The Best In the UK?

Although we have long been rated by our peers in the industry as one of the three best dry cleaners & dyers in the country (out of 3,500 similar businesses), we can now claim to be probably THE VERY BEST, as a result of a recent (secret) survey of dry cleaners throughout the UK by a well known national consumer subscription magazine (whom we are not allowed to name). In these numerous tests

Harry Berger was the only dry cleaner to achieve a 100% pass mark in every category.

A Brief History. In 1912 and then a young man, Louis Berger established a bespoke tailoring business in Stockport, Cheshire. Soon afterwards, he imported from Chicago USA one of the first and then revolutionary, 'Hoffman' steam scissor-presses.

This press enabled him to finish garments much faster, more safely and to a much higher quality than using the very heavy cast-iron, fire-heated 'goose' irons, applied over a wet cloth. (This is where the now much misused and misappropriated tailoring term 'hand-pressing' originated, which nowadays more often describes ironing as 'hand finishing' which although necessary for silks, is inferior to hoffman pressing on virtually every other material). Even today, Harry Berger's still use Hoffman presses as there is still no better method of finishing garments to the highest tailoring standards.

In 1928 Louis's son Harry, opened a shop a few miles away at its present site in Cheadle Hulme where he added mens' and boys' wear retailing to his tailoring service. After W.W.2. he gradually closed down the retailing side and 1952 installed a state-of-the-art dry cleaning machine (and four hoffman presses!!)

The dry cleaning business began to expand in size and reputation and a dyeing service was also offered. In 1968 Harry’s eldest son Malcolm, (now technical director) joined the business later followed by his younger brother Stephen (now marketing director). More recently, Louis's great-grandson Jonathan joined the business as I.T. consultant.

      We suggest the best sequence of accessing the information is to first click on COLOUR CHART & PRICES followed by the lower row of heading icons in a left-to-right order starting with 1. Guidane Notes. Should you experience any dificulties with the site, would like to discuss any aspect of our information or you have a particular query, either email our technical director Malcolm Berger at harryberger@btconnect.com or you can speak to him by phoning 0161 485 3421