Our unique heritage
1837
Anchored in Norwich Since 1837
Bullards is a name that’s synonymous with the history of Norwich. Well known for supplying beers, wines and spirits, the fascinating history of Bullards spans six generations and continues to the present day with our award-winning handcrafted gin.
Harry Bullard, 1841
Richard Bullard’s New Brewery
While the country was celebrating the first year of Queen Victoria’s reign, Richard Bullard founded The Anchor Brewery. Bullards & Sons produced a range of hugely popular beers and imported wine & spirits and soon became an established name across East Anglia.
1963
The Tide of Change in the Industry
Bullards & Sons continued to prosper into a time where large national breweries were looking to take over regional firms. With a successful name and many pubs owned by Bullards, it made an attractive proposition. Watney Mann began buying shares in the business and by 1963, Bullards succumbed to the takeover by Watneys.
1966
The Anchor Brewery Closed
A consolidation by Watneys saw brewing cease at the original Anchor Brewery. Bullards Beer continued to be produced for a short time at the Watneys King Street site, a short walk across Norwich city from its original home.
1982
Little Pieces
After many empty years, the Anchor Brewery site was demolished and along with it, the iconic landmark Bullards chimney. Anchor Quay is now a residential development with little pieces of the Anchor Brewery’s history still present.
2015
New Beginnings
After developing an affinity for the brand in the 1980’s when working with the brewery, Russell Evans reconnected with the original Bullard family, and together with Richard Bullard’s great, great grandson, John Bullard the great Bullards name was revived. Now known as Bullards Spirits, they focused on the production of handcrafted, artisanal gin.
2017
Worlds Best London Dry Gin
Bullards Spirits, the first distillery in Norwich in over 150 years wins World’s Best London Dry Gin, Distillery Of The Year as well as six Global Gin Guide Awards. 180 years on from Richard Bullards success, Bullards Spirits are delighted that his fifth and sixth generation descendants are still involved in the success of the family-run business.
2018
Tipsy Anchor Rebrand
With immense pride and respect for their heritage, Bullards Spirits launch their beautiful packaging and modern branding with the ‘Tipsy Anchor’ taking centre stage. The unique bottle shape is a nod to the iconic landmark chimney that stood proud over Norwich for over 100 years.
In Late 2018, Bullards Spirits outgrew their humble beginnings at The Ten Bells Pub and moved to historic Crystal House (c1860). The relocation and upgrade to a 400L copper column still, increased production capacity from 500 to 3500 bottles per week.
2019
Pride in our Heritage
We launched our new packaging in late 2018 with the ‘Tipsy Anchor’ taking centre stage. The shape of the bottle is inspired by the Bullard’s chimney that towered over Norwich for more than 100 years and our new design builds on the heritage of an iconic brand.
2020
Innovative and Award Winning
Bullards Spirits launch their innovative and award winning Eco Project encouraging consumers to Re-Use their Bottle For Life, Refill with an Eco-Refill Pouch and Recycle responsibly by returning the empty pouch to their headquarters.
2021
Gin Shop & Tasting Rooms
Four experiential-based Gin Shop & Tasting Rooms launch across Norwich and London. Try before you buy – sample all four signature styles and Limited Edition flavours alongside the expert guidance of their Brand Ambassadors.
Explore Bottles for Life, Eco-Refill Pouches, glassware, barware, gifting and more. Or take part in a expert-led Gin Experience or Cocktail Masterclass.