N.H.Creber Ltd, as it is today, was established in 1881 by John Carter [1848-1929].  He acquired the business from a Mr Cocks, on a lease from the Duke of Bedford.  John Carter married a lady named Mary Geake and they went on to have a daughter called Winifred Anne [1882-1975].  In the early days the shop was known as “Carters Stores and was a real old fashioned grocers.  Winifred eventually married Henry Creber [1874-1941] and it was under her guidance that it began to grow.  In 1946 their son, Norman Creber [1914-1987] took over and continued until the now present generation, Robert Creber, took over, who, along with his wife, own the business.  Robert joined the business in 1974, after spending time at Harrods and Jacksons of Piccadilly.

 

In 1989 Crebers won the Delicatessen of the Year award. The shop now carries a comprehensive range of local as well as fine foods and wines from around the world and is more delicatessen oriented.  Winifred took an extremely active role in the shop right up to her late 80s and was even weighing dried fruit and chatting with customers, while keeping a watchful eye on the young Crebers!

 

In fact I’m sure she I still watching us from her portrait on the wall in the shop!  In fact I feel she is still very much a guiding light, even in these modern times.  It is with thanks to her that the shop has been able to expand as she gained the freehold of the property, which she passed to Robert before she died.

Crebers is now one of the oldest businesses in Tavistock, having traded for over 125 years in the town from the same location.

 

Crebers were the first in Tavistock to roast coffee and we still do.  We were also the first to have refrigeration in a shop.  It is with the ethos of “Quality and Service that we continue to trade both now and for many years to come.