Welcome to the Victorian Underground Project

If you’ve not long been following the Victorian Underground, you’d be forgiven for thinking that we’re a foodie account. Rest assured that we definitely aren’t. However, we do believe that one of the lesser explored cultural subjects is restaurants, their chefs, customers, and the food they serve. That’s why we cover the cheap slop houses as well as the high end Victorian restaurants: it’s the vast array of people we love.

The Golden Locust was an award-winning restaurant based in Manchester’s lively Chinatown. By today’s standards some of the dishes wouldn’t have even been possible; let alone legal.

For example if you look at photograph #2, you will see the young gentleman handling a strange bird. The bird is a now extinct daggerbeak, which guests were expected to kill at the table and then eat it raw. If history has taught us one thing it’s that if you call something a delicacy or exotic then people will queue up in droves to try it.

You might also be wondering what is going on in photograph #4. Some high-end restaurants had VIP dining rooms with unique themes. The theme in this photograph is the moth which was very popular among younger patrons. It was believed that the tiny hairs that fell from flapping wings helped with female fertility. Of course, we know now that it never did.

Finally, photograph #7 is of the famous maitre d’hotel Mr Tang. We have read several diaries and one newspaper article which mentions how Mr Tang was not only a gentleman but also a fantastic entertainer.

Apparently he had a habit of pickpocketing VIP guests’ expensive items throughout the course of their meal. This consisted of wallets, jewellery, pens, handkerchiefs, ties and belts. When it came to payment time, patrons would become flustered as they realised they were the victim of a talented pickpocket.

In a state of panic, the diners would begin to chuck accusations at the staff such as those in photograph #8. Mr Tang would play dumb and insist payment would still have to be met. He would then disappear as if he’s about to escalate the situation.

When he returned to the guests, they’d be in a horrible state, ruffling through empty pockets, realising the extent of the theft. Just as they were about to scream bloody murder, Mr Tang would theatrically produce a silver tray. He’d then remove the lid and return all of the patrons’ belongings along with fortune cookies. The guests would be too surprised to do anything other than celebrate and tip Mr Tang excessively. He would then pass the money to staff.

Many thanks for reading. Have a fantastic weekend.

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