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A British Waitress in a restaurant or teahouse
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A British Waitress in a restaurant or teahouse
A British Waitress working in a restaurant or teahouse - delivering a tray of hot drinks. Perhaps her slightly downcast expression is in part due to the fact that gratuities to serving staff were clearly being firmly discouraged (note the sign on the wall). Date: 1906
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Media ID 18076141
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Cafe Coffee Coffeehouse Drinks Floor Order Orders Outfit Restaurant Serving String Tables Taking Teahouse Tiled Tray Waiting Waitress Waitresses
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative black-and-white photograph from 1906, a British waitress is seen making her way through a bustling restaurant or teahouse, carefully balancing a tray laden with steaming hot drinks. The waitress, dressed in her traditional uniform, wears an expression that suggests a mix of concentration and perhaps even a touch of fatigue. Her outfit consists of a white blouse, a red apron, and a long, dark skirt, which blends in seamlessly with the red and white tiled floor beneath her feet. The waitress is surrounded by an atmosphere of quiet efficiency and industry. The tables around her are neatly set, and the walls of the establishment are adorned with simple, elegant decorations. However, a sign on the wall, which reads "Service Charge Included in Price," indicates that gratuities to serving staff were clearly being firmly discouraged at this establishment. Despite the lack of financial incentives for excellent service, the waitress remains focused on her task at hand. She clutches a small order pad and pen in one hand, while the other hand holds the string attached to the tray, ensuring that her delicate balance is maintained. The steam rising from the cups of tea and coffee on the tray adds to the cozy, inviting ambiance of the café or restaurant. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of a waitress working in a British café or teahouse at the turn of the 20th century. It captures the dedication and professionalism of the waitstaff, even in the face of challenging working conditions and meager financial rewards. The image is a testament to the enduring tradition of hospitality and service that continues to thrive in the UK's café and restaurant culture to this day.
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