LYON IN WAIT

Ask Joe Stamper what’s his preference and he’ll tell you in a flash: “I’ve never really liked coffee at all,” he says, “so it’s always been a brew of tea for me.” He adds a big smile to his reply because of course for the last 11 years or so, Joe’s been something of a crusader to this preferred choice of drink. Yes, ever since he took over ownership of the 1936 Commer N1 which has been lovingly restored into the original livery of its first owner J Lyons and Co, then his ‘Tea Van’ has been a regular sight in the area around his home town of Burton upon Trent. And even though the elements weren’t at their best when Heritage Commercials was invited to see this special slice of transport history, they couldn’t spoil the sheer gush of radiance this Commer gives out from every pore of its polished skin.

The First Food Empire

If you are of a certain age then you’ll be well aware of the J Lyons & Co name. Established in 1894, they were originally a London based operation with their HQ being at Cadby Hall. From 1909 Lyons were to develop their own style of Corner Shop Tea Rooms and if you thought the likes of Starbucks and Costa were recent trailblazers in this sort of High Street activity, then think again as Lyons were building this sort of network 100 years ago.

Expanding across the country, the family owned concern were particularly go-ahead as they got into everything from hotels to Lyons’