A Belated Happy 125th Birthday to The Salisbury

Built and designed by self-made millionaire builder, Scottish lock keeper's son John C. Hill, The Salisbury opened as a hotel just over 125 years ago in early March 1899,  with the bars opening six months later in mid-September.

Press reports of the new establishment were effusive, to say the least.

With apologies for my tardiness in marking the pub's 125th anniversary year, below are two some key opening reviews from 1899, including photos. The Licensed Victualler piece has hung in the Lounge Bar for many years. I got myself a copy from the original journal many years back the British Library.  I've also included a collection of key images after that, including a sort of video of the first floor before it was converted to residential accommodation.

"The Salisbury Hotel, Harringay N"

Holloway and Hornsey Press, 14 April 1899

In the suburbs of London there numerous licensed victualler's establishments designated "hotels" which can lay no claim to such a title. Very many of thew have not a spare bedroom at the immediate service of an unexpected residential guest, and have never, during the entire span of their existence, entertained or boarded a customer in the proper "hotel" sense. Indeed, anything beyond bread and cheese, and "bunburies" - with an added mixture of unsatisfactory biscuit food - is unknown to their "catering" principles and methods. These so-called “hotels" are not even on a level of merit with that which prevailed in the days of our unpretentious grandfathers who kept the ancient roadside "inn” or "tavern " - with a wide-meaning announcement: "Accommodation for man and beast." The accommodation of these modern and degenerate descendants of the old inns gives less satisfaction to the hungry and travel worn than that of a third-class coffee shop keeper. The classification and designation of licensed premises should have greater attention, so that a man might the better know where to simply expect to get "a drink,” -and where otherwise to get "a bed and breakfast,” and all such fare as a decent "hotel” should provide.

When I commenced my tour over the new Salisbury Hotel at Harringay, under the courteous guidance of Mr. Fred. Allen, the manager, the above reflections came upon me with great emphasis. A visit to the commodious beer, wine, and spirit cellars was a revelation, where all the latest improvements in temperature, ventilation, and sanitation make this an ideal department, and the envy of many who have houses doing a big trade under much cellar difficulty. In fact, the cellars are some of the largest in the North of London, as they cover the area of the hotel site, are lofty, well ventilated, and kept at an even temperature by means of a hot water circulation, drainage and sanitation being one of the most important considerations.

"Even in their present incomplete form, the saloon and other bars give evidence of the richness of decoration, and the upholstered comfort provided for all classes of the public. The main designs in these departments embrace: - On the ground floor, two spacious public bars, wine and private bars, and a magnificent saloon, all fitted with polished teak. The walls and ceilings are decorated in a most gorgeous manner with silk flock paper and hand pointed plastic decorations. The floors are finished with expensive mini choice mosaic. In addition to this, there is a grand and comfortable two-table billiard room, and a bar parlour, where luncheons are served daily.

"The "hotel” element proper is first entered and experienced after passing the hotel entrance in St. Ann's-road. Adjacent to this, on the right hand side of the lobby, facing the grand staircase, is the coffee room, with every accommodation for guest or "commercial," and provided with a separate service bar. Access to the floor above is obtained by two fine fire-proof staircases. On the first floor there is a fine assembly hall, 60 feet by 30 feet, which will be a great boon to the neighbourhood for balls, concerts, banquets, etc. It is approached by wide corridors and a large crush room. Attached to the hall is the dining room. The whole floor is fitted with Chippendale mahogany and decorated throughout in crimson and gold. Ladies' and gentlemen's cloak rooms, lavatories and baths are in close proximity to the staircase. On the floors above are bed and sitting rooms for hotel purposes, smoking rooms, drawing rooms, and the general hotel staff rooms and offices.

