'Nippy' chocolates were produced by J. Lyons & Co. at Cadby Hall in
Hammersmith. Lyons ran the popular Lyons Corner House restaurants
throughout London from the beginning of the 20th century.
'Nippy' was the nickname given to the waitresses who worked there. This
box of Nippy chocolates dates from the 1930s.
No ordinary teashop
Lyon's hugely successful business was based on providing good refreshments
at a reasonable cost in a luxurious setting. Their chain of tea shops and
corner houses became famous. They also sold cakes, biscuits and sweets
alongside the restaurants.
Lyons' roaring success
Lyons & Co. was a family firm. The four Jewish Londoners who founded the
company in 1887 (one of whom was Joseph Lyons) began by providing
refreshments for exhibitions held at Olympia. Needing to expand, in 1890
they opened a central factory and depot in Hammersmith. The company became
well known for supplying their own brand of products such as Lyons teas,
cakes, chocolates and ice-cream.