These two beverage menus were used in the bars of Canadian Pacific’s steamships. The first is dated August 1934 and someone has helpfully written that it was from the Empress of Britain. The second is dated July, 1936 and was used on the Montcalm. Since they are both from the summer, they would have been used on trans-Atlantic voyages, not on cruises.

Click image to view and download a PDF of this menu from the University of British Columbia Chung collection.

The painting on this menu is signed “A.E. Bestall” (1892-1986), which refers to English painter and illustrator Alfred Bestall. Bestall was most famous for having drawn the Rupert Bear comic strip from 1935 to 1965.

Click image to view and download a PDF of this menu from the University of British Columbia Chung collection.

The painting on the second menu is signed “H. Cutner,” which refers to English artist Herbert Cutner (1881-1969). Cutner was best known for his etchings, but apparently he also painted. Among his etchings are one of the Empress of Britain. The Empress etching is dated 1932 and and the painting on this beverage list is dated 1931, so he may have made other illustrations for Canadian Pacific around this time.