The Lion & Swan Congleton Cheshire

A Memory of Congleton.

The Lion & Swan Hotel Congleton
Story has it that The Lion & Swan in Congleton was made from ancient timbers, even today there are some solid twelve inch by twelve inch supports on display but who knows where they came from. Cheshire is renowned for its black and white buildings, however, no one has said where the timbers are from. I can’t think that it was from Delamere or surrounding areas, but wherever it was from it was of good quality.
When you think about it, to transport this wood from it’s source to it’s destination and then to the construction site must, have been a considerable task. It has been said that the Timbers from ancient ships were also used on the construction of the Lion and Swan Hotel, this could explain some of the rough cuts on the beams. But keep in mind that this was a skill/fashion that was copied in some houses of a later date.
The Lion and Swan has creaky floors, low slanting ceilings and doors that would close at an angle to the ceiling. This absolutely unique Hotel was the pride of the town at the time.
The horse drawn taxi carriage having picked up the fine guests at the Railway Station would then deliver them to the main entrance of the Lion and Swan Hotel on West St.
The carriage which was pulled by a nice black horse would then trot up on the cobbled side road of the Hotel and then await instructions from one of the porters who worked at the Hotel.
Meanwhile oats, water and maybe some veg left over from the kitchen were fed to the trusty stallion. Then if someone needed a
carriage to deliver them to the Railway station to catch the 6.30pm Steam train to Manchester Piccadilly, the horse was now fresh and ready to tackle the steep climb of Park Lane. Some drivers took the horse and carriage via Canal St as this was not such a big incline, and then cutting through Cross Lane the horse drawn taxi would eventually arrive at the Railway Station. Clip clopping and dropping on the way which was to the delight of local rose gardeners. After dropping off the customer it was easier for the horse drawn Taxi to travel along Park Lane past the CWS Dairy, and continue down Park Lane as the brake could then be applied by the driver to take the stress from the horse all the way down to the Albion Hotel which was at the junction of Bromley Rd and Lawton St. There was an arched entrance at the side of the Albion Hotel and the horse would be directed to travel through into the courtyard for a rest. The bakery next door would supply some crusts of bread for the horse while the driver would swallow a glass of ale in the Albion Hotel while waiting for the probability of a new fare from the Hotel.
Then it was a nice easy drive along Lawton St, High St, Bridge St , Duke St then turn onto Swan Bank to the Lion and Swan Hotel.
( Moving ahead many years)
The Lion and Swan was an exclusive hotel and was visited by many famous people, such as Arthur Askey, Dave King and many more. The Cocktail Lounge was an exclusive area, where most of the privileged guests, as well as successful local business men would congregate. Local Solicitors, Estate Agents and wealthy land owners gathered to discuss legal matters and future projects. There were also many clerks, typists and staff who worked for them and were invited to share a tipple or two. The smells of the VSOP Brandy, exclusive cigars and the crackling sound of an open wood burning fire, would fill the air. Some of the smoke would somehow escape, being sucked up through the long winding chimney that exited at a very high point on the roof of the extra tall building. The back draft of the smoke would sometimes travel back down to the Coctail Lounge fire place. The ornamental black wood carved fire place and ceiling, were not only tarnished with the wood smoke from the open fire, but also with the nicotine from the finest Cuban cigars.
Elegant ladies, who had completed finishing school, would cock their little finger when taking a sip from their glass or even a cup of tea. It could be some sort of ancient tradition that some people used to on their travels throughout The British Empire, to signify that they were from well bred English stock. Or maybe a sign of – I am married, but available.
The Lounge Bar was a fantastic place, all the representatives from well established companies, throughout Britain, would sign in at the reception area and be greeted with the lovely smiles of the two young ladies, who would then instruct them on the conditions and regulations of the Hotel rules. After completion of that, the receptionists would take their money. The lounge bar was the place that all the Salesmen/Representatives met and exchanged ideas, products and business contracts, as well as having a few drinks. This Bar was not as exclusive as the Cocktail Lounge, but did have a fitted carpet, lots of hammer topped copper tables and was also more spacious than the Cocktail Lounge. Local shopkeepers would often frequent the lounge and they would dress for an evening out with their wives who were also very elegantly attired.
