Visit Hillbrush – Shop, Eat, Discover

Mere-based family business, Hillbrush, has taken another significant step in its fascinating 95-year history when Visit Hillbrush, a top new destination for eating, shopping and learning, opened to the public.

Based in Norwood Park, and conveniently located just minutes from the A303, Visit Hillbrush will open its doors to locals and those travelling along the South West’s busy trunk road, serving delicious, locally sourced food, the finest quality coffee, and the opportunity to purchase high quality Hillbrush products as well as experience a fascinating and interactive museum that both adults and children can enjoy.

Hillbrush, a Royal warrant licensee, has come a long way since being founded in 1922 by brothers Fred and Bill Coward. The company is now headed up by the third and fourth generation of Cowards; Managing Director Philip Coward and son and nephew Charlie and Andy Coward. It’s one of the UK’s largest brushware and hygienic cleaning tools manufacturers supplying to over 90 countries globally, and the company employs over 100 people, many of whom have worked for Hillbrush all their working lives.

“We are really looking forward to the future in our new building, which we have been planning for many years,” said MD Philip Coward. “Our new facility will not only allow us to expand as a business, but will keep us at the heart of a community which is home to generations of Hillbrush employees.”

Food miles really matter so Visit Hillbrush has collaborated with a number of local suppliers, including Countryside Alliance Award Winners Penleigh Farm Traditional Butchers and Lavender Blue Bakery. Offerings include light bites such as delicious soups, sandwiches and charcuterie boards, homely classics such as burgers, pasta and cod goujons, as well as tasty home made desserts.

With the company’s beginnings dating back to 1922, Visit Hillbrush also celebrates its history with a stimulating and educational museum. Exhibits include historic videos, restored antique brush machines, imagery of Royal visits, How Many Brushes in your Home? and Fibres from Around the World.

Visitors will also be able to purchase a variety of Hillbrush products, from brushes to doormats, feather dusters to personal grooming items that no home should be without, as well as products from other leading homeware suppliers.

Commercial Director, Charlie Coward, added: “Visit Hillbrush is a contemporary yet warm and comfortable venue, which will be a welcome pit-stop for weary travellers in need of a delicious coffee, as well as local people relaxing with friends over lunch. We are also very excited about sharing our rich history with our engaging and educational museum and showcasing our quality product range.

“Hillbrush’s product distribution is global, but our roots are local. We want to give back to the town of Mere and the surrounding area, giving local people a personal experience they’ll want to enjoy again and again, as well as establishing Visit Hillbrush as a key destination on one of the UK’s busy tourist routes.”