For generations of people from Liverpool, Schofields was more than just a soft drink. The bright orange and blue delivery trucks, once a familiar sight on the city's streets, became a symbol of nostalgia for generations who grew up drinking Schofields cream soda and dandelion and burdock.
Now, five years after capturing the city's attention by restoring a replica Schofields lorry in memory of his late father who worked at the factory, Tony Morrison believes he is one step closer to bringing the iconic Liverpool name back. After securing the brand's trademarks and spending years developing new products behind the scenes, he hopes the much-loved Schofields drinks could soon be served across Merseyside once again.
Restoring a Piece of History
In 2021, Tony, 59, from Norris Green, purchased an old Bedford TK truck after his dad, Kenny Morrison, died and restored it to working condition to replicate a 1970s Schofields lemonade truck as a special tribute. Schofields lemonade trucks were a regular sight on Liverpool's roads in the 70s and 80s, delivering favourites such as cream soda and dandelion and burdock to local households. The factory was located on Dalrymple Street in Everton, and at the time, six-year-old Tony was a frequent visitor, often accompanying his dad in his orange truck on his delivery rounds.
Schofields was in business for more than a century before the factory closed its doors in the late 1990s, and years later, what remained of the site was demolished. But the brand is still fondly remembered by families across Liverpool.
Securing the Trademarks
Now, following his van restoration, Tony has secured the trademarks associated with the historic drinks company and built a dedicated sampling unit, where he is developing new versions of some of the brand's best-loved flavours. If all goes to plan, Schofields-inspired drinks could begin appearing in pubs, clubs and restaurants across Liverpool within months.
Speaking to the ECHO, Tony said: "It's been a battle. But at the same time, it's more emotional where it is now because I know it's just around the corner ready to take off. There's the days of three o'clock in the morning welding in my mum's garden with the wagon, to where it is now. It's something to be proud of and, in my dad's name, it's there to be carried on."
Developing New Flavours
Tony's original restoration project was inspired by memories of accompanying his dad to the Schofields factory as a child. While restoring the wagon brought the Schofields name back into the public eye, Tony had always hoped the project would eventually lead to something bigger. He said: "I had to put it on a downturn because I had to apply for all the trademarks. Basically, I've got all the trademarks now back in the Schofields name. We've just built a sampling unit to get all the samples done and all the cream sodas and the flavours right."
Among the drinks currently being developed are cream soda, cherry and dandelion and burdock mixers designed for modern pub customers while retaining the recognisable Schofields identity. Tony hopes the products will be bottled and supplied to venues across the city, with discussions already taking place behind the scenes.
Public Support and Future Plans
He said: "My book is more or less full now with orders before we even go into production. As soon as you mention Schofields, everybody knows it. That's why it will get back to where it needs to be." For Tony, the response from the public has reinforced his belief that Schofields still holds a special place in Liverpool's collective memory. He said: "If you say to 100 people in Liverpool over the age of 30, the first thing they'll ask is, 'Are you bringing the cream soda back?'. Everybody remembers it. It's Liverpool. It's a Liverpool brand."
Alongside the drinks revival, Tony continues to take the restored Schofields wagon to shows and events around the country, where he says thousands of people stop to photograph it and share memories of the company. Yet despite the attention the vehicle receives, he still dreams of finding it a permanent home in the city. He added: "I've tried endlessly to get it somewhere in Liverpool. It's Liverpool's history. This really needs to come back. For me, it’s about carrying on the legacy. Dad's always alive when I'm doing this."
