Liquid Assets Find Royal Favour

Deep below the Test Valley, natural mineral water is waiting to begin its journey to tables around the globe. Viv Micklefield meets the royally appointed company bringing about a refreshing change to our drinking habits

- Viv Micklefield

CONVERSATIONS at the start of a meal out often take-on a familiar ring. “The set menu looks good, but, maybe, let’s go with the à la carte?” “Are the puddings home-made?” “Does red wine go better than white?” And, before long: “Which is it to be, still or sparkling mineral water?”

The fact that this last question is even up for discussion just goes to show how far we Brits have come during the past 30 years. Despite our imperial ancestors opting not to drink the local tap water and passengers on board the Titanic reportedly quaffing mineral water alongside their Möet, post-war it was typically only whilst holidaying overseas that a smug rejection of the mains supply occurred. However, it seems that just as Perrier’s marketing juggernaut was revving-up for a big push across the Channel during the 1980s, something pretty revolutionary was also happening at Hampshire’s Hildon Estate.

In a twist of fate, Hamburg-born entrepreneur and art dealer Christian Leopold Heppe, had been searching for some flat land on which to run his polo horses. Having found the perfect spot at Broughton, near Romsey, a 60-metre borehole was discovered in the deeds and, by 1989, Hildon Natural Mineral Water was flowing in some of the world’s most exclusive hotels and restaurants. “He loved everything English,” says Debbie Jones, Hildon’s executive director and environmental manager, remembering the company’s founder who sadly passed away last year. “This included our native trees and landscapes, you only have to look at what’s here.”