THE NEW CAFE DE PARIS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2375, 12 November 1881, Page 3

THE NEW CAFE DE PARIS.

The new Cafe de Paris in Cashel street, which has been erected on the site of the old French Cafe, opposite Messrs Duncan and Son's seed shop, to the order of Mr Arenas, from plans famished by Mr P. Jacobsen, is now open to the pnblic, and whether regarded as an ornamental addition to the many handsome bnildings previously erected in that busy thoroughfare, or looked npon in the light of the vastly improved accommodation it is designed to afford, it is worthy of brief description. The Cafe is bnilt of brick, on a concrete foundation, and is two stories in height. Access is gained through a handsome doorway into a vestibule, on the right of which is a snug smoking room ; a similar apartment on the left is fitted nr> as an office. The vestibule is lighted by a large circular fanlight, which is filled with richly colored glass, and is placed above the entrance. The dining-room on the ground floor is a magnificent apartment, and is arranged to seat 100 persons, the tables and chairs being placed so as to ensure the utmost comfort. The height from floor to ceiling is 18ft., whilst the area is 55ft. by lift. Four large Corinthian pillars of iron aid in supporting the upper storey. Light is admitted through five large windows, whilst the artificial lighting is provided for by four chandeliers, each of four burners, in addition to which six statues are effectivelyplaced in different parts, each bearing a lamp in its right hand. Several panels are prepared for the reception of largo pier glasses, which have yet to be placed in position. The centre of the room ;is occupied by a fountain. The ceiling ornaments, four in number, are very pretty—ferns and lilies being artistically blended and entwined in the designs. A hold, broad cornice, of a beautiful foliated pattern, runs round the room, adding greatly to the general effect. The feature of the room is a large canopy bar, of polished cedar .and maple, fitted with three circular beaded panel windows at the back, which are tastefully stopped with glass of various colors, most effectively arranged. The dividing pillars are also in keeping with the Corinthian pillars already mentioned. The floor is laid with encaustic tiles of a very neat pattern. The ladies* dining room is a beautifully fitted apartment on the upper floor, access to which is gained by a very wide circular staircase, leading from the vestibule. The steps are moderate in height, which makes it very easy to ascend. The bannister rails are finished in imitation of bronze, surmounted by a very handsome scroll rail. Adjoining the ladies' dining-room is a very tasteful commercial room, hung with oil painMngs and furnished with walnut suite upholstered in blue repp. There is also a fine-toned piano. Returning to the landing, the bedrooms are next seen. These are fourteen in number, and each contain a chest of drawers, and spring mattress. A bath-room is also provided, with the latest improvements in the bath and fittings. At the end of the passage a door opens on to a staircase, foi' descent to the rear of the building in case of fire cutting off egress by the one already described. The rooms on the upper floor are all 14ft in height, and every attention has been paid to ventilation. The kitchen and scullery are placed at the rear of the large dining-room, and the various articles of the cnisine are passed thereto through two apertures, which are concealed from view by two very tastefully designed screens. The kitchen range is Bft Gin in width, and contains fonr large ovens, whilst at the side is a patent grill. The front of the building is very tastefully blocked out in cement plaster work, and four handsome pendant lamps are hung therefrom. The Cafe was largely patronised to-day. Mr Arenas' spirited venture to provide first class accommodation in this central spot will doubtless meet with the success it merits.