Such thoughts passed through my mind on a July morning of this summer, as I walked towards Commercial Street (not Uncommercial Street), Whitechapel. The Glasgow and Manchester system had been lately set a-going there, by certain gentlemen who felt an interest in its diffusion, and I had been attracted by the following hand-bill printed on rose-coloured paper:
SELF-SUPPORTING
COOKING DEPÔT
FOR THE WORKING CLASSES
Commercial-street, Whitechapel,
Where Accommodation is provided for Dining comfortably
300 Persons at a time.
Open from 7 A.M. till 7 P.M.
PRICES.
All Articles of the Best Quality.
Cup of Tea or Coffee | One Penny |
Bread and Butter | One Penny |
Bread and Cheese | One Penny |
Slice of bread One half-penny or | One Penny |
Boiled Egg | One Penny |
Ginger Beer | One Penny |
The above Articlesalways ready. | |
Besides the above may be had, from 12 to 3o’clock, | |
Bowl of Scotch Broth | One Penny |
Bowl of Soup | One Penny |
Plate of Potatoes | One Penny |
Plate of Minced Beef | Twopence |
Plate of Cold Beef | Twopence |
Plate of Cold Ham | Twopence |
Plate of Plum Pudding or Rice | One Penny |
As the Economy of Cooking depends greatly upon the simplicity of the arrangements with which a great number of persons can be served at one time, the Upper Room of this Establishment will be especially set apart for a
Public DINNER every Day