The hotel is heated throughout with hot water radiators, and on each floor elaborate arrangements have been made. Part of the hotel will be fitted and arranged for a Masonic Temple, a new Lodge being in course of formation. The furniture and upholstering will be in tone with the luxury and comfort of the establishment, the whole surroundings being quite equal to that of a first-class West End hotel. The kitchen and culinary departments are on the top floor. Lifts convey coal and all heavy material, luggage, etc., necessary to domestic arrangements, and for the residential rooms above. The private sitting rooms will be furnished in excellent taste, and the bedrooms fitted with every up-to-date requirement. Means of communication with the catering and domestic departments from the visitors' rooms are most convenient and comprehensive.

The exterior is an architectural achievement which makes the building a most attractive feature of this district; and, if building continues on the same uniform and splendid lines, Harringay ought to be soon one of the finest residential and commercial suburbs of North London. All admit that Mr. J. C. Hill has more than fulfilled his promise in building, fitting, and furnishing an ideal hotel; and many are surprised at the ambition of the venture. But the future will prove the undertaking is not a bit too big, and a business is already growing that will develop into a proof that West End catering functions of all kinds are possible at Harringay.

The building stands upon an area of 650 square yards, and has an elevation of 85 feet from basement to top of roof, which is capped with lead cupolas forming a picturesque contour.

I had nearly forgotten the stables, and carriage accommodation, livery and bait department in St. Anne's-road (sic). These are built to accommodate six horses – with loose boxes, coach houses, and harness room; also a large open shed, 50 feet by 20 feet, and spacious loft and storage above. The yard is 50 feet by 60 feet, and is paved throughout with blue brick. This will be a handy spot for visitors driving to Harringay to put up their horns and traps.

"A Palatial Hotel. The Salisbury Hotel, London. A Combination."

The Licensed Victualler & Catering Trades' Journal, July 26 1899, pp. 804-806.

1. Exterior, showing unmade Green Lanes.

The combination of hotel, restaurant, public-house, and everything else that is required to carry out in its entirety the spirit of the licensing laws is a novelty. Novelties in the licensed victualler's trade are as few and far between as angels visits, but occasionally one does come across them, and then one is bound to look upon them with inexpressible admiration.

Some few weeks ago we promised to give an illustrated account of the combination mentioned in the first sentence of this article, and we now have the pleasure of presenting it to our readers. The subject of this sketch is the newly-erected Salisbury Hotel, Green Lanes, Harringay, London, N., and we venture to think that, after reading this article, everything that is claimed of this establishment will be admitted as being just.

Now, within the recollection of the rising generation, Green Lanes, London, N., was a district, the bareness of which could only be equalled by the sluggishness of its commercial life. But the " spreading " of London came in the natural order of things to include it, and almost instantaneously the neighbourhood sprang into existence as a London suburb. At the present moment there does not exist a more thriving district in the Metropolis, or one which possesses more business activity. Strange as it may seem, but one man thought of the possibilities of the neighbourhood from the view of the licenced victualler and that man, curiously enough, was the man who materially assisted in the transformation of the district. This was Mr. J. C. Hill, of 7, Archway Road, Upper Holloway, London, N. Mr. Hill is one of the leading members of the building trade, and those who have had anything to do with him in business will not wonder at his latest coup by which he became a member of the licensed victualling Trade and at the same time a valuable addition to the ranks. Mr. Hill in this one stroke raised his status as a man of business and resource. He conceived the idea of the combination and without loss of time proceeded to bring it to its practical issue. How far he succeeded will be gathered by a perusal of this article. In the first place, Mr. Hill was his own architect. He drew out his plans and presented them to the magistrates, and proved beyond all doubt that the district was ripe for the erection of such an hotel as he proposed. The plans were passed, the license granted, and within a few short months the building was complete. With two exceptions, everything required to bring the hotel into actual existence as an hotel was done through Mr. Hill's office. This fact alone sets him down as a man of great capability - he has been known as such in the building world for some considerable time, so that is no news in that quarter and as such he cannot fail to be considered a leading member of the Trade in which he has just entered. 

