Grindley Hotel Ware. The only factory ever awarded a grand prix for hotel ware at an international exhibit... (1913 newspaper advertisement)

{HISTORY}

In operation from 1908-1979, Grindley Hotel Ware was located in the popular pottery hub of Stoke-on-Trent, England. Makers of both mass-market china and hotelware for England export, Grindley pieces offer unique designs and interesting color arrangements.

This mini oval plate, most likely used for side dish entrees, features a braided blue, brown and floral design on the rim with a chocolate brown stripe. Although marked hotel ware on the back, there is no specific hotel mentioned for this design so we can only guess at its exciting travel adventure destination.

However, there is a possibility that this side dish plate came from the Metropolis Hotel and/or the Poodle Dog Cafe in Victoria, British Columbia, which shared the same building and the same dishware pattern in conjunction with other branded Poodle Dog Cafe & Metropolis Hotel pieces.

In service for light bites and full-course meals, the Poodle Dog Cafe, Bakery and Restaurant operated between the 1870s through the 1970s. A sample of their 1930s/1940s era breakfast menu and a photo of the restaurant are included here too. 

The Metropolis Hotel opened in 1912 and is still standing today, but has been converted to government offices.

Even though we cannot 100% accurately attribute this plate to these two specific establishments since it doesn't contain any definitive logo info on it, the fun part of collecting vintage restaurant ware is all those potential stories and all those possible places just waiting to ignite the imagination of you and your tablemates. 

Menu image courtesy of the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections. Restaurant photo courtesy of yesterdaysprint via tumbler

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Colors include periwinkle blue, chocolate brown and pale butter

- Stamped on back with maker's mark

- Petite size

{CONDITION}

In good vintage condition. There are no chips or cracks except for a hairline crack near the edge of the rim that carries through to the back. That area also contains light staining. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 6.75" inches (length) x 4.5" inches (width) and weighs 6oz.

{STYLE IDEA}

Small dishes of the size and shape offer lots of potential in the serving department. Great for nuts, olives, fruit and other small snackables, this plate is great for sharing a little nibble or two at cocktail hour or tea time. It also makes a great butter dish. spoon rest or soap holder.