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with the same for 3d. It should be borne in mind that salted and seasoned meats, such as ham and sausages, have a tendency to create thirst, and for this reason it is very desirable that the customers of the Coffee Publichouse should not find themselves obliged habitually to eat this stimulating-diet for lack of other provisions. In some way they should be afforded a choice of unseasoned meat. Good meat soup, with vegetables and rice, is sold in several London houses for 2d. a basin, and is very popular. These articles yield a good profit.
At the Dining Hall in Bristol, managed on the Glasgow system, a dinner is provided for 5d., consisting of a basin of soup, a slice of bread, 2½oz. of the best beef, and 5 oz. of potatoes. This Hall was opened in 1863, and has paid well from the commencement. The takings have been about £300 a month; the rent and taxes amount to £160, and the staff consists of a manager and wife, 13 servants, and three boys.
At the St. James' Hall, Leeds, opened in November 1877, where the receipts for provisions now (May 1878) exceed £100 a week, a small plate of meat, with two vegetables, or potatoes and bread, is provided for 6d., and it is understood that a fair profit is realised upon the sale.
Bread.—The quality of the bread and cakes supplied is a matter deserving the most careful attention, as affecting especially the poorest classes of customers. Where a large trade is done, it will be found an economical and advantageous arrangement for the baking to be done on the premises; or if several houses are opened in the same town under one management, ovens may be fitted in one of the houses of sufficient size to bake for the whole.
The following list includes most of the articles sold in the London Coffee Publichouses, with the prices usually charged:—
List of Prices. | |
Coffee and cocoa per cup (half-pint) | ½d. or 1d. |
Do. per large cup (pint) | 1d. or 1½d. |