The Salisbury Hotel is peculiar. The position it occupies with regard to other "houses" is unique, because of its combination of several distinct establishments. In this it is a paradox, as the hotel, restaurant and public-house which it comprises are distinct, but they are nevertheless equally one. The hotel is one of the finest which exists at the present day; it is one also which it will take a genius to eclipse, and, again, it is one which entirely carries out the idea of the nation of all sorts and shades of opinion as to what a licensed house should be. The trade it has done, the wants it has supplied, and the demands it is ready to meet make it indispensable to the district for which it caters. It has wormed itself into the social life of the community round about, and has become, one might almost say, the centre municipal and social activity. It is not particularly grand in appearance, but it is imposing, and whilst it is a specimen of finished building, it is an example which the residential and business properties in its vicinity might well be built up to. The style of the building is of the Victorian Renaissance period, which has also been followed in the style of the long line of business establishments adjoining. It cost £30,000 to build, and a finer or more solid and commodious structure for the money it would be difficult to produce. Its presence and that of the other buildings attached have completely changed the aspect of the neighbourhood, and the district in consequence has been turned into one of London's finest suburbs. It is not a great distance from Finsbury Park, it has the Alexandra Palace and the excellent country around that resort for its neighbours, it is on a main tram line, and the facilities for reaching it from every part of London are many and great. 

2. Private bar (See comments below for location)

The question will naturally be asked, "What is the trade of this establishment?" Well, the trade of the Salisbury Hotel is, to bring the figure down to its smallest estimate, £16,000 per annum, but after watching the growth of its trade for some few weeks, we incline to the belief that that figure does not do full justice to it. No matter what hour of the day one enters the Salisbury, a  brisk business is being done, whilst at certain daily periods the accommodation— plenty of it as there is - is taxed to the uttermost. Particularly so is this with Sunday casual trade. On that day it is difficult to find standing room, almost, and every available mom has to be requestioned to cope with the enormous trade. The crowd of customers is a sight to see. But as the trade is of such huge dimensions. there again arises the question as to the cause. That may be explained in a nutshell The house is free, the articles sold are of the best quality, and the interior the building is one which surpasses in magnificence anything of its kind. On the ground floor there is an expanse of "bar" subdivided by saloon, private and public bars, each and everyone (sic) being fitted up in the most comfortable style. The decorative work in this particular part of the ground floor is magnificent. In the saloon and private bar are teak fittings, all of which have been designed, made, and fixed by Mr. J. C. Hill. The ceilings and walls are superbly decorated, this part of the work being entrusted to the Mural Decorations Company, of 50,Milton Street, London, E.C. It was in this part of the decorative work that Mr. Hill felt himself bound to call in outside assistance, and we venture to think that he could not have engaged a more capable and artistic firm. They were appointed to do the work in this respect throughout the whole building, and it is just as well to speak of their success at this point. The decorations are of the fibrous plaster order, but the greatest feature is the undercut relief and the hand-painting. In the huge bar the ceiling has been turned into a picture masterpiece by this firm. It is most delicately painted, and whilst causing the greatest admiration from all who see it, it is a sight the like of which is worth a day's journey to behold. In their undercut relief work the Mural Decorations Company have been marvellously successful, particularly in the detail. The muscles of the human figure are most perfectly shown and the general correctness is wonderful. In the billiard-room one is brought face to face with some of the finest work of this description it is possible to see, freehand and painting of the most approved character being so combined as to produce an effect which some of the best canvasses have failed to show. The other parts of the hotel have been attended to by this firm with equal ability, and their production throughout has sustained their claim to be the leading decorators in the country.

