Let’s Talk About Food - Elmbridge Museum: Elmbridge Museum Website

Food Tour of Elmbridge

Our food discovery journey started through the museum collection, Local Studies resources, and local people. Places we have explored around Elmbridge, some may have significant status and impact, some are rather small but closely linked with daily life, including JS (Sainsbury’s), The National College of Food Technology and Peter's Cafe. How many you have heard of or recognised?

J. Sainsbury's (current Sainsbury's) The branch in Weybridge opened in 1922 was the only branch in the local area that housed an off-licence of wines.

A. Lock & Sons Edwin Lock, as a young man, worked for his father, Alfred, in a market garden at Shepperton. Edwin delivered vegetables and fruit with a motor bike and side car. He opened a shop for his father in Weybridge High Street in 1908. During the First World War, people queued at the shop to buy potatoes.

Edwin Lock Greengrocers Edwin Lock later was to take over the business and in 1931 he built a new shop, which he designed himself on the other side of the road. This shop stood in the front garden of Robin's Nest, the home of Edwin and his family until his death.

Thomas Dix Thomas Dix was a famous butcher who succeeded his father (Mr. Robert Dix's business had opened in 1836 at Church Street in Weybridge, where previously there was a private school attended by Thomas). They slaughtered their own pigs and sold them fresh or cooked, such as hot pork pie.

The Regal Restarant The large high ceiling restaurant within the Regal Cinema opened in 1938 for visitors to dine in. It was located at 85-89 High Street in Walton-on-Thames, which later became the Odeon and is currently an Everyman.

Tyler & Co. Ltd. Tyler & Co. wine merchants was located in Weybridge High Street, and was later replaced by a Waitrose supermarket.

The National College of Food Technology The college was established by the Ministry of Education in co-operation with the Food Industry, and opened in 1958. It was located at Netherfield House, St George's Avenue, in Weybridge. The buildings were subsequently used by Beechams, later known as GlaxoSmithKline. (Photo: The Architect & Building News, 5 October 1960)

International Stores Located at 2 High Street in Weybridge, opposite the end of Baker Street and the Westminster Bank. It opened in 1906 and closed in the early 1960s.

F. Cousins F. Cousins bakery opened in 1918 at 8 Church Street in Walton-on-Thames, and closed down in 1984.

Peter's Cafe Opened by Peter Johncox in 1958, who was the fourth generation of pastry cooks in his family. The shop closed down in 2000 due to competition from chain coffee shops, and the declining health of Mr Johncox. The café was well-known and visited by several celebrities. (Photo: Weybridge Society, Winter, 2015)

Sainsbury's

Selling Model and Buying Habits

Sainsbury’s is one of many supermarkets that saw the change of selling models and consumer buyer habits. The serving feature of grocery shops was silently replaced by the current self-serve model. Goods were brought forward to the customers for easier picking as well.

J. Sainsbury's shop, Church Street, Weybridge

This photograph was taken in c.1932, when Sainsbury's first opened in this building.

The Cashier Office in the J. Sainsbury's shop.

Window display of selected products. Buying system was different from nowadays in that products were placed at the back of the counter. The whole process were being served by a shop assistant rather than customers selecting goods from the shelves.

The Decorative Interior Design

Sainsbury’s, as it is known today, was originally called JS. The branch in Weybridge opened in 1922 was the only branch in the local area that housed an off-licence because the shop was taken over from an older grocery chain called Madeley’s, which had sold alcohol on the site.

A local architect, Lindus Forge, had designed Madeley’s in 1891 to replace the earlier shop destroyed by fire. It was his first work. JS then purchased the shop.

The interior of Sainsbury’s looks luxurious with decorative tiles which make a distinct contrast to the contemporary branding that we currently see – orange and white only. During that period of time, there were counters where staff served customers, compared to today when customers select their goods from the shelves. At that time, JS had a proper built cashier window, now self-checkout machines dominate to increase efficiency.

We have tried to match the Sainsbury’s tiles in our collection to this historic photograph of the shop’s interior. However, we do not have an example of every style of tile in the collection to assemble the complete decoration.

The Sainsbury tiles in the Elmbridge Museum collection.

Our thoughts

Supermarkets in our hometown are not so different to those in Elmbridge. They too sell a great number of products coming from all around the world and from their own company production. Our local supermarkets sell selected goods from Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. What we don’t find here but is very important in our hometown is the stamp collection! Many of our local supermarkets hold this activity regularly, encouraging customers to buy more and collect stamps for free or discounted products. The gifts could be cutlery, tableware, kitchen utensils, even bedding. This activity is so attached to our grocery shopping that we remember we collected supermarket stamps when we were primary school age.

