton/
- X: https://twitter.com/RoyalDoulton
- Website: https://www.royaldoulton.com/
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Cadbury, a renowned British multinational confectionery company, is famous for its rich and creamy chocolate products. The company offers a wide range of chocolates, including the popular Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cadbury Delights, and Cadbury Royal Dark. They are always inventing new ways to enjoy Cadbury chocolate, with recent creations including Hazelnut caramel Nougat and Salted Caramel.
Cadbury also offers unique dessert-inspired chocolates such as the Rock The Road XL Candy Bar and Black Forest Cake XL Candy Bar. These innovative products reimagine classic desserts in the form of scrumptious chocolate squares.
In addition to their diverse product range, Cadbury engages with its customers through various promotions and competitions. They also offer big-ticket savings to the UK’s top attractions with promotional packs of Cadbury.
Cadbury’s commitment to quality and innovation extends beyond their products. They run a contest to select the “Cadbury Bunny” each year, celebrating unique and charming pets. In 2023, the title was awarded to Crash, a resident shelter cat.
Overall, Cadbury continues to delight its customers with its premium chocolates while also contributing positively to the community.- Founded: 1824
- Headquarters: Birmingham, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CadburyUSA/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadburyworlduk/
- X: https://twitter.com/CadburyUK
- Website: https://www.cadbury.co.uk/
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Clarks is a renowned British-based international shoe manufacturer and retailer. The company offers a wide range of footwear for men, women, and kids. Their collection includes smart and casual styles for every season, including boots, brogues, sandals, lace-ups, and the iconic Desert Boots.
Clarks is known for its commitment to comfort, quality, and style. They offer shoes with sporty aesthetics, durable stitched leather uppers, ultra-grippy sawtooth soles, and pillow-soft footbeds. Their innovative designs are built to embrace the best of the season and beyond.
In addition to their product offerings, Clarks also engages with its customers through various promotions and competitions. They offer free shipping on orders over $75 and free returns every day.
Clarks continues to shape a brighter future with its collective of icons like Nile Rodgers and Beabadoobee. They strive to change the world of tomorrow by striding forward today.
Overall, Clarks represents a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern innovation in the world of footwear.- Founded: 1825
- Headquarters: Street, UK
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarksshoes/?hl=en
- X: https://twitter.com/clarksshoes
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarks/
- Website: https://www.clarks.com/en-us
- Founded: 1825
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Rimmel London, often simply known as Rimmel, is a British multinational cosmetics brand. Founded by Eugène Rimmel in 1834 in Bond Street, London, the brand is now owned by Coty, Inc. Rimmel London offers a broad collection of makeup products, helping individuals express themselves and achieve the latest looks with ease.
Rimmel’s product range includes everything from mascara and eyebrow products to foundations, blush, concealers, eyeliners, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, lipliners, and nail polish3. They constantly innovate to create new products and collections. For instance, they recently launched their first clean mascara, the Kind & Free Clean Mascara.
Rimmel London is also recognized for its commitment to cruelty-free practices. The brand is approved under the Cruelty-Free International Leaping Bunny Programme, which means they do not test their products on animals.
In addition to their product offerings, Rimmel London is known for its memorable advertising campaigns. One of the most notable ones is the ‘Secret Lemonade Drinker’ campaign from the 1970s.
Overall, Rimmel London represents a blend of tradition and innovation in the world of cosmetics.- Founded: 1834
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rimmellondon
- Íntagram: https://www.instagram.com/rimmellondonuki/
- X: https://twitter.com/rimmelireland
- Website: https://www.rimmellondon.com/en-gb
- Founded: 1834
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R. White’s Lemonade is an iconic English brand of carbonated lemonade, first produced by Robert and Mary White in Camberwell, south London, in 18451. The brand, now owned by Britvic, has a rich history and has become a staple in many households across the United Kingdom.
The traditional recipe of R. White’s Lemonade has evolved over time, with some sugar being replaced by aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame K. Despite these changes, the lemonade still contains real lemons and is available in regular, diet, Traditional Cloudy, Raspberry, Pear and Elderflower varieties.
R. White’s Lemonade is not just known for its refreshing taste but also for its memorable advertising campaigns. The ‘Secret Lemonade Drinker’ campaign from the 1970s is particularly notable and was ranked seventh in a 2000 UK-wide poll of "The 100 Greatest TV Ads".
Today, R. Whites continues to be a leading purveyor of lemonade in London2. The brand’s commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every bottle of R. White’s Lemonade, making it a beloved choice for many.- Founded: 1845
- Headquarters: Camberwell, South London, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWhitesLemonade/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drink_rwhites/
- X: https://twitter.com/Drink_RWhites
- Website: https://www.rwhites.co.uk/
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Burberry is a global luxury fashion brand with a distinctive British identity. Established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the brand revolutionized rainwear with the invention of gabardine. This heritage remains key to Burberry’s iconic outerwear, alongside a vision for fashion-forward collections, inspirational runway shows, and an industry-leading position in digital technology.
Based in London, under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci, Burberry combines its heritage of innovation and craftsmanship in its design of womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, accessories, and beauty. Their collections include a wide range of items from trench coats and knitwear to scarves and wallets.
Burberry also offers a variety of fragrances such as Burberry Goddess and Burberry Her. They constantly innovate their product line to cater to the evolving tastes of their customers. In addition to their online presence, Burberry has physical stores worldwide. Overall, Burberry represents the epitome of British luxury fashion, combining tradition with modernity.- Founded: 1856
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Burberry
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burberry/
- X: https://twitter.com/Burberry
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burberry/
- Website: https://int.burberry.com/
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Lyle’s Golden Syrup is a beloved British brand, known for its golden-coloured syrup that’s ideal for baking, toppings, and as a companion for pancakes and porridge. The syrup, which has remained unchanged since 1883, is an inverted sugar syrup loved by cooks and enjoyed by the whole family. It has a buttery and sweetly caramelised flavour with a rich melt-in-the-mouth texture.
The brand was invented by Abram Lyle and has since become a staple in many households. Lyle’s Golden Syrup is not just limited to the classic syrup in a tin. The range has expanded to include products like Lyle’s Black Treacle, Lyle’s Strawberry Syrup, Lyle’s Chocolate Syrup, and Lyle’s Butterscotch Syrup.
In addition to their product offerings, Lyle’s Golden Syrup also provides a collection of delicious recipes and tips on their website. These recipes feature the pure sweetness of Lyle’s Golden Syrup in dishes ranging from flapjacks and cakes to puddings and dessert sauces.
Overall, Lyle’s Golden Syrup represents a blend of tradition and versatility in the world of baking and cooking.- Founded: 1883
- Headquarters: Silvertown, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LylesGoldenSyrup/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lylesgoldensyrup/
- X: https://twitter.com/LylesGolden
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/lylesgoldensyrup/
- Website: https://www.lylesgoldensyrup.com/
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Barbour is a prestigious British luxury and lifestyle brand, renowned for its waxed cotton outerwear. Founded by John Barbour in 1894, the brand has become synonymous with quality and durability. Barbour’s product range extends beyond outerwear to include ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories.
The brand’s collections are designed with a modern heritage aesthetic, offering a variety of items for men, women, and children. From the iconic wax cotton jackets to the versatile overshirts, Barbour’s offerings cater to different styles and seasons.
Barbour is also known for its functional loungewear, bringing comfort to everyday wear. Their travel essentials collection is perfect for those planning a getaway, ensuring preparedness for any holiday.
In addition to their product offerings, Barbour engages with its customers through various initiatives. The “Barbour Way of Life” campaign inspires customers to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and the great outdoors.
Barbour’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their products and initiatives. Whether it’s the iconic Bedale jacket or the innovative Ashby jacket, Barbour continues to set the standard for British luxury fashion.- Founded: 1894
- Headquarters: South Shields, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBarbour
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbour/
- X: https://twitter.com/Barbour
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/j-barbour-&-sons-ltd/
- Website: https://www.barbour.com/
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Tate & Lyle is a British-headquartered, global supplier of food and beverage ingredients to industrial markets. Originally a sugar refining business, it began to diversify in the 1970s and eventually divested its sugar business in 2010.
For over 160 years, Tate & Lyle has been helping customers make food healthier and tastier. They offer a wide range of products including modified starches, maltodextrins, sucralose, polydextrose, fructose, and more. Their team in Guarani, Brazil, recently celebrated the site becoming the first Company site to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
Tate & Lyle’s deep technical expertise spans various sectors including beverages, dairy, soups, sauces, and dressings. Many of the world’s favourite drink brands rely on their inspiring beverage ingredients, smart solutions and technological know-how.
In addition to their product offerings, Tate & Lyle is committed to transforming lives through the science of food. They work with customers to use their low and no-calorie sweeteners to help remove millions of tonnes of sugar from people’s diets.
Overall, Tate & Lyle represents a blend of tradition and innovation in the world of food science.- Founded: 1921
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TateandLyleCommunity
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tateandlylesugars/
- X: https://twitter.com/tateandlyleplc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tate-&-lyle/
- Website: https://www.tateandlyle.com/