3. Private Bar  (Considering the height of the ceiling and the decoration on it, I suspect this was on the first floor)

Perhaps the finest compartments of the hotel are the saloon bar and the billiard-room. The former is of quaint design, elaborately fitted, and as cosy a place as one would wish for.n It does not possess that cold, business, we're-in-a-pub sort of aspect which characterises many saloon bars — and the majority of them at that — but it is built in such a way as to render it  an ideal resting place for the class who use saloon bars, and who love to be in the artistic midst of surroundings. The feature of this place is a colossal skylight in stained glass, the work of Messrs. Cakebread, Robey and Co., of 86, High Street, Stoke Newington, London.  Messrs. Cakebread, Robey and Co. are very widely known as glass manufacturers in all its branches, but chief of them all is their stained-glass window work. In this work they attain as near as possible the perfection of the masters of the "lost art," and many countries in the world possess some of their specimens. Cathedrals, churches, and many public buildings have all sought the high-class work of this firm, and therefore when Mr. J. Hill placed the glass work for the Salisbury in their hands he did the best thing he possibly could have done. The ornate stained glass dome light in the saloon bar bears out this statement. In it four figures of Cupids are introduced in the act of distributing flowers, etc., while two decorative swans are in the ends of the lights. There are also numerous birds supporting emblematic representations of music, comedy, tragedy, etc. A large quantity of the best English glass - (a most expensive kind) — is used, and the general result is artistic and pleasing. We understand that the glass in this domelight has cost several hundreds of pounds. It is undoubtedly a magnificent piece of work and is eminently admired by all who visit the hotel. In the various bar divisions and other parts of the hotel a good deal of fine and delicate French embossing is used, whilst the fluted bevelling introduced is a specially distinguishing feature. In the porch is a handsome embossed gilt mirror, in which green and yellow gold i s delicately introduced. Although not a large piece of work it is nevertheless of brilliant execution. Mr. Herring, the capable manager to the firm, by the way, superintended the whole of the work.

 4. Saloon Bar showing the intricate 'domelight' by Cakebread and Robey.  This feature is now long-gone and the only sign of it remaining today is the plaster embossed opening. (See Fig. 11). 

Coming back to the hotel itself, we leave the magnificent saloon-bar and enter one of the grandest billiard-rooms it has been our lot to see.

In accordance with the masterly style which characterised Mr. Hill's work in the other parts of the building he went to the best source for the supply of his two billiard tables.  Messrs. Burroughes, and Watts, Ltd., the well-known and popular billiard table manufacturers of 19 Soho Square London, W., were commissioned to supply the billiard requisites. The room Itself is of a magnificent character, and consequently for all things to be uniform it was necessary that the fittings should be equally elaborate, and at the same time lose nothing of quality. How far, then, Messrs. Burroughes and Watts have succeeded in all these respects the Visitor will readily see. The tables are of the finest possible make, every improvement in the tables, balls, cues, and auxiliaries is to be found, and one can be absolutely certain of everything, being true. The last word is the real point by which to judge the makers' success It has, indeed, characterised the work of Messrs. Burroughes and Watts all over the globe, and, consequently, has given the firm a standing in the billiard world at once the admiration and envy of older companies. The decorations here, again, are wonderful, the glass work is of the highest quality, the upholstery is of the richest and most comfortable description, and when you add that the billiard requisites are of an equal order of merit, you get a combination which is as rare as a spot-burred break of 1,000. Mr Hill has allowed for the extension of the room, and the way it is now being patronised is bound to cause that extension to be made in the near future. Then Messrs. Burroughes and Watts' services will again be requisitioned for the excellence of their work will never be overlooked by Mr. Hill.

 

