|
From the Reporter, Saturday, 26 May, 1934.
To our readers interested in the development of Gravesend and its
environs, a visit should be paid to the Parish of Denton. Where a little
time ago only green fields and little frequented areas existed there has
taken place a most surprising development. New roads have been laid out
on the latest town planning lines, and attractive houses neatly arranged
in blocks of twos and fours, etc., with playing fields centrally
situated.
Should it be salt the Gravesend leaks Enterprise in the housing of
it's working people or that it lags behind any other town in the south
eastern area in its general amenities, are you visit to this new Denton
area will a lay all doubts in this Direction.
For a considerable portion of this development we are indebted to our
representatives on the council, by whose initiative and Enterprise such
a fine suburb to the town has been created.
The social side has also been carefully considered, and a site at the
entrance to the estate was reserved in the general layout of the Denton
housing estate for a refreshment house.
Arising out of this reservation, Messrs. Truman, Hanbury, Buxton and
Co, Ltd, have erected licensed premises now known as the "Dickens Inn" a
most attractive Inn planned on the latest and most comfortable lines and
with such varied accommodation and conveniences as should meet the
requirements of each the fastidious.
There are six public rooms in all of various classes, and sizes,
including an off-license, and it is surely the last word in economical
planning, labour-saving and supervision when it is considered that
attention can be given to the requirements of any customer, by which
ever door he may enter, by a movement of merely two or three paces on
the part of the landlord.
The whole of the premises are centrally heated and, in addition, open
fire places to every room provide warmth and comfort only found in the
latter and improve type of licence house which is now considered to be
essential if the public requirements after be met.
The days of the old pub is faster declining, and when it is
considered that during the brief space of two or three years Gravesend
has been improved by such licensed houses as the "Central
Avenue Hotel" with its acres of sports ground, football, cricket,
and tennis courts, the new "Old
Prince of Orange" (under the able direction of our worthy mayor,
councillor George E. Morris, J.P.) and now the "Dickens Inn," all of
which have been erected as detched properties on open and healthy sites
the only conclusion to be arrived at is that a very pronounced
improvement in the designing and planning of licensed property has set
in.
Credit cannot be withheld from the Brewers who have initiated this
great improvement in the character and amenities of their houses, and in
our opinion it is in this way lies the future of true Temperance reform.
Both the public using such premises and the Brewers desire and mutual
advantage, and every reasonable minded citizen will agree that a great
benefit has assumed to the community from this complete redesigning of
licensed premises. The photographs are reproduced of the latest house,
the "Dickens Inn" at Denton, will give a fair idea of the great
improvement externally, and internally which is taking place in licensed
houses in this very old town.
As will be seen from the exterior view, the terrace, well raised
above the
delightful fresh green lawn which form the foreground to the new
premises, has been built to afford excess to the various "bars". In
each case, entrance is affected by double draught excluding doors, one
of the many features making for comfort in this scene.
Solidarity of
construction is another noticeable feature, and some hundreds of years
hence, no doubt, a mellowed "Dickens Inn" will still be dispensing
delectable refreshments to both residents and travellers, although what
sort of vehicles will be placed in the present large car enclosure only
an H. G. Wells can visualise. Certain it is that the unusually artistic
tile Gable roof and never be used as an Aerodrome.
Above showing the Social Hall and Saloon Lounge.
This scene of solidarity is carried into the interior treatment, also for the final
that throughout the doors, fittings and furniture are of various treating solid oak.
As we have said there are six public rooms. A large
Social Hall and saloon lounge, tastefully pannalled, with studded Green
linoleum a well-proportioned public rooms, a smoke room, two private
bars, and an off licence, all of them affording that degree of comfort
and polish cleanliness Which patrons of these new Truman houses have
become accustomed to expect.
No less attention has been given to the
cellars, which, in addition to being equipped with the most modern and
hygienic system of handling the beers, even possess a hot and cold water
supply for cleaning purposes and radiators for maintaining the very
essential correct temperature.
It is anticipated that the "Dickens Inn,"
of which the host is Mr H. Hinton. A very well-known Gravesend licensee,
will achieve a reputation not only for the excellence of its beers,
wines and spirits, but also for its snacks at the bar, which are to be
offered in pleasing variety. In the same connection, it should be
mentioning that to a limited extent Hotel facilities are available.
Several local firms have co-operated in building and equipping "The
Dickens." Which is another monument to the skills of Mr George E. Clay,
A.R.I.B.A., who was responsible for the design and construction.
Amongst other Gravesend firms who contributed to the work were Messrs. R.
Redman (electrical equipment) and Messes. J. W. Reid and Co. "roof tiling).
Equipment was supplied by Messrs. Bryant and Ruckstraw (furniture). R.
Arhin
and son (panelling), Bennett and Brown (radio), and Boorman and Son,
Ltd. (clocks). The general contractors for the work were Messrs. A. E.
Tong
and son.
A handsome chromium plated national pest cash register is
installed.
Saloon Bar. |