They would place their order for a meal, from a full A la Carte menu, with the Head Waiter or Maitre de.
The Tap Room was the den of the locals, tiled floors, hard surround seats and could be visited by anyone wearing working clothes. A good pint of frothy Bitter or Mild was guaranteed and it was at least a penny or two cheaper. The beer was probably overspill from the other two bars. On certain days it was possible to buy a freshly caught Rabbit or even a nice Trout, no questions asked. Jack Russell’s often wandered up and down, but most of them would sit next to their catch with a smile of sharp teeth that only Jack Russell can do.
Men sat around the bar hugging their beer with Rizla papers, Tobacco Shag and knuckles tattooed with Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs and Spades.
All these three bars were served by two excellent barmen who seemed to have the same walk with quick small steps and a wiggle at the rear. Their immaculate turnout and professional attitude combined with witty humour was a great attraction.
The long carpeted hallway leading to the restaurant was a delight as you then knew that you were going to be treated with style when you entered the fine dining area.
Being met by the Head waiter and then being escorted to your reserved table, candles lit and pure white cotton linen napkins, with maroon table cloths. That romantic scene is now set.
The waiters all wore maroon jackets with black lapels white shirts and a black bow tie. They were also tanned , tall and handsome professional young men.
The Menu was exciting and excellent, as there was variety of starters, sweetbread, whitebait and also prawns. The Al a Carte Menu was a delight, some French dishes and also Flambe’s cooked at the table. Veal Marsala, Steak Dianne and Crepe Suzette, all cooked with butter and the smell of liquor burning. Elegance at it’s finest. Mateus Rose, Libframilch,
Red Burgundy and many more exclusive wines were also served.
The music was provided by a Trio which consisted of a pianist, violinist and a drummer. The music in the beginning was very gentle while everyone was enjoying the fine dining and as the evening went on a variety of dance music was played to entice the patrons to move their feet which would spread the talcum powder on the little polished dance floor.
Expensive cigars were purchased along with Courvoisier Brandy’s. The bulbous Brandy glass was heated over a brass bowl which was filled with methylated spirits at a low flame while turning the Brandy glass over the flame to give an even heat which then enhanced the flavour of the amber nectar.
The Kitchen was conducted by a Head Chef who was fully aware of how to run a profitable functional kitchen and Restaurant to the highest degree. The standard of his excellence was truly outstanding. His second Chef who conducted and prepared all the blanched high quality veggies were more than above any requirements of excellence.
They both served time at the College of Catering in Manchester, commonly known as The Toast Rack.
There was no Franchise everything was bought locally and cooked, and served.
Those girls who did the washing of the dishes were brilliant, how did they deal with all the leftovers, scooping and scraping the bits into the bins that were going to be fed to the pigs. ( Not allowed now) No dish washing machines,,
Hot Water, steam and an abundance of plates, cups and saucers to deal with in such a small place must have been quite overwhelming, however they coped with hard work and had no complaints, it was not unusual for the girls to have a break and smoke a small cigarette. The smart young waiters who all had a charming personality were more than a swoon to the lovely girls .
It wasn’t the money the young girls worked for, they were all married, it was pin money and a bit of something on the side while hubby was down the pub.
The kitchen Porter was an older man who always wore a blue boiler suit and also a pair of wellington boots, larger than his size which made it seem that he had two left feet!!! He had served his working life as a wheel tapper at Crewe station and he wore his ex service Army tam tilted to one side with pride. He smoked a pipe which was so worn down that it would hardly hold a twist of baccy. Cigarettes and cigar ends from any defunct smelly ash trays were recycled to be used in the small bowl, which once lit, he sucked through the tarred stem of his pipe. This always brought a smile to his toothless grin, and then when he exhaled a cloud of smoke, it had a strong smell of toxic tobacco!!
On the weekend there was an array of classy clientele arriving in their expensive motor cars who were greeted by the car park attendant. He would offer to park their car or direct them to a convenient parking space. All the above is a ficticious story. None of the characters exist and any resemblance to anyone is totally coincidental. With the exception of the Apparition who still resides in The Lion and Swan Hotel