F. Cousins

The local bakery for over six decades

F. Cousins was a local bakery in Walton. It started in 1918 and stood for 66 years before its closure in 1986. When it closed, a number of objects from the bakery were donated to the museum, giving us the chance to find out about its behind-the-scenes stories. We can imagine how staff in the bakery made the breads, decorated the pastries, and served their customers.

These old bricks ovens were at the back of Cousins.

This is the floor plan of F. Cousins bakery.

There are many baking tools and other items which were given to the museum collection by F. Cousins when it closed down in 1984. One of the them is the iron and brass weighing scale with a white ceramic slab and a set of seven circular brass weights for these scales ranging in weight from 4lb. to 1oz.

A block of iron holds a central axle, held up from the base by a stirrup shaped support, on which is pivoted the bar which holds the pan for the weights and the slab for the goods.

The ceramic slab with a central black design of a veiled woman holding a pair of scales and another unveiled woman, both in Grecian robes. The words ''Justite et Fides'' represent Justice and Faith. Justitia is always portrayed as blindfolded, holding scales and a sword and Fides as the goddess of loyalty, trust and honesty. A lion lies at their feet. This slab has a 'back' at right angles to its surface, on the edge nearest the pivot, to prevent bread, or other goods from catching on the brass handle on the pivot.

The delivery cart was also one of the collection items. However, it was donated to the Hovis Museum in 1996 due to the Museum clearing and refurbishment.

Our thoughts

119.1984 3 Mr. Wilfred Cousins atop the delivery hand cart, F Cousins bakers shop, 8 Church Street, Walton on Thames

F. Cousins was set up by Fredrick Cousins and his wife in 1918 at 8 Church Street in Walton-on Thames. Here the picture shows Mr W. Cousins sat on the bakery delivery cart on the last day of the shop in 1984, surrounded by children and people taking picture of him.

One of our memories is the excitement of visiting the bakery at the housing estate after school to get some of our favourite traditional bread and pastries. They were cheap, fresh, and there were many options. Some of our favourites were egg tart, doughnut and pineapple bun. It was not merely about the food we got there, but also the long-term relationship we built with the staff and owner are something that is hardly found now. This kind of bakery is disappearing nowadays due to retirement of old bakers, increasing of rent, as well as the great competition with new trendy pastry shops and franchises.

Health and Hygiene

We might think that food hygiene is a relatively modern issue. Surprisingly, our museum collection and archive show a different story. Whether it was during the 19th century or 20th century, people cared about the hygiene problem of food making and selling.

Sausage skin making at Walton 1874

The authority’s effort in 1874

In our archive, a memo records efforts of authority in terms of health in 1874. At this early modern period, we can already see how the Chertsey Union Rural Sanitary Authority and medical officers of health make their effort to controlling food hygiene in the borough.

Recommendations and surveillance were made to check the real situation of food making.

In reality

Mr Pilgrim reportedly made sausage skin in his garden. However seemingly not following Dr. Jacobs, medical officer of health’s recommendation on using “Curby’s fluid” in the soaking vats for deodorising purposes.

This resulted in an unbearable stench affecting his neighbours.

In modern times, more inspectors of different categories of food were dispatched to check the food hygiene conditions of making and selling.

The food inspectors in these two pictures (left and middle) are making inspections under The Food Hygiene & Safety Inspection Act, checking bakery equipment in early 1970s. It was possibly the Park Bakeries. Another picture (right) shows a Meat Inspector in a Cobham supermarket.

318 1988 17 Arthur Bell inspecting bakery equipment 318 1988 18 Arthur Bell inspecting bakery equipment 18.1996 433 Image of Meat Inspector, Vic Quale in a Cobham supermarket

116.1980 32 Image of the potato queue outside A. Lock & Son's shop in the High Street, Weybridge

World Wars

During the two world wars, food supply became a major concern. However, it was through these periods that innovations in food production, packaging, and creative adaptations appeared.

The picture shows a familiar scene throughout the UK during the war periods. Here the crowd queue outside A. Lock and Sons greengrocers store in Weybridge High Street for potatoes in 1914 because of food shortage of meat and vegetables.

During the wars, whether women were housewives or working, they had to queue for food on the way home and cook at home.

Food Products during the Wartime

To ensure fair and sufficient food supply, the government introduced food rationing in 1938 for adults and children to register and purchase food in chosen shops. From the 1940s, the number of food products which were rationed gradually increased due to unstable supply. Milk and eggs, for example, were the second rationed foods and potatoes were added in autumn 1946. In 1940, food wasting was claimed as a crime and rationing came to an end in May 1954.

