Restaurant, Bow Street, Bolton

OPENING OF THE NEW RESTAURANT, MAY 26th, 1900. The eager and curious crowd of our members present at the opening of the new Restaurant in Bow Street, on Saturday, May 26th, 1900, was a signal proof of the interest taken in the venture of our Society. It was a bold idea to turn the dingy basement under the Grocery Department into a Restaurant, but skill and capital are capable of accomplishing marvellous results. At any rate, all were gratified with the transformation which had taken place, for under the supervision of our townsman, Mr George Temperley (Architect), we have now in what was a disused portion of our premises an up-to-date Restaurant artistically and comfortably arranged, and with every appliance that matured experience suggests. The Restaurant is approached by an entrance in Bow Street, the staircase being spacious and easy, and leading into a hall. From there the large dining-room is entered. On the left in the corner is a bar, from which the urns will at any time of the day supply tea or cocoa, and where a choice can be made of edible or other refreshments. Adjoining the bar is most conveniently situated a cutting-up or dishing room, which contains steamers, hot plates, grills and cutting-up tables. Underneath - as the land falls to the river bed, is the splendidly-fitted kitchen, with its modern cooking range and all accessories. In connection with the kitchen is the scullery and larder. A hoist communicates with the kitchen to the room above. There is also a staircase which leads to it, and also a separate entrance where stores can be received. Just beyond the bar, still on the left hand, is the smoke-room, 34 feet by 15 feet, where the thirty gentlemen it can accommodate may enjoy their " weed " in attractive surroundings, for there is a fine mosaic floor and tile dado; the woodwork is of pitch pine varnished, and the chairs ranged round an open fireplace make the room a cosy retreat. On the right of the dining-room, close to the entrance, is the pay office, and just beyond is a space, artistically screened, where ladies can dine privately, if they desire. The rest of the room is open, and, including the ladies' section, 150 persons can dine at one time. Ladies' and gentlemen's lavatories are provided in suitable positions, a convenience not available in many restaurants, or if provided on a very inadequate scale. Glazed lead-lights have been used with an eye to attractive effect. The Restaurant was put under the management of Mr. H. Bray, who is an accomplished chef and restaurateur, having had experience in Canada, Portsmouth, Liverpool, and elsewhere. It was intended to open the Restaurant, for business after the inaugural proceedings, but, owing to an unforeseen difficulty it had to be postponed until June 2nd.

Reference           W Peaples: History of the Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society, 1909 Page 475 243-244