As with today, there were many purveyors of fine food in early 20th century Preston. Preston also had a manufacturing base, in food production, with a large biscuit factory in Moor Lane. A range of cafes and catering services supplied the local area. It was also a time when the commercialisation of pet food manufacture was taking place.

The Health Food Stores in Cannon Street sold Artox flour. Artox was a manufacturer of flour from Cheshire. Bread made from Artox flour was well known into the early 20th century. Additionally, Granose Flakes were made by Kellogg’s and were a kind of early corn flakes. They were also used for an early version of Weetabix.

Eating out

If you wanted to eat out, the Tokio Café in Fishergate beckoned. Compton House, now demolished, was also the home of the Preston Scientific Society. Marks and Spencer now occupy the site. The house was demolished in 1928. The Union Jack and ‘long may they reign’ sign were present for the Coronation of Edward VII. The Coronation was set for June 1902 but had to be postponed, as Edward needed an operation on an inflamed appendix. This was a risky operation at the time. Consequently, the Coronation took place in August.

Food at shows and fairs

Shows and fairs were popular, and Edmunds and McCourty proudly showoff their new catering lorry. The address in Fishergate was also a café, known as the Cafe Orient. Edmunds and McCourty covered agricultural shows as well as weddings and funerals. Note the three digit phone number and the enormous mugs.

The White Horse Restaurant

The White Horse Restaurant in Cheapside was owned by one of the Governors of Preston orphanage. The building faced the old Post Office across the Flag Market. It was a large establishment and sometimes used by the children from the orphanage, on special occasions. 

Pigeon fanciers

Hothersall and Batty specialised in pet and bird food, specifically bird seed. They also sold wholemeal flour for humans. Keeping pigeons is, and was, a popular pastime and has been practised for more than 5,000 years. Racing pigeons are trained to return to their home base after having been released, and are remarkable navigators. Specialised dog and puppy food began to be commercialised in Victorian times.

Thomas Powell and Son Biscuit Manufacturers, Moor Lane 

One of the larger food manufactures was Thomas Powell and Son. They had a large building in Moor Lane that manufactured biscuits. Adverts for Powell’s biscuits were a common site on Ribble buses in the early 20th century. The building survived until 2020 when it was demolished to make room for student flats. The company was established in 1837 and was still advertising in the 1950s. Many Preston locals remember working there.

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