R. A. Peacock and Son
MESSRS. R. A. PEACOCK and SON, Bakers, Cooks, and Confectioners, &c., Paisley Road Toll, Glasgow.
One of the most attractive establishments in this busy part of Glasgow is admirably conducted by Messrs. R. A. Peacock and Son, the eminent Bakers, Cooks, Confectioners, &c., Paisley Road Toll, Glasgow, to which we have pleasure in directing the attention of our readers. For generations past the name of Peacock has been a household word in association with this branch of industry, the original holder of the title, father of the present proprietor, having been established nearly half a century back in the business, which was removed to the site now occupied in 1876.
The premises are centrally situated near to where the “Old Toll House” for many years formed a familiar local land-mark, and in close proximity to the terminus of the Glasgow and Govan tram-cars. The building is of elegant architectural design, having a noble window frontage, with entrance laid with mosaic tiles, and stained glass lead lights. The windows are attractively arranged, and present a tempting display of the delicacies to be obtained within, small and fancy bread, confectionery, and artistic triumphs of the pastry-cook’s and confectioner’s skill.
The interior of the establishment is in every way worthy of its external appearance, being appointed throughout with elegant, polished pitch pine panels and stained glass window fittings, presenting a chef-d'ouvre of the designer’s art. In the rear a well-appointed office provides accommodation for the clerical work, and here also are the packing department, and a room devoted to the ornamentation of wedding-cakes and similar confections. The bakery is behind the shop, and this forms a special feature of the architectural design, having been modelled on the most recent scientific and sanitary principles, and fitted with all the newest appliances for ensuring the purity and cleanliness of the various processes of production. This department is of the spacious dimensions of 100 feet by 80 feet. At the side of the bakery are extensive stores for the plant used in the purveying department, and a fine stable provides for the comfort of the horses used in the business. The fame of the firm as bakers, pastry-cooks, and confectioners is so widely appreciated in Glasgow as to render it needless to detail the various goods which have made their reputation, and it will suffice if we indicate the leading specialities in which they excel.
In this connection the premier position must certainly be assigned to Messrs. Peacock’s celebrated wedding - cakes, which bear a unique reputation for artistic taste in design and sterling : quality of the ingredients. These cakes are manufactured under the personal supervision of the proprietor, who has always made this branch his special forte and who supplies the artistic portion of the work with his own skilful hands. Orders for cakes of this description are executed for all parts of the United Kingdom, and many are supplied to wealthy patrons in the Colonies, India, and America, the prices ranging from one to fifty guineas. It may be mentioned here that Mr. Peacock keeps a photographic record of the many varied and beautiful designs of wedding-cakes manufactured at this establishment, and that intending purchasers may inspect this splendid album for the purpose of selecting a design to suit their taste. The plain and fancy bread baked at the establishment is also held in great favour for its nutritive qualities, and is daily supplied to the leading residents in Glasgow and district.
An important branch of the business of the firm also deserving special mention is the catering department, in which they undertake the purveying of dinners, luncheons, wedding breakfasts, suppers, picnics, trial trips, and all kinds of social and festive functions for large and small parties on contract terms or by agreement. Messrs. Peacock provide for this purpose all the necessary requisite tables, seats, silver, plate, cutlery, china, glass, napery, &c., &c., of which the firm hold an immense stock, being on an emergency able to cater for the requirements of the largest gatherings in the highest style of efficiency and taste.
The proprietors have splendid branch establishments at Ibrox and Pollokshields, conducted on exactly similar lines and with equal success to that above described, the whole arrangements of the management being capably conducted under the energetic control of Mr. R. A. Peacock, the head of the firm. This gentleman is the representative of the fourth generation of the family engaged in this business, and having the manifold advantages of youth, practical knowledge, enterprise, and ability, possesses every qualification necessary not only to deserve, but to command, success in this world of commercial competition, and if there be any truth underlying the doctrine of the “survival of the fittest”, Mr. Peacock will undoubtedly make an indelible mark in the records of industrial progress in this great mercantile community.
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