Vanished Pubs of Conwy

The Black Lion, originally uploaded by davidrobertsphotography.

Following on from an old post about the vanished Pubs of Conwy, this is an updated list, with thanks to AngieP and Gwynedd Archives:

Conwy's pubs, past and present, vanished and in other uses (those marked * are still running as pubs today):

The Albion Vaults* (6 Uppergate Street)
The Anchor Uppergate Street (Could be same as Crown & Anchor or Hope & Anchor possibly?)
The Black Horse (West side of Castle Street - immediately to left of Aberconwy house) (In existence in 1795)
The Black Lion (Lyon) (now semi-derelict, Castle Street) (In existence in 1795) (Landlord 1895 - David Roberts)
The Blue Bell* (Castle Street) (Landlord in 1856 - Edward Jones)
The Boot Inn (now r/h side of Alfredos, Lancaster Square) (In existence in 1795) (William Lardner - Landlord in 1798)
The Bull (distinct from the Bull's Head, no idea as to location - any ideas?) (In existence in 1795)
The Bull's Head (High Street, by present Bull Cottages)
The Bridge* (Rosehill Street)
The Britannia Castle Street (Chinese Takeaway opposite NatWest Bank)
The Carpenters Arms (No 6 Berry Street)
The Castle Inn/Hotel* (High Street)(Landlady 1856 - Cordelia Owen)
The Castle View (Bangor Road, Old Co-op Building))
The Cockpit (in vicinity of the Cockpit)
The Commercial Inn Mrs Jane Fielding Llanrwst Rd Gyffin (1929)
The Conway Castle (No. 3 Berry Street) (Thomas Jones - Landlord in 1798)
The Conway [Conwy] Ferry (1798)(Landlady - Mary Davies)
The Conway [Conwy] Mariner (In existence in 1795)(Landlord - Thomas Jones)
The Crown and Anchor, Conwy (Landlord - John Jones)
The Crown Vaults Tavern (High Street, same side as Plas Mawr - Edwards Butchers Shop site?) (Miss Mary Annie Davies - Landlady 1910)
The Cross Keys, Conwy (In existence in 1903)
The Eagles Inn (Now Fisherman's Chip Shop, Castle Street) (In existence in 1795)
The Eccles Inn (Could this be a misspelling of Eagles Inn?)
The Feathers (7 Lancaster Square - currently the Post Office) (Richard Lewis - Landlord in 1798)
The Foresters Arms (Gyffin, now a private house)
The George & Dragon* (21 Castle Street)(Formerly the Tal Y Cafn)
The Hall, Conwy (Landlord - John Thomas)
The Harp Hotel (High Street, where Spar (former Woolworths) is now) (Roger Rous - Landlord in 1798)(formerly The Newborough)
The Hope and Anchor, Conwy (Landlord - Robert Jones)
The Joiners Arms (other side of Wing Gate Wall)(now house called Glanrafon)
The Kings Head (now l/h side of Castle Hotel)(Later known as Castle Vaults)
The Liverpool Arms* (on the Quay)
The Mail Coach/Coach & Horses* (High Street)
The Malt Loaf/Erskine Arms Hotel* (Rosehill Street) (Erskine Refreshment Room - on current car park)(Erskine Tap Room - Church Street)
The Mostyn Arms - Castle Street
The New Inn
The Newbridge Arms (Newborough Terrace)
The Old Bull's Head (High Street, in area where Bull Cottages are now)
The Pen y Grisia, Conway [Conwy] (1798)(Landlady - Catherine Jones)
The Plough Inn (site now occupied by Beresford Adams, Lancaster Square)
The Plough Bach (to left of Plough Inn (above))
The Railway Tavern, No.1 York Place, Conwy
The Red Lion (Lyon) (on High Street, opposite Conwy Pantry) (In existence in 1795)
The Rising Gull (Berry Street)
The Royal Oak Tavern (house to right of 'Smallest House' on Quay)
The Ship Tavern (now Pen Y Bryn Tearooms, High Street) (In existence in 1795)
The Ship (Castle Street)(next to the Eagles)
The Soldiers Rest (by Berry Street Arch) (May also have been called Soldiers Arms)
The Sun, Conway (In existence in 1795 - Mary Jones Landlady)
The Swan (Berry Street, 'up entry by old Co-op')
The Union Tavern (Chapel Street - now Hen Dafarn house?)
The White Horse (Uppergate Street - next to the Albion)
The White Lion, Conwy (Landlord - Nathaniel Atkinson)

Wetherspoon & the Palace Coup

It's like a Palace!, originally uploaded by davidrobertsphotography.

The news that J D Wetherspoon has confirmed their interest in opening a Pub in Conwy must surely strike dread into every existing Conwy Pub Landlord's heart.

