Nippy facts for kids
A Nippy was the special name for a waitress who worked in the many J. Lyons & Co tea shops and cafés across London. These waitresses were known for their quick and efficient service. They wore a unique uniform that looked like a maid's outfit, complete with a matching hat.
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What Was a Nippy?
The name "Nippy" became popular around 1926. It came from the word "nipped," which meant to move quickly. These waitresses were always busy, moving fast around the tea shops to serve customers. Before "Nippy," J. Lyons waitresses were sometimes called "Gladys" in the late 1800s.
The Famous Nippy Uniform
Nippies wore a very recognizable uniform. It was a maid-like dress with red buttons down the front. They also wore a special hat. J. Lyons & Co. made sure these uniforms were always very clean. This helped keep the Nippy image looking neat and proper.
Nippies as National Icons
By the 1920s, J. Lyons & Co. realized that their Nippy waitresses were very popular. They started using Nippies in all their advertisements. You could see Nippies on product packages and on special promotional items. The Nippy soon became a well-known symbol across the country.
How Nippies Were Advertised
Unlike other advertisements that used famous people or cartoon characters, the Nippy was different. She was a real person you could see every day. This made the Nippy feel more friendly and relatable to people. This connection was a big part of why the idea became so popular.
Keeping a Wholesome Image
J. Lyons & Co. worked hard to keep the Nippy image friendly and proper. They had very strict rules about cleanliness for the uniforms. Before World War II, J. Lyons also had a rule. They would not hire married women to be Nippies. The image was so popular that children even dressed up in miniature Nippy outfits for special events like fetes.
A Day in the Life of a Nippy
Working as a Nippy involved long hours and specific duties. It was a demanding job, but also a very visible one.
Working Hours and Pay
In the mid-1930s, for example, in Brighton, a Nippy worked about 54 hours each week. Her shifts often ran from late morning until late evening. For this, she earned about £1.30 per week. She also got a little extra money for working on weekends.
Uniform Care
One of the Nippy's responsibilities was to pay for her own uniform to be cleaned. The uniform was made of a sturdy material with red buttons. Keeping it clean was important for maintaining the company's image.
Images for kids
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A Lyons Corner House recreated in the Museum of London shows a Nippy serving customers.