5. The Billiard room at the back of the pub. (See Fig, 12 for photo of 'domelight' today)

Access to first floor is obtained by fireproof staircases from the main entrance in Green Lanes and the hotel entrance in St. Ann's Road. From the main entrance the staircase opens out into a magnificently decorated and richly upholstered crush room, leading off from which is the handsome public dining-room. Already this dining-room has been so much appreciated that it is in constant requisition. Then we come to the concert-room, which may also be used as a ball-room, and here again the beautiful work of the Mural Decorations Company shows up strikingly. The ceilings of both these rooms are decorated with plastic work, and hand-painted, the walls being adorned with rich crimson paper and splendid specimens of Chippendale mahogany. The concert - room is most comfortably upholstered with crimson velvet and is constructed to seat about 200. We venture to think such a room cannot be found outside the West of London, whilst it closely approaches in elegance and comfort any room of its kind in the country. Adjoining these rooms on the same floor are the usual spirit rooms and serveries, and the whole suite is so arranged that the best accommodation can be offered for Masonic Lodges, clubs, or public and private functions of every description. Indeed, at the present time they are largely being utilised for this purpose, and everyone who has had occasion to thus utilise them agree that they could wish for none better. The top floors of the hotel are arranged for private hotel accommodation. There are a large number of bedrooms, sitting, dining, drawing, and morning rooms, each of which have been furnished in the most artistic manner, and consistent with all modern improvements. That something of this kind was very necessary for this now thriving district is to be judged from the way this private part of the hotel is being patronised. It stands to reason that it would not be so greatly taken advantage of were it not of a sound and healthy character And this brings us to what is perhaps,  the most important point in a budling of this description, namely is sanitary arrangements. Mr. Hill has had so much experience in this direction that it is only natural he should have fitted this hotel with the most approved sanitary system. One special feature he has put in, and that is the ladies and gentlemen's lavatories being situated in distinct parts pf the building a state of things greatly appreciated. The whole building has been heated throughout with a complete system of hot water radiators, and special provision has been made on each floor for a complete system of fire apparatus. The kitchen and its offices are at the top of the building, so that -one can never get the " mystic feeling of their presence," which all those who use hotels will admit is a blessing. The huge cellar under the whole of the hotel site is built in a way that is most advantageous to whatever is stored there. An even temperature is kept in this throughout the year, and it is absolutely fireproof. At the back of the premises. There are some splendid staples, and all accessories for livery and bait, whilst in addition there is a large open shed which will accommodate from 16 to 20 horses and traps, motorcars, cycles, et cetera.

That, then, forms a good deal of the details of the Salisbury Hotel, but it does not exhaust every point. Space forbids us to enter further upon the subject, however much we should like to. Speaking generally, once more, we must conclude by congratulating Mr. J. C. Hill on his magnificent possession, the business-like way in which he set about erecting it, the great ability he exhibited in his work of building it, the smart tact he showed in engaging the first people in the country for decorations and glass work, and the judgement he showed in selecting the articles he sells. The hotel is a masterpiece of work, and as a combination of hotel, restaurant and public-house is beyond compare.

In conclusion, we may add that the billiard-room was opened on the 6th inst., when a large crowd of enthusiasts assembled to watch a closely contested game of 800 up between Mr. Alec Brown, of the Salisbury Hotel, and Mr. Fred Urquhart, of Potter's Billiard Saloon, Upper Street Islington. Mr. Brown proved the winner, but he had no easy task, and the game throughout was marked by undoubted skill. All present were

loud in their praise of the billiard-room and its appointments. It is very interesting to note that Mr. W. A. Cathles, Mr. Hill's very capable manager, superintended the whole of the work in connection with the building of the hotel in every detail, and even now it falls to him to superintend the entire management of the huge business it is doing. To carry through a position of that kind marks a man as beyond average capabilities, and we must compliment Mr. Cathles on the success he has achieved.

The article Included no images of the upstairs, I imagine for want of page space. The best I can offer is a crude video I cobbled together from an estate agent's virtual tour which gives a good idea of the public rooms on the first floor. I imagine that the large room is the concert room / ballroom and the smaller one the dining room.

Images of the Salisbury's History

There are many photos old and new of the pub's exteriorBelow id a small selction of photos showing 

6. Virtual tour of main 1st floor rooms, made in 2010 by the author from an estate agent's marketing material 

Below is a floor plan, showing the rooms visited in the video, numbered in the order in which they're visited (click the picture to enlarge).

7. Floor plan also from estate agent's marketing material.

8. Advertisement taken out on the opening of the new hotel in the North Middlesex Chronicle, 11 March 1899. Note that at this point the public house portion is not yet open. Neither they nor the stables were to open until mid-September. (Image: British Library)

8. The Saloon Bar, c1905. (Image: Private Collection)

In April 1901, just over two years after the hotel was first open, the establishment was acquired by successful publican Robert James Brinkley (and judging by the sign he emblazoned on the front of the pub, he wanted people to know it!) In addition to the Salisbury he had owned various other well-known pubs mainly in South London.  The Salisbury was sold after his death in 1907.

