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Lyons Popular Cafe BL18609
THE POPULAR CAFE, Piccadilly, London. Restaurant interior from the entrance with tables set and ready for customers. The start of a new restaurant venture for Lyons, the Popular Cafe opened to the public on 10 October 1904 with seating for 2000. This is where the band leader Victor Sylvester started his career by providng musical accompaniment for the diners every afternoon. It closed in July 1939 at the outset of the second world war. Photographed by Bedford Lemere for J Lyons & Co a few days before the grand opening. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 1344490
Filename: bl18609.jpg
Size: 4829 x 3900 (6.5MB)
Date: 2nd October 1904
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: English Heritage Images
Job Title: Photographer
Edwardian Leisure Recreation Table
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Historic Images > Famed Photographers > Bedford Lemere Collection (1860s-1944)
> Historic Images > Historic Images 1920s to 1940s
> Historic Images > More Lost London
> The way we were > Leisure > Eating out
> The way we were > Leisure > Entertainment
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back in time to the grand opening of Lyons Popular Cafe, located on Piccadilly in London. The restaurant interior is beautifully captured from the entrance, showcasing tables elegantly set and ready for customers. It was a momentous occasion for Lyons as they embarked on their new restaurant venture, welcoming the public on 10 October 1904. With seating capacity for an impressive 2000 people, this establishment aimed to provide a luxurious dining experience to its patrons. Little did they know that this would be where renowned band leader Victor Sylvester would begin his illustrious career by providing enchanting musical accompaniment every afternoon. Photographed by Bedford Lemere just days before the grand opening, this image exudes Edwardian charm and captures a snapshot of leisurely moments amidst bustling city life. The recreation of this scene transports us into an era when fine dining was cherished and socializing over delectable meals held great importance. Sadly, like many establishments at the onset of World War II, Lyons Popular Cafe closed its doors in July 1939. However, through this photograph we can still appreciate its architectural beauty and imagine the lively conversations that once filled these walls. Bedford Lemere's skillful lens has preserved a piece of history; it allows us to glimpse into an era long gone but not forgotten. This print serves as a testament to both artistic craftsmanship and cultural heritage - reminding us how even seemingly ordinary spaces can hold extraordinary stories within them.