Egg Powder There were many imported food items in the UK before 1939. Dried egg powder was invented by Albert Grant and Co. from the US in 1930s. After evaporating the liquid, the dried egg powder was easier to transport and could be preserved for a longer period, making it popular during World War Two. The UK government promoted a protein-rich diet. A tin of dried eggs equalled the food nutrition of a dozen normal eggs. During food rationing, tinned eggs were promoted and were available for purchase from grocers, such as Sainsbury’s. The egg powder could replace fresh eggs in various recipes by mixing the powder with water, frying or baking.

Dorsella Milk Powder Despite of the issue of food rationing during the Second World War, the UK government ensured nutrition in the population’s diet. For example, they added calcium to wholewheat bread to overcome the shortage of dairy products. A similar idea could also be found from the ingredients contained in the Dorsella Milk Food. The powdered milk contains additional Vitamin D that benefits both children and mothers. For babies and pregnant women during rationing, they were allowed additional food items. They included milk and cod liver oil. Therefore, the infant health problem was seen to improve.

Bonnyboy Toasted Oats During and between the wars, children’s health was also an issue for concern. Commonly consumed oats were made into special packages for war emergency period. The Bonnyboy Toasted Oats bag is one of the examples showing people’s effort in providing easy-to-make meal for children.

Recipes and Meals

Food Facts for the Kitchen Front Food Facts for the Kitchen Front is a recipe book of wartime recipes and hints. It contains recipes for quick cooking and packed meals. More interesting is that it introduces hay box cooking, and the food value for nutrition and health aspects. Hay box cooking was a very popular method during the wartime. Hay boxes could be built of wood, or even be built as hole dug in the ground and lined with hay. More than one dish could be cooked at a time by stacking pots or bowls with the lid, and then placing another bowl (with the vegetable or side dish placed on top of the lid or plate covered meat) on top.

War-Time Cookery Book, 1918 This paper backed cookery book was produced by the Ladies of Weybridge during the First World War. The book addressed the UK soldiers in its title, ''War-Time Cookery Book. In aid of our Prisoners of War in Germany. Weybridge 1918.'' The book includes favourite recipes and advertisements from local traders.

How to Plan Meals for Children During the Second World War, many UK authorities contributed to efforts to ensure the health of their people. This leaflet, issued by the Ministry of Food, is another example of their care for children’s health. It is targeted at children aged 12-17 years old, suggesting diet and food portions for daily meals.

Comparing the past and present

Food preparation has changed massively over the last few decades, becoming less time-consuming and physically demanding with the creation of new technology and equipment.

In the collection, Elmbridge Museum holds a variety of historic food preparation equipment. Watch our short video to see how times have changed!

The video shows us preparing food using tools in our own kitchen, and comparing this to how the same food might have been made in the past.

Discover more videos on Elmbridge Museum's YouTube channel

Food Preparation

Apart from enjoying food outside, it is more than usual that we want to enjoy food at home. Domestic tools became one of the essentials to make food preparation more convenient, and food types more various.

Cream maker Popular in the 1930s, these cream makers were designed for making cream at home with unsalted butter and warmed milk. By pumping it vigorously, the mixture would be forced into the small nozzles and formed as natural cream-like emulsion.

Aluminium cream maker This aluminium cream maker allows users to clamp it on a table edge, making the pumping easier with the long handle. Relief inscription inside upright of clamp reads "Empire. Made in England. Pat. Appl. For."

Ice maker To make ice with the flask, the user would pour one measure of water into the small aluminium measure and then pour this into the outer container. The inner container is then placed in the outer one and the cork and plunger are removed. One and a half measures of commercial Ammonium Nitrate, crushed washing soda, and water are then added. The user would then replace the cork and plunger quicky and work the plunger up and down rapidly for two minutes. To finish, the inner container would be lifted out, thickly coated with ice.

"Quickmix" food mixer This “Quickmix” food mixer is designed for manual usage. It is made of hygienic plastic material. Both the beak and the lid have a circular raised area with three angled-surfaces to help mix foods when the container is shaken. This product probably targeted housewife customers by emphasising itself as the quickest mixer with its slogan “Save time, Save waste”, that was “approved by women everywhere.”

Ice cream mould The Pewter Ice Cream Mould is plain on the outside and decorated with rings on the cylindrical container. The lid is decorated with ridges on the inside with fruit-shaped indentations. Users could unscrew the top to pour in the mixture and unscrew the base to take out the finished mould.

Milk bottle cooler This "Everston" Cold Safe is designed for keeping a milk bottle cool.

Memories of Museum Volunteers

Marilyn
Anthony

Cobham Flower Market

Having lived in Cobham all my life I have fond memories of the Cobham Flower Show held in huge marquees on Cobham Recreation Ground.

In the 1960s it was the main event in the calendar as it also included a funfair and races for children. Children were given entry sheets at school, and we set to making, cakes, biscuits and scones in the hope of winning first prize. The Flower Show brought the whole village together with keen cooks and gardeners keen to show their fruit and vegetable growing skills.

