Paxton’s Restaurant and Luncheon Bar

Paxton’s Restaurant and Luncheon Bar (M. Paxton, proprietor), 199, Argyle Street.—

    Among the old-established and well-known restaurants of Glasgow is that of Mr. Matthew Paxton. This house has been established since 1863, and has always enjoyed an excellent reputation. It is centrally situated in the very heart of the great traffic of Glasgow, near the corner of Jamaica and Argyle Streets, convenient to all the railway stations, and within easy access of all parts of the city.

    The premises, which formerly consisted of a substantial three-flat tenement, have recently been completely remodelled, and consist of the principal bar on the ground flat, facing Argyle Street, and which is a spacious apartment thirty feet in width by about sixty-five feet in depth. The counter or bar is of beautifully carved mahogany, and of horseshoe design, which shape is now so much in vogue ; the walls in this apartment are lined with handsome light-coloured Minton tiles, with heavy-maroon dado and exceedingly handsome frieze in cornices, giving a fine effect ; the ceilings are of white pine varnished, and the tout ensemble cannot be equalled in the city. At rear of this bar is a new and very handsome retiring saloon, which takes the place of the numerous boxes or rooms which formerly existed. This saloon is fitted up in real saloon fashion and in a most artistic style.

    The cellarage in connection with the establishment comprises the main cellar, which is about sixty-five feet by thirty feet, and at rear of this is the wine cellar, also of large size, and fitted up with bins.

    The luncheon-room, which is situated upstairs on the first flat, is of noble dimensions, and fitted up in most modem style ; instead of having long tables running the whole length of the room, as is so often the case in large restaurants, Mr. Paxton has had numerous small tables put in, capable of accommodating comfortably a party of about four persons at each table. This arrangement of the tables not alone enables a few friends to have a quiet lunch by themselves, but also gives the room a cosy appearance, and does not lead the visitors or guests to imagine that they were sitting down at the table d'hote in an hotel. Settees made of light and dark woods run all round the room, but are not upholstered, thus preventing the dirt from lodging. A handsome bar for the special convenience of visitors on this flat is situated in one corner of this room, and has stained glass windows of most unique design and which have been specially made for Mr. Paxton by Knox, Bros., York Street. The windows, which are partly in the oriel style, give ample light. A stand running the full length of the window is filled with the choicest flowers in pots. A reading-room most elaborately fitted up and furnished with all the leading newspapers, illustrated papers, &c., and a smoking-room, is attached to the lunch-room.

    A feature in connection with the restaurant, and which in particular deserves mention, is that the kitchen of the establishment is situated on the top flat and is provided with a double self-acting hoist. The establishment has ample lavatory accommodation on each flat. In order to keep pace with the expansion of the times, which all point in the direction of modern improvements, these most extensive and costly alterations have been gone heartily into, and the establishment, which during the past quarter of a century has always occupied such a high and leading position in the city, will now in connection with these improvements be one of the landmarks of Glasgow for years to come.

    The name of the proprietor has for a long space of time been a familiar one here, and will now be more so than ever. Though belonging to the old school, Mr. Paxton is nevertheless convinced of the necessity of conforming to modern tastes and ideas, and realises the truth of the old Latin saying, “Tempora mutantur et nos pariter cum eis mutamur”.

    A substantial bill of fare is provided daily, including soups, fish, entrees, joints, snacks, sweets, and varieties, while the scale of charges is placed at the lowest figures compatible with the best the market affords. Excellent cooking and polite attendance are leading features. A first-class business is conducted chiefly with residents and country visitors. Mr. Paxton is President of the Scottish Wine and Spirit Merchants’ Benevolent Institution, a society that has been established for about a quarter of a century, and with which the leading members of the trade are well acquainted.

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