Vintage Silverplate Betty's Tea Tray

Found at market in England, a handsome tray are at your service produced exclusively for use in Yorkshire's beloved Betty's Tea Rooms (now "Bettys").

Bettys was founded in 1919 by Frederick Belmont (born Fritz Bützer), a orphaned Swiss baker and confectioner who had trained in France and England before arriving in Yorkshire - perhaps not his intended destination! (On his arrival in London he realized he’d lost the address of his destination. All he could recall was that the place he was heading for sounded like 'bratwurst'. A helpful local put him on the train to Bradford, where he found work at a Swiss-owned confectioners, Bonnet & Sons.) A dozen years after his arrival in Yorkshire, he opened the first Betty's in Harrogate.

Bettys boasted ‘royal and distinguished patronage’, tempting customers with lavish window displays, live music from violin virtuosos, chic function rooms and catering services much in demand for wedding receptions and private parties. Surviving the war years by operating a cocktail bar (affectionately known as 'The Dive' to the Canadian bombers posted nearby and famous enough to be featured in Tatler cartoons) and stretching rations to feed 20,000 meals and beverages a week, Betty's continued to prosper after the war, first as an Italian restaurant, and then returning to its roots as a tea room by the early 1970s. Now boasting five cafes and a robust e-commerce operation, Bettys has thrived for over 100 years.

Dating to the early years of Betty's, circa the 1920s or 1930s, this beautiful tray is a lovely piece of high quality hotel silver. The top surface of the tray is detailed with a lovely, swirling "engine-turned" pattern which was done to prevent glassware from sliding and has the added benefit of hiding inevitable surface scratches.

Having once served proudly in the bustling Betty's Tea Rooms, this tray will be an historic addition to any home serveware collection, pleased to be always your service.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. 12"D x 1.75"H. In very good vintage condition. Circa 1920s/1930s.