A vast Wetherspoons emporium of cheap food and drink can only prove to be the final straw for many of Conwy's already struggling pubs. With the Albion and Mailcoach already closed, how many of the others can survive? Conwy is only a small town and the trade is already spread pretty thinly, especially in the Winter months. What effect, too, will it have on Conwy's cafes and restaurants, as cheap food is a staple of every Wetherspoons?

The word is that Wetherspoon are interested in purchasing the Palace Bingo building and converting that into a pub. This would make perfect sense for them - all of Conwy's existing pubs are way too small for a Wetherspoon style operation - talk of them purchasing the Albion is just fanciful.

Major investment by a business is usually always very welcome but I fear in this case that the competition will be too much for Conwy's independent pubs.

Foresters Arms, Gyffin

Foresters Arms, Gyffin in 1901

A reader of the blog contacted me after seeing my post about the Pubs of Conwy and kindly supplied an old photo of the Foresters Arms on Llanrwst Road in Gyffin, Conwy which, back in 1901, was run by her Grandparents, William and Charlotte Olive (nee Davies) Roberts, they also had a daughter called Olive. If anyone has any more information about the Roberts family at the Foresters Arms, in the early 1900s, please do leave a comment or email me and I will pass it on.

Writing this post reminded me of a story in a local guidebook about the Foresters Arms, namely that it was permanently shut down as a result of being the only Pub in Britain to open on the day of Queen Victoria's funeral in 1901. However, this appears to be nothing more than an 'old wives tale', as it stayed open until 1903.

I also remembered that I had taken a photo of a gravestone in the Churchyard at Gyffin, so I dug that out and it read that Elizabeth Williams, of the Foresters Arms, Gyffin, had died in 1899 at the age of 73. Could the Roberts family have taken over the pub then?

Nowadays, the Foresters Arms is a private house. Have a StreetView look at it if you like by clicking here.

Update - November 2010: Here is the Foresters Arms in 2010. The lady in the 2010 photo is the Grand daughter of the Couple in the 1901 photo:

Foresters Arms in 2010

Adventures in the Conwy Valley

I'd been meaning for a while to make the effort to visit an old friend of mine, Alison, who has taken over Ye Olde Bull Inn at Llanbedr Yr Cennin in the Conwy Valley. In case you're wondering how to get there, its simple. On the B5106 road between Conwy & Llanrwst, just take the turnoff next to the Bedol pub at Tal Y Bont and it's just up that road.

Ye Olde Bull Inn, Llanbedr Yr Cennin (Photo Credit)

Whilst I was there, Alison showed me a page from an old guidebook that stated "the Inn is thought to be the oldest in Great Britain and dates back to the early 11th century". This was news to me (the Groes Inn at Tyn Y Groes likes to boast of being the oldest in Wales), but the Olde Bull is certainly situated on an ancient Drovers route to Caernarfon, so it could well be true. Anyway, the pub is well worth a visit if you're in the area. They have a food menu for both lunchtimes and evenings, there's a large car park and Alison tells me that plans are afoot to create a larger beer garden in the extensive gardens at the rear of the pub that run down to the stream.

View from the Bull Inn Beer Garden (Photo Credit)

After having a drink and a chat, it was time to head off towards Rowen. I was walking along country lanes, very little traffic, so peaceful and plenty of time to take in the scenery. Presently, I arrived in Rowen and was surprised to find it a touch noisier than usual. Rounding the corner onto the main road through the village, I found the reason - the Three Castles Classic Car Rally was passing through the village as part of one of its stages. Well, no further excuse needed - I ordered a cold Guinness at the Ty Gwyn Inn and sat outside to watch the cars go past.

Ty Gwyn Inn, Rowen (Photo Credit)


A welcome sight on such a warm day! (Photo Credit)

Classic Car...but what is it? (Photo Credit)


Classic Triumph in the Three Castles Rally (Photo Credit)

Finally, it was time to head off my for final port of call, the Groes Inn at Tyn Y Groes. It turned out that this was all the classic cars were coming from, the car park was jammed full of classic cars of all makes and models. I noticed a lot of Austin Healeys, Triumphs and Porsches, in particular.

Groes Inn, Tyn Y Groes (Photo Credit)

Colourful Porsches wait for the off at the Groes Inn (Photo Credit)

So, a very pleasant walk on a beautiful sunny day, a few visits to pleasant country pubs and the chance to ogle at some classic automobiles. What more could any man want? ;-)

Pubs of Conwy

Once the Ship Tavern...

