Arthur Sidney Lemon was a Bristol man who teamed up with a Gloucester resident named Parker in the early 1880’s to form a wine and spirit merchandise. An advertisement at the turn of the last century read (c.1906): ‘its chief office at 40 Eastgate Street is in a capital position and the stores and cellars there contain a great quantity of the very best foreign wines. Their bonded stores at the Docks and in Westgate Street are also literally full of the choicest products of the very best distilleries at home or abroad.’
It seems that the partnership only lasted a year or two, then Mr Parker died, leaving only his name on the sign as a memorial.
An early photograph of the interior of the Lemon & Parker shows neatly attired bar staff with waistcoats and aprons waiting for custom. The bar fittings appear to be made of shiny polished wood, probably mahogany. The pub featured a pleasant canopied drinking area to the rear which had slatted benches and round bar tables in a sea of green foliage. Wysteria, ferns and other plants were in abundance. In its heyday it had three bars and up to fifty bar staff and was one of the first pubs in the town to have live music. In 1963 the pub was refurbished and had the distinction of being the first city centre pub with a balcony. It was close to the Gloucester Guildhall and was a popular meeting place before dances and other functions. The Lemon & Parker Inn closed in the early 1970’s. The site is now occupied by Waterstones bookshop.
Gloucester Citizen, 19th October 1968: The death has occurred of Mrs Mary Boucher, wife of Mr Edward Boucher, of the Lemon & Parker Inn, Eastgate Street, Gloucester. She had been seriously ill in hospital after collapsing on Tuesday. Since coming to from the Midland to take over the Lemon & Parker after its restoration four years ago, Mr & Mrs Boucher have become greatly regarded by their customers and fellow licensees in the city. There is one son, Mr David Boucher.
Landlords at the Lemon & Parker include:
1936,1939 George Dallard
1946-early 1950’s Roy and ‘Babs’ James
1950’s Marg Williams
1964,1971 Edward Boucher
