Election-night fever in the West End - Cheering a Conservative gain: Diners-out at a London restaurant following the fluctuating fortunes of the parties on an indicator-board

"London on Election Night reflected the tremendous interest in the issues involved expressed in the record poll. Elsewhere in the issue we illustrate the vast crowds which assembled in Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, where the results were displayed as they became known; here we show how diners-out were able to share in the general excitement and follow the fluctuating fortunes of the Parties they support. Arrangements were made in many of the major West End restaurants to enable their patrons to obtain the results as soon as they were known. At the Savoy Hotel a large indicator-board was erected at one end of the restaurant, with panels swinging on picots. The latest results were passed up and the panel was swung into position to be greeted by cheers and counter-cheers. Groans greeted the victory of Mr. M. Foot over Mr. Randolph Churchill at Plymouth, while the victory of Dr. Charles Hill, known to millions as the "Radio Doctor," at Luton, received an especially enthusiastic reception. His broadcast in the election series was regarded by many people as the most forthright and refreshing given. The atmosphere at the Savoy was lively, and the excitement so intense that when our artist left at 3.30 a.m. the restaurant was still crowded. The liberals put up 471 candidates, secured 9 seats and forfeited 314 deposits, having held 10 seats in the old House. The Communists had 100 candidates, lost 93 deposits, and did not win a seat, having had two representatives in the old House. Only one independent, the member for Ross and Cromarty, was returned. Polling in the Moss Side division of Manchester takes place on March 9."