Hartridges was founded in 1882 by Francis Hartridge and continues to flourish today under the ownership of the fourth generation of the Hartridge family.
Born in 1847, Francis Hartridge was pivotal in the formation of the soft drinks company that exists today.
Whilst working for his father at the family brewery in Kent, he trained as a brewer and ran the business until 1868. At the age of 35, he then purchased the Alliance Brewery, an independent brewery in Hambledon, Hampshire and Hartridges Soft Drinks Company was born.
By the early 20th century Hartridges were selling their ales and soft drinks to a wide geographical area and a fleet of dray horses were employed.
In 1936 under the control of Francis’ sons, Edward and Austin, Hartridges expanded its successful business and a fleet of lorries supplied the growing demand. Hartridges continued to expand whilst other breweries throughout the region were closing.
