The first Cup & Platter was opened in Kingston upon Thames just outside of London in 1963. It was owned by British restaurant, food manufacturing and hotel conglomerate J. Lyons & Co. who were trying out a new style of cafe/restaurants.

A few more were opened in central London but ultimately the Cup & Platter concept was not a successful venture. 

J. Lyons & Co had over 200 'teashops' in the UK and also operated Wimpy Bars, Baskin Robbins and Dunkin Donuts until the company fell into decline in the 1980s. 

Many thanks to Phil Stansfield for the Cup & Platter information.

Menu Courtesy The George Lang Menu Collection The Culinary Institute of America.