They are so hooked on Vimto, they have a tank full of the cordial buried in their garden so there is a constant supply in the kitchen.
Mum Mandy, 40, first became addicted to Vimto 14 years ago. Along with husband Clive, 42, and sons Daniel, 12, and Tom, nine, they guzzle 12 litres a week at their home in Timperley near Altrincham.
A specialist team from Vimto's Warrington manufacturers spent hours digging up Birds' garden to bury the tank. Pipes lead into the kitchen and when the tap is turned on, Vimto is pumped into a mixing chamber connected to the house's water supply.
Daniel and Tom like a glass of the sugar-free version every morning before they go to school.
Then they take flasks so they can top up at lunchtime.Mandy, a special support educational assistant, used to buy two litres of the concentrate each week.
She said: "I bought it one day and we just carried on drinking it and the boys have grown up with it. Vimto is lovely - it is just so different from the other drinks.
"I always buy the sugar free stuff and neither of my boys have any fillings.
"The Vimto helps because my youngest tends to make it a bit strong.
"Who knows, we might start a new craze!"
Daniel, a pupil at Wellington School in Timperley, said: "It is great to have it on tap. It tastes so nice and fruity."A spokesperson for Vimto said: "The tank was a fairly simple installation, but we can't disclose how much it cost as it was a gift to the Bird family.
"It's a complete one-off, there's nothing else like this in the rest of the country."
Vimto was created by John Noel Nichols in a wooden barrel in his warehouse at 49 Granby Row, Manchester, in 1908.
It was intended to be a healthy pick-me up which gave those who drank it vim and vigour.
The drink is a mix of three fruit juices - grape, blackcurrant and raspberry and a blend of 23 fruit essences, herbs and spices.
It can be served hot or cold or made with carbonated water. Tweet
Comments
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That's not fair I want one! We go through about three 1.5ltr bottle a week (again the kids tend to make it a bit strong) this would be an excellent idea. How can I get a free present from Vimto.
P.S. Purple Ronnie is king
My dad used to call me the Vimto Kid when I was at school. I wouldn't drink anything else - God forbid if anyone offered me orange sqaush! Did anyone else have the "Vimto moustache" - the two lines that went up from your lips from Vimto on the side of the glass?
I was brought up in Manchester in the 50's and 60's and Vimto was my favourite drink of all. When oh when will it come to Ireland. Will Nichols get in touch with me and let me drink the drink of life.
My god their teeth deserve to fall out!
I am interested in having the same system set-up in my home for my family.
Can you advice me please.
Yours very kindly
Alexander Rahim
Hello all,
Just like to say that I found your article an interesting read, what a lucky family!!
I would like to know how I can contact the manufacturers of vimto as my family is also addicted to the drink but it's hard get it here in Florida and I would much rather deal with the company itself to supply me with there oh so yummy beverage. Their website had no relevant information. Please let me know if you can assist me with my quest! I promise I will promote their product all over South Florida with pleasure!!
Kind regards
Raz
Dear Sirs,
I am very tempted to read this story so much that I have decided to import one container to Houston.
Please furnish prices for shipment to Houston with details of packing viz can/bottle, how many cans/bottles in a crate and how many crates in a 20' container.
I shall appreciate your prompt response.
Regards
My grand-uncle Herbert Crossley had a herbalist shop in Oxford Road, Burnley, opposite the canal. My mother Doris nee Crossley said his Vimto, sarsaparilla and 'blood drinks' of blackcurrants 'were really something'. She used to go back for more -- and patrons came from far and near. It sounds like Coca Cola wasn't the first to produce an addictive beverage. If anyone remembers Herbert or the shop please send in your memories.