Episode Details

Before Starbucks and chain cafes ruled the streets, London’s own cafe empire—Lyons Corner Houses—served thousands daily from Piccadilly in 1894, growing into multi-floor food halls with hairdressers and 24-hour service. Founded by British Jewish entrepreneurs, J. Lyons and Co. became Europe’s largest food company, pioneering ice cream, the first British burger chain Wimpy’s, and even baking the royal wedding cake. Their iconic “Nippies” waitresses, in red “L” caps, were the heartbeat of the brand. Now, a new exhibition at JW3, inspired by the book Legacy, celebrates this forgotten giant—and the antisemitism its founders endured—marking a pivotal moment for the Jewish Museum London’s future permanent home.

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