THE IMPROVED PUBLIC HOUSE [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sra,—If your correspondent, Mr. F. M. Phillips, desires to see an actual house possessing all the amenities mentioned by Mr. B. B. Williams, and more, let him visit The Golden Pheasant Inn, Phunbley, Knutsford. This comely looking house, recently built by a brewer, replaces a frowzy little pub. It stands back from the road in fairly extensive grounds, which include a rock garden, a lily-pool, grass and shale tennis courts, a fine bowling green adjoining a pavilion, which serves for the entertainment of large parties in summer, and in winter is used by the tennis club for dances. This building is separate from the inn, one side of which is devoted to bright and pretty tea-rooms which can be entered without passing through the licensed part of the house.
There is no bar where one can stand and drink, but a lounge with small tables, comfortable chairs and settees, a thick rug on the floor, and fresh flowers about. Furniture and fittings are substantial and in good taste ; the lavatory accommodation is " up to date." That these amenities are appreciated by the public is evident from the extensive and growing patronage which the house is attracting, though (or because) it is in the heart of the country, over seventeen miles from Manchester and about four from Northwich.—I am,
[We are glad to know of the existence of this " improved public house," although, of course, one swallow does not make a summer." The writer of this letter has no pecuniary interest in " the trade."—En. Spectator.]
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