Berry's Jewellers, the Leeds family firm with five generations behind it

Few Leeds businesses can trace their story back as far as Berry's Jewellers. The firm has been part of the city's shopping streets for well over a century, and it is still run by the family that founded it.

The business began in 1897, when Abe Berens opened shops in Scarborough and Southport. In 1901 he opened a shop on Lands Lane in Leeds, starting a connection with the city that has lasted ever since.

He was joined by his daughter Jeanne and her husband, and the business moved through several Leeds addresses over the following decades. In 1945 it moved to Bond Street, and in 1966 it found the home of its flagship store on Albion Street.

Jeanne took over after her father, and the business later passed to her son-in-law Jeffrey Walton. Simon Walton, Abe's great-grandson, joined the family firm and is now managing director, the fourth of five generations of the family to be involved.

The fifth generation is now part of the story too. Jeffrey, together with his son Simon and grandson Oliver, grew Berry's to locations in Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, York and Windsor.

Leeds remains the heart of the business. Alongside the Albion Street flagship, stores in the Victoria Quarter and on Commercial Street opened later, giving the firm a strong presence in the city centre.

Berry's marked its 125th anniversary with a new Leeds store, a fitting way to celebrate a family business whose story began on the city's streets. It is known for fine jewellery, bridal rings and Swiss watches, and for the kind of personal service that comes from long experience.

In a world where so many high street names come and go, a family jeweller passing from one generation to the next is something to celebrate. Five generations of one family is a rare achievement in any trade.

Berry's Jewellers has several stores in Leeds city centre. Details of each store and its collections can be found on the Berry's website, where appointments can also be arranged.