Cakes and confectionery on High Street
WORDS: Wendy Riley
Sandwiched between the iconic White Hart Hotel and the Universal Boot Depot at 223-225 High Street was the business founded by Mr James Freeman, a pastry cook and caterer. Opened in 1891, the building had undergone extensive renovations, making it into one of the city’s finest and most modern refreshment rooms of the time.
After browsing through Strange and Co department store, the 1906 Christchurch shopper could use the passageway leading from there into the premises of James Freeman Ltd to purchase ‘First-class Refreshments and Confectionery’.
From 12 o’clock till 2pm, three courses served with tea or coffee could be had for one shilling. Baron Solomons, one of Sydney’s ‘greatest’ piano soloists, performed with his orchestra each afternoon, during which time a sumptuous afternoon tea would be served.
James had many years of experience working in bakehouses in London’s West End, including his family’s business in Kingston Upon Thames, where they made bread and confectionery for the aristocracy. He brought that extensive business and operational knowledge to this Christchurch business, and a lot rode on its success. James had sold the contents of the four-bedroom family home and moved his family in above the new shop.
Talented bakers from throughout Europe were drawn to work for James Freeman. He had a reputation for supplying Canterbury with quality goods and catering as good as any found on the Continent. Christchurch customers were able to enjoy all manner of exotic delicacies, and James was able to develop one of the most successful and well-known businesses of its kind.
One such baker was Scandinavian Veygo Sorensen, who worked as a foreman for James Freeman before setting up his own business in 1887. ‘Vienna Bakery and Confectionery’ created pastries and confectionery and catering for balls, parties, suppers, schools, and tea meetings. In Veygo’s premises located opposite the BNZ on the corner of High and Hereford streets, it was not uncommon to hear French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Scandinavian languages spoken. Christchurch was developing into a European city in the South Pacific, reflecting the best of what its immigrant inhabitants had left behind in their Mother countries.