The Flower Show continues to this day, a smaller event held at Cobham Village Hall. At the grand age of 68 I finally won a first prize for my lemon drizzle cake.

Hersham Village Market

I started going to Hersham Village Market only recently after one of the organisers came on an Elmbridge Wellbeing Walk that I was leading and told me all about it. The weekly market is a community co-operative that has been running for 37 years! I quickly realised that it fitted into and amplified a narrative that was already forming in my mind about Hersham’s self-help and community-oriented ethos that can be traced back to mid-Victorian times.

It’s probably not stretching it too far to say that for regulars and visitors to the market it is a lifeline. People living on their own can buy home-cooked meals for the week ahead and other treats. Friends can meet in Bob’s Cafe which is run by Bob and Sue, for a chat, a coffee and a slice of cake! I now take my friends along!

Food Map of Elmbridge

This map points out the places that we have found through our research and conversations with the people around us. Although most of these places no longer exist, a few still dwell in local memory or remain affecting us to this day.

As non-local residents, we found the exploration interesting. We learnt stories and significances of the places throughout the discovery journey. They inspire and remind us how we could think about food and relate to it.

We hope audiences of both our physical display in Walton Library and here on the online exhibition can feel free to share with us their memories or recommendations of places they find important to them!

The Wheatsheaf

The Wheatsheaf in Esher was the venue for our second team lunch with the museum’s volunteers. It was also the last one we would have during our placement. Unlike other pubs, I was particularly excited about the interior, which featured numerous paintings and photos hanging throughout the restaurant. One painting, in particular, reminded me of one of my favourite artists, Egon Schiele. I was also pleasantly surprised by the decor in the toilets—it was unexpectedly charming.

Often, an unfamiliar place can create a certain tension, making it difficult to start a conversation. However, the atmosphere at The Wheatsheaf was cosy and relaxing. The staff and volunteers moved around the long table, changing seats to chat with everyone, creating a vibe similar to a family gathering. Although we had only met the volunteers a few times—and for some, it was the first time—the warm environment and the conversations we shared made it feel like our relationships were deeper than the actual time we spent together.

The Surrey Coffee Company

During the placement period, the Surrey Coffee Company located in Walton-on-Thames became one of my frequented cafes. As a local café, the atmosphere there is casual, relaxing, and welcoming to young children as well. Sometime cafes that are too chill and cool could be a feature stopping me from going. I’m glad that they keep the friendly atmosphere.

Almond croissant

As a person with a sweet tooth, I cannot resist their almond croissant. I would say theirs might probably be the best I ever tried in Elmbridge. It reminded me of the similar pastry I loved in my short stay in Czech. The almond croissant has the similar sugary and nutty paste as the Trdelnik (Czech cinnamon sugar pastry). Perhaps it was only because of the afternoon sunshine or the similar weather I had in Czech linked these two experiences together. This is perhaps what food can do, to provoke memories that we like.

Cobham Garden Club Flower Show

Cobham Garden Club Flower Show is an activity which the Cobham Garden Club hold twice a year. Their Summer Show focuses on plants, while the Autumn Show focuses on plants and vegetables. Classes for cookery, flower arranging, fruits and vegetables are available for adults. As for children, they provide similar classes especially during the Autumn Show.

Hersham Village Market

Hersham Village Market located between Esher, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge has been connecting people with food for thirty-seven years. The Women’s Institute originally set up this market to sell products made by their members and fund their creative activities.

Now this independent community continues to promote its founding principles. The market serves as a place for people to gather and provide quality food made and grown at home at affordable prices. It also provides an opportunity for customers and producers to discuss products with each other.

Let's Talk About Food

Hello! We are Elly and Cloris

This online exhibition tells food stories in Elmbridge from physical objects and memories. Although many of these stories are small, they are diverse and closely connected to local history and our daily life.

Food Tour of Elmbridge

Sainsbury's

Selling Model and Buying Habits

J. Sainsbury's shop, Church Street, Weybridge

The Decorative Interior Design

Our thoughts

F. Cousins

The local bakery for over six decades

Our thoughts

Health and Hygiene

We might think that food hygiene is a relatively modern issue. Surprisingly, our museum collection and archive show a different story. Whether it was during the 19th century or 20th century, people cared about the hygiene problem of food making and selling.

World Wars

Food Products during the Wartime

Recipes and Meals

Comparing the past and present

Food Preparation

Apart from enjoying food outside, it is more than usual that we want to enjoy food at home. Domestic tools became one of the essentials to make food preparation more convenient, and food types more various.

Memories of Museum Volunteers

Cobham Flower Market

Hersham Village Market

Food Map of Elmbridge

The Wheatsheaf

The Surrey Coffee Company

Cobham Garden Club Flower Show

Hersham Village Market

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