Our Story

Over the Years

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1887

Founded

Lyons was founded by 4 Victorian entrepreneurs, the business was named after Sir Joseph Lyons.
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1909

Lyons Corner House opened

Its corner house tea shops popped up all over London. They became large and lavish restaurants, spread over four or more floors, with opulent décor.
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1921

Lyons formulate Coffee & Chicory

Lyons led the market with the development of a brand new coffee and chicory essence.
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1928

1st UK factory

Lyons open the UK’s first purpose built food technology laboratory.
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1930

Orchestral manoeuvres

Lyons were employing many musicians to play in their restaurants that they set up an orchestral department.
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1951

Lyons electronic office

The LEO 1 (Lyons Electric Office) was the first commercial computer in the world developed by J. Lyons & Co. to help streamline its growing business.
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1954

Wimpy integrated into the business

Lyons took on the UK license for Wimpy integrated the brand into their corner house restaurants.
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1964
Chock Full o Nuts

Lyons acquires an interest in ‘Chock Full o Nuts’
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1964
Sol Cafe formed

‘Chock full o nuts’ and Lyons form the Sol Cafe company to sell private label instant coffee in the UK.
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1970
Lyons capture 80% of target market

The strategy works and Lyons captures 80% of the UK Private Label instant coffee market in the UK.
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1982

Lyons acquired by Kraft Foods

Lyons was acquired by Kraft Foods.

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2011

A classic brand of modern Britain

The new owners rekindle the love of a great British brand.
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2019

Innovation

Launch of 6 new products including on trend hot and cold drinks.