A FAMOUS TAVERN

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6545, 18 November 1924, Page 5

A FAMOUS TAVERN

“OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE” FRENCH PREMIER OBSERVES ANCIENT RITUAL M. Herriot, the French Prime Mininister, recently dined at the famous Fleet street tavern, “Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese,” in company With M. and Madame Bergery, Count Perretti Della Rqcca and two secretaries. The full and ancient ritual associated with the house'of Dr. Johnson —on whose works the French Premier has written; a brochure for private circulation among his friends—was observed during the visit. ■ ;v:

The menu opened with turtle soup, followed by the Cheshire (Cheese pie of steak, kidney, mushrooms and pigeons. Then came the pancakes tossed off the pan in front of him, and so pleased was M.’ Herriot with their flavour and the ceremony, that he asked for helpings again and again. As the head waiter remarked: “He had pancakes galore.” After sampling the old brown sherry, the distinguished guest went on to ail English ale, served in a pewter tankard. When dinner was Over M. Herriot was escorted to Jonhson’s seat, where he was handed an old churchwarden pipe. A press representative found himself smiling through the smoke which rose from the charmed bowl to the ceiling. His identity was unknown among the qther diners, and the Premier seemed astonished when confronted by a reporter. Asked what brought him here, he replied: came here because I was told T Should not meet any of my friends, the journalists.”