10. Exterior of The Salisbury with oversized Brinkley sign, c 1905. (Image: Private Collection)

11. Roof opening for Cakebread and Robey 'domelight' in saloon Bar, 2025 (Image: Hugh Flouch) 

Dave Lewis, manager for the past 19 years tell me that  the grand Cakebread and Robey domelight  in the salan ahd gotr broken over time. When many years ago the owner tried to replace it with a wood-framed replacement, he was refuse permission by the Council lon heritage grounds. SO it was boarded up and remains so today.

12. Cakebread & Robey 'domeligh't in the former Billiards Hall. (Image: Simon Inglis)

Private Bar Photos

Both texts refer to private bares on the ground floor. The Holloway and Hornsey Express mentions, "... two spacious public bars, wine and private bars, and a magnificent saloon ...". The Licensed Victualler & Catering Trades' Journal inform us that,  "On the ground floor there is an expanse of 'bar' subdivided by saloon, private and public bars". The saloon is easy to locate, but I haven't been able to match the two pictures of private bars with a definite location. Any thoughts?

13. The Salisbury c1913. The 'Electric Coliseum' was built in 1912 and opened in 1913. Brinkley's name has been removed from the hotel. This photo would have been been taken at around the time that an anti-war meeting was held outside the Salisbury Hotel (5th August 1914). (Image: Private collection).

Planning History

Frustratingly, little planning history is available online to reveal the story of the first floor and other rooms. However, an application in 2008 (HGY/2008/1988) did include the following

In August 1975 on application OLD/1975/0380 permission was granted for the use of the first floor by the British Boxing Board of  Control for a gymnasium, showers, dressing room toilets, boardroom ancillary offices and stores.

Apart from minor applications, the Local Planning Authority website shows no substantive permissions relating to the use of the first floor level. It does however record the fact that the establishment "declined slowly until the 1990s by which time it had deteriorated into a poor shadow of its former self". It says that new owners took over in 2003 and the public house was restored.

Historic England Listing

The Historic England listing includes the following information:

French Renaissance style with shaped gables, ogee domed cupolas and large pedimented dormers.

EXTERIOR

3 storeys and attic, 9 windows and a chimney bay to far left. Red brick with stone bands and dressings. Slated mansard roof has higher central tower with wrought-iron crown.

Ground floor of Portland stone with high plinth of grey granite. Polished black granite Corinthian pilasters support fascia. 2 enormous polished granite columns support ha1f-octagonal turrets. Moulded architraves to semi-circular arched openings. Engraved glass to ground floor windows. Entrances have ornate wrought-iron screens above imposts, with elaborately tiled lobbies and mosaic floors.

INTERIOR

Top floor: many small bedrooms, each with distinctive fire-surrounds and overmantels of various patterns; kitchen with shelves and large niche for range. Hallways: original radiators, black and white tiled floor, panelling, pedimented door surrounds, wrought-iron gas light fittings, tiled former toilet area.

Second floor: not inspected.

First floor: large room at the front, formerly a restaurant and concert room. Elaborate, compartmented ceiling with ornate fibrous plasterwork, all by the Mural Decoration Company. Engraved glass by Cakebread & Robey, inserted into doors separating off the residential part of the building. Two staircases, one wooden, one with cast-iron balusters.

Ground floor: bar area: compartmented ceiling with cast-iron columns, open plan. Curved bar with stone trough at base. Large billiard room with top-lit roof glass painted with creeping vine motif. Many elaborate engraved mirrors and fire surrounds. Saloon divided off by arched screen containing glass engraved with Art Nouveau motifs.

A magnificently elaborate and complete interior.

14. Etched glass panel in the art nouveau style by the lounge bar, (Hugh Flouch 2025)