Our Story

our story

About Bradleys

Our story began in 1850 when Daniel Bradley set up the very first dairy in Cork City at 82 North Main Street. At this point in time, the idea of a dedicated dairy shop selling fresh milk and cream was truly innovative. He continued to grow the business until 1912, when his son Mick took over which saw the successful continuation of the dairy business.

The third generation of Bradleys, Micks sons, Mick and Frank, ran the business together. They were true trailblazers. By the 1920’s, these young brothers had pioneered not only the novel
process of bottling milk into sterilised glass bottles but were also the first in the country to pasteurise milk, allowing them to produce their own ice cream from a recipe Frank brought home from his travels to Italy. In 1924, the business was looking to expand and so the pub next door at 81 North Main Street was purchased. This is where our off-licence trade begins.

Both Frank and Mick died at a relatively young age and while their sister Hannah stepped in for a brief period, the business soon passed to Micks son Michael. And so at just 21 years of age, having just qualified with a Bcomm, Michael was now in charge of the family business. Having watched the ice cream boom decline, he concentrated on developing a well-stocked grocery and off licence, serving fresh dairy produce, cold meats, confectionery and preserves as well as an extensive drink range – essentially a supermarket for its time. Michael’s sister, Mary, graduated from UCC in the 1950’s and in 1962 married Joe Creedon from Blarney. Mary and Joe managed the book-keeping side of the business in the office upstairs while downstairs, Michael regaled customers with his wit and charm – the perfect combination! Michael remained at the helm of the business until his passing in 2007.

Mary’s son, Michael Creedon, joined the business in the early 1990’s and learned the fundamentals of the trade from his beloved Uncle Michael. Like the previous generations, he was not afraid to put his own stamp on the business to make sure his family legacy continued.
Having achieved a Diploma from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust as well as being a member of the Champagne Academy, Michael has taken the business in a direction he felt he could lead with passion and confidence.

our story
Hip Flask Service

Today, Michael runs the business along with his wife Majella and together they have reimagined the enterprise again –

“In terms of wine, we champion the small, high-quality producers and also promote organic, biodynamic and natural wines. We were pioneers, back in 2000, in supporting and selling a full range of Irish craft beers and ciders and carry these along side a selection of beers from all over the world. Our whiskey selection is vast, including many limited editions. We also stock a full range of other spirits and liqueurs and specialise in sourcing those ‘harder to find’ drinks. While the focus is definitely on the off licence now, we also carry a range of Cork, Irish and International artisan foods. From local cheeses and handmade breads to Irish Sea Salt, honey, homemade preserves and chocolate, the list goes on”.

What our customers say

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