Hillbrush Review: Royals and Street Sweepers

If you see a street sweeper in London, they are likely using a Hillbrush. If you visit the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, the grooms are using Hillbrush. Based in Mere, Wiltshire, Hillbrush (founded 1922) is the largest manufacturer of brushes and hygienic cleaning tools in the UK.

The Royal Connection

They hold a Royal Warrant (granted 1981). Why? Because Horses. The Royal Family loves horses, and Hillbrush makes exceptional grooming brushes ("dandy brushes," "body brushes"). But they also make the brooms used to sweep the palace courtyards.

The Innovation: Hygiene

While they have heritage, Hillbrush is high-tech. They are world leaders in "Shadow Board" cleaning tools for food factories. If you buy a sandwich from M&S, the factory that made it probably uses color-coded Hillbrush tools to prevent cross-contamination (Blue for raw meat, Red for cooked, etc.). This "Resin-Set" technology ensures bristles don't fall out into your food.

The Visitor Centre

In 2017, they opened "Visit Hillbrush," a massive museum and restaurant in Wiltshire. It celebrates the history of brush making. It is surprisingly popular.

The Verdict

You probably don't think about your broom. But a Hillbrush yard broom lasts 20 years. A cheap plastic import lasts 2. For £20-£30, it is a "Buy once, cry once" purchase for your garden shed.

Pros:

• Incredibly durable.
• Royal Warrant quality.
• Family owned (Coward family) since 1922.

Cons:

• It is just a broom (not a sexy purchase).
• Heavy duty means heavy to lift.

Related: Kent Brushes Review | British Brushes