I thought I would compile a list of Conwy's pubs, past and present, vanished and in other uses, (around 30 in total, I believe) as I can't find one on the Internet (those marked * are still running as pubs today):

Ye Olde Mail Coach/Coach & Horses* (High Street)
The Albion Vaults* (Uppergate Street)
The Blue Bell* (Castle Street)
The George & Dragon* (Castle Street)
The Bridge* (Rosehill Street)
The Castle Hotel* (High Street)
The Liverpool Arms* (on the Quay)
The Malt Loaf/Erskine Arms Hotel* (Rosehill Street)
The Cockpit (in vicinity of the Cockpit)
The Black Lion (now semi-derelict, Castle Street)
The Ship Tavern (now Pen Y Bryn Tearooms, High Street)
The Boot Inn (now r/h side of Alfredos, Lancaster Square)
The Royal Oak Tavern (house to right of 'Smallest House' on Quay)
The Joiners Arms (other side of Wing Gate Wall)
The Soldiers Rest (by Berry Street Arch)
The Plough Inn (site now occupied by Beresford Adams, Lancaster Square)
The Plough Bach (to left of Plough Inn (above))
The Red Lion (on High Street, opposite Conwy Pantry)
The Crown Tavern (High Street, same side as Plas Mawr)
The Old Bull's Head (High Street, in area where Bull Cottages are now)
The Swan (Berry Street, now Swan Cottage B&B)
The Eagles Inn (Now Fisherman's Chip Shop, Castle Street)
The Conwy Castle (Berry Street)
The Castle View (Berry Street, now Castle View B&B)
The White Horse (Uppergate Street)
The Kings Head (now l/h side of Castle Hotel)
The Harp Hotel (High Street, where Spar (former Woolworths) is now)
The Newbridge Arms (Newborough Terrace)

Additions to my original list:
The Foresters Arms (Gyffin, now a private house)
The Bull (distinct from the Bull's Head, no idea as to location - any ideas?)
The Feathers (no idea as to location - any ideas?)
The Union Tavern (no idea as to location - any ideas?)
The Black Horse (West side of Castle Street)

I've complied a list from various sources, but any mistakes are mine. If you spot any errors or have information/anecdotes/a photo to add, please leave a message.

Once the Boot Inn...

The Black Lion, Conwy

The Black Lion, Castle Street, Conwy (Photo Credit)

One of my favourite buildings in Conwy is the Black Lion (Y Llew Du), built in 1589 by John Brickdall, Vicar of Conwy (1569-1607); his initials and those of his wife appear over the door together with the date 1589 (they were married on the 10th May 1589). Brickdall's father was the Constable of Conwy Castle at the time of construction and later died of the plague.

The building was turned into the Black Lion Inn in the 1700s; a usage that continued for over 200 years (it was also the venue for the popular Monday morning Pig Market) until the 15th March 1935, when falling trade made it unviable. It then had a variety of uses, including tearooms and an antique bookshop, until it became empty in the 1990s when its condition deteriorated sharply due to dry rot. The exterior was renovated a few years back and it was then sold but no work appears to have been carried out since the sale - I believe the interior is just a shell. I just wish somebody would renovate it and bring it back into use- its a lovely old building, full of character, and in a prime spot on Castle Street.

A local artist, Jean Morgan Roberts, was born in the Black Lion and, in her book 'The Character of Conwy'*, she says "I grew up in the wonderful old atmosphere of the house with its secret passages, a cellar reputed to have an escape tunnel that led to the quay, a well, stables, stone steps to the town walls, a tower, Elizabethan fireplaces and a beautiful walled garden." You can visit her website here.

A local guidebook** states that the building has two ghosts; one being an elderly gentleman who often sits beside the large fireplace in what was once the pub's parlour (see interior photo below), smiling to himself and nodding benignly. A former proprietor stated that 'he's a nice old fellow and we've got used to him and take his appearances for granted'.

The other ghost is quite the opposite, described as being a 'tall person in a cloak', bringing with him a 'feeling of malevolence' as he haunts the upper floor of the building. A former employee stated that 'he's a real fierce character...he has rocked the bed, frightening many a sleeping person, striking terror in the dead of night". Fortunately, the second ghost is very rarely seen!

Black Lion Inn in 1935

Black Lion Antiques Shop & Tearooms in 1950s

Interior as Antique Shop & Tearooms in 1950s

Interior Plan (1939)

Rear of the Black Lion

The Black Lion or Y Llew Du is a later C16 house built by John Brickdall, Vicar of Conwy (1569-1607); his initials and those of his wife appear over the door together with the date 1589. Later in use as Black Lion Inn. Two storeys. Slate roof with massive square central chimney and second chimney to right. Walls of stone, with front wall of whitewashed pebbledash cladding with stuccoed plinth. Ledged central door in heavy frame. Two two-storey flanking rectangular gabled bays. Sash windows with horns (RAJ 10/7/03; based on CADW listing description).

Black Lion Inn - Landlords:
Edward Williams (1850s)

* - 'The Character of Conwy' by Jean Morgan Roberts. Available to purchase from her shop at 14b Castle Street, Conwy.

** - 'The Ghosts of Conwy' by Margaret Williams. Available to purchase from the 'Smallest House' on the Quay in Conwy.

See the Black Lion on Google Streetview

Night Photography (Part 1)

Night photography has always been an interest of mine, it's fascinating how different the world can look once dusk falls. Here's a photