Key Details

Overview

3 St James's Street is a commercial building in St James's, London SW1.

Berry Bros & Rudd, Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, has been here since 1698. The shopfront of the wine merchants is one of the few remaining from the 18th century.

History

1698 The Widow Bourne establishes a grocer’s shop opposite St. James’s Palace.

Early 18th Century The Widow Bourne's daughter Elizabeth and her husband William Pickering take over the business, supplying coffee houses and adopting the 'Sign of the Coffee Mill' emblem.

1734 William Pickering passes away, and Elizabeth continues running the business until her sons take over.

1754 John Pickering dies, and William Jr. partners with John Clarke.

1760 The firm first supplies the British Royal Family during the reign of George III.

1765 Weighing customers at the shop becomes a fashionable activity.

1787 Mary Clarke, John Clarke’s daughter, gives birth to George Berry, the future head of the business.

1803 George Berry arrives from Exeter to join the business.

1810 George Berry's name is added above the shop's facade.

1838 During the Chartist riots, George Berry enlists as a special constable, and Napoleon III, then in exile, uses the cellars for secret meetings.

1845 George Berry’s sons, George Jr. and Henry, take over the business.

Early 20th Century The Rudd family joins, with Hugh Rudd bringing in extensive wine expertise.

1912 Berry Bros. & Co loses 69 cases of wines and spirits with the sinking of the Titanic.

1920 Hugh Rudd becomes a partner in the firm.

1923 Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky is launched.

1940s The company becomes a limited company, Berry Bros. & Rudd Ltd.

1950s Anthony Berry and Ethel Rudd take leadership roles in the company.

1967 Berry Bros. & Rudd builds the first temperature-controlled wine cellars.

1994 The company launches the first wine merchant’s website.

1998 Berry Bros. & Rudd opens their first overseas shop in Dublin and celebrates 300 years in business.

21st Century Expansion in Asia, renovation of historic cellars, and continued Royal Warrants signify the company's blend of tradition and innovation.


Source: bbr.com 2024