Kent & Sussex Courier, Friday 30 April 1937.

"THE LORD CORNWALLIS"

NEW HOTEL WITH MODERATION IN ITS MODERNISATION

BRIGHT AND PLEASING ATMOSPHERE

The old order changeth, and so does the construction of Inns and hotels in the towns and countryside. Gradually, but very noticeably, they are departing from the pseudo-ancient taverns of comparatively recent construction. In which anachronism and picturesque discomfort were passed on to the public as being in keeping with Inns of long ago, for houses to be constructed with definite architectural features and with a bright and pleasing atmosphere both inside and out. A change similar to this has taken place at the old "Carlton Hotel," Eridge-road, Tunbridge Wells, which in future will be known as the "Lord Cornwallis." In this latest enterprise of Messrs. Fredk. Leney and Sons. Ltd., the well-known Wateringbury brewers, who are an associated company of Messrs. Whitbreads, a moderation in its modernism has, however, kept its lay-out and furnishing In good taste, and by this means it is intended to supply the needs of the older taverner and "the bright young things" alike.
Just two minutes from the Pantiles, on the edge of a Common of rare beauty, a minute from the West Station, and on the main road, this modernised inn should form a pleasant and valuable link between the two old counties of Kent and Sussex. The "Lord Cornwallis," a fully licensed house, has been erected on the site of the old "Carlton Hotel," and it is fitting that it should have taken its present name, as it is the first house within the border which runs along the back of the premises.

AN ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY

The family of Captain the Right Hon. Lord Cornwallis. M.C.. D.L. J.P.. has endeared Itself in the domain of which his late father was popularly called "The Squire," and, familiar as they are to Kentish folk. It is hardly necessary to recount Lord Cornwallis' achievements as soldier, county cricketer and successor of an illustrious father, but it will probably interest a wider public to know that amongst the many activities with which Lord Cornwallis is connected may be mentioned the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men, of which he is president; the Junior Imperial League; the British Legion; County Agricultural Society, etc.; whilst his service to the public is no less enthusiastic on the boards of various local government bodies with which he has been connected for some years, notably perhaps the Kent County Council, of which he was chairman In 1935. Outstanding amongst the many honours conferred upon his as a Freemason is his succession to the late Lord Cornwallis as Provincial Grand Master of Kent, 1936.

Of the new house it may be said that its noteworthy feature is the name, as, in permitting his name and arms to be used. Its patron has carried out a custom dating back to the very first of our inn-signs, his family, and himself in particular, having always taken the greatest interest in the people and affairs of their county.

UNIQUE DECORATIVE FRIEZE

Messrs. Leney’s association with Tunbridge Wells is a very old one, and they have had a house of refreshment on this spot for many years. To those interested in the historic situations and associations of inns, the county boundary there was probably the spot at which Dudley Lord North discovered the famous Chalybeate waters in 1607, an earlier legend surrounds the origin of the mineral springs, that of St. Dunstan of Mayfield and the Devil, and this has provided an inter-subject for the decorative frieze which runs round the top of the room forming the public bar. This frieze was executed in tempera by Major V. H. Seymer. D.S.O., and shows the beginnings of the Wells in entertaining and concise form, and as an example of history is well worth seeing.

The public bar is panelled in grey-stain oak, divided by stained orange strips, with counter and shelving to match. The private bar, very snug and comfortable, and really private. Is decorated in similar style of panelling and furnished with complete comfort.

PLEASING AS WELL AS BIZARRE

The saloon bar provides a decorative effect of outstanding charm in its unusual lay-out. panelling, etc. The chequer-board pattern of the panels in this bar has been carried out in sycamore and walnut, finished with red strip, and around the door openings, edges of counter, hood and bar counter strips of stainless steel set off the whole, which is pleasing as well as bizarre. An electric clock with chromium bosses in place of figures strikes perhaps the most modern note in the room, the only decorations being a portrait of Lord Cornwallis, a picture of the late Lord Cornwallis with the Linton Beagles in the 45th year of his Mastership, and a bronze tablet commemorating the opening of Kent's newest hostelry.

At an informal gathering on Monday evening, preceding the opening on Tuesday, a large number of guests were present for the house-warming, including a very representative assembly of Tunbridge Wells townspeople. The guests were cordially received by Mr. J. E. Martineau, managing director of Messrs. Whitbreads, and John Marchant, managing director of Messrs. Leney and Sons. Both Lord Cornwallis and Sir Adrian Baillie, M.P., were unable to attend.

Mr. MARTINEAU expressed the hope that the visitors liked the house and that they would visit on other occasions. It had been another attempt to carry out the policy of the Company of giving the public better and more comfortable facilities for refreshment. Those who knew the old "Carlton" would see that there had been a great improvement, and that it was more modem and convenient.

Excellent arrangements had been made for the guests.