In London, 1886 by the Franklins brothers; Frederick & Albert began creating remarkable drinks, combining the finest natural ingredients after Frederick returned from America, inspired by the innovative, pioneering drinks he had experienced.

Over 130 years later, we continue that ethos, using our experience and expertise to craft exceptional award-winning drinks, naturally and without compromise.

Franklin & Sons – Drinks Pioneers since 1886

1886 – Franklin & Brothers was established in April 1886 by George, Albert and Frederick Franklin

1890 – They were renowned for their home-brewed Ginger Beer, the recipe for which was a closely guarded secret. Their bottles were produced in returnable glass, stoneware and soda siphons, some of which are still in existence today

1898 – After the founding brothers moved out of the business, Frederick II kept alive the family business and renamed the business Franklin & Sons

1910 – Their horses were not only used to sell drinks but helped assist the local fire brigade, many members of the family were also firemen

1930 – Taking inspiration from Americans travelling to London, Franklin & Sons introduced innovative flavours to the UK from sources all around the world

1935 – The company started to extend their range of products by wholesaling cider, Bulmers and Coca Cola. Franklin & Sons outlasted all their local competitors

1955 – William Chapman (the first non-family Director) joined as Managing Director. In 1955 Frederick and James Franklin retired

1960 – Continuing the pattern of growth the Franklin’s family purchase more land and add a car park to the mill, given the growing number of the team and the introduction of affordable automobiles

1989 – After a very successful brand and wholesale business, sadly the mill was brought by a bigger company and ceased to exist

2015 – Franklin & Sons new modern bottle was lovingly designed with touches of the original embossing, bringing the brand back to life after more than 20 years

2016 – Franklin & Sons pick up 5 prestigious Great Taste Awards across the range

2017 – Franklin & Sons release branded glassware including the popular gin Copa glass. Franklin & Sons receives Great Taste Awards for 6 products including Wild Strawberry & Scottish Raspberry with Cracked Black Pepper, British Dandelion & Handpicked Burdock with Star Anise, our classic Franklin & Sons Natural Indian Tonic Water, our Light Tonic Water, Scottish Soda Water and our Sicilian Lemon Tonic Water. All receiving 1 star each

2018 –  Our Natural Indian Tonic Water continues to be great tasting winning 2 stars alongside our Wil Strawberry & Scottish Raspberry with Cracked Black Pepper and our Natural Light Tonic Water and British Dandelion & Handpicked Burdock with Star Anise holds their great taste with 1 star

2019 – Franklin & Sons launch The Flavour Collection of tonic waters to the ever-growing portfolio of tonic waters, soft drinks and sodas

2020 – We earned our Great Taste Producer award and continued to pick up Great Taste Awards for a range of drinks. 2 stars were awarded to our Rhubarb Tonic Water with Hibiscus, Rosemary Tonic Water with Black Olive and our Flavour Collection continued to have great taste as well as our classics. Natural Light Tonic Water, Pink Grapefruit Tonic Water with Bergamot both receive 1-star

2021 – We continue to be producers of Great Taste due to having successfully gained stars for the last few years. In 2021 our Rhubarb Tonic Water with Hibiscus gains 2 stars. With 1 star we have our Natural Light Tonic Water (that’s 5 years running!) and Sicilian Lemon Tonic Water

Today – More than 130 years after its humble beginnings, Franklin & Sons heritage is celebrated in the range of crafted tonic water, sparkling soft drinks and pre-mixed cans