Description

The four hotels which the Great Northern contributed to the LNER portfolio did not enjoy the same cachet as those in Scotland and those from the North Eastern and Great Eastern, which were often the premier hotel in the town concerned. Apart from the establishment at Peterborough, the other three GN hotels were in competition with Midland Railway hotels close by, which generally speaking were superior establishments. The GN hotels offered solid unfussy comfort to solid unfussy businessmen, and catered for events like Rotary Lunches and Smoking Concerts. Well-heeled families and visiting theatrical stars generally preferred the hint of glamour provided by the Midland.

This austere little leaflet, is redolent of Mr. Attlee’s post war austerity economy. There is a shortage of fuel, so while a single room may be had for 10/6d, it will cost a further 6/- to have a coal fire in the room.  The restaurant offers no a la carte, only table d’hote, because food rationing is still in force. The Great Northern Victoria was in its last few years of railway ownership. In need of expensive renovation, it was sold by British Transport Hotels in 1952.