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Where to buy at Bedford: an illustrated local review
1891
(Extracts)
Bedford Premier Shops
Mr. Walter Graves, Grocer and Tea Dealer, Wine, Spirit, and Bottled Beer Merchant, 47, High Street.
However desirable it is that all should be genuine and above board in commercial transactions, it is absolutely essential in the case of articles of consumption, and it certainly speaks volumes for the quality of the teas and coffees sold by Mr. Graves that he has acquired so wide a reputation for them as to be able to compete with large Metropolitan firms. Such, however, is the case, as the numerous testimonials from London and all parts of the country abundantly testify. The nobility, gentry, clergy, military', navy, hotels, clubs, coffee taverns, and public institutions are all represented in the clientele of the establishment at 47, High Street; and the reason for this popularity is not far to seek. Mr. Graves has long made a special study of tea, and has followed the public taste for a more refined class of tea than is generally to be obtained from most dealers, with the result that he has succeeded in producing such splendid blends as he now offers to his many customers. From the report of Mr. Alfred Field, chartered accountant, of 17, High Street, it appears that the increase in the sale of tea at Mr. Graves' establishment for two years amounted to no less than 25, 120 lbs. ; this means an average sale of 1 lb. every four minutes of the working day, which is a record to be proud of. In blended teas Mr. Graves puts forward five very fine lines, which vary in price from Is. 4d. to 3s. per lb ; these are mostly admixtures of India, China, and Ceylon growths, carefully selected for their flavour, aroma and strength, and have given universal satisfaction in all quarters. But perhaps the tea is that known as No.3, and retailed at 2s. per lb. ; it is delicious in flavour, refined and delicate to the palate, and possesses that rich aroma which is one of the surest signs of a sound, wholesome, and refreshing tea. For the convenience of schools, hotels, and large consumers generally, Mr. Graves has arranged to pack all teas in 3 lb. and 6 lb. parcels, also in caddies and half chests at a reduction of 1d. per lb. Before leaving the subject of teas, we may mention those of Ceylon growth; of these Mr. Graves has stocked some large purchases of choicest spring pickings, and from them he is selling an extremely choice blend, which bids fair to become a general favourite. The selections of Mocha, East India, Costa Rica, and fine plantation coffees will be duly appreciated by those who love the fragrant and pungent produce of the coffee berry. French coffee is also sold in tins, and all are freshly roasted and ground daily, ensuring the retention of the full flavour. Cocoas are supplied from all the best manufacturers, care being taken to discard such as are adulterated with starchy ingredients likely to disagree with delicate person. General grocery goods make a fine show in Mr. Graves' shop; the long counter running down the whole length of the interior exhibiting to advantage many of the articles in stock, while the background is taken up with the shelves and glass cases assigned to the smaller items of grocery goods. Wines, spirits, and bottled beers form an extensive adjunct of the business, and a large trade is done in them throughout Bedford and the surrounding neighbourhood; and as Messrs. Gilbey's leading selling articles are stocked for several months before being required for sale, all wines and spirits are delivered in as perfect condition as if coming from a large private cellar. A large number of obliging and polite employees are retained in the establishment, and as for the genial proprietor himself, we cannot do better than quote the words of the concluding paragraph of a very flattering testimonial received from an old customer: "Mr. Graves spares no trouble to oblige and serve .his customers, and serve them well."
Page last updated: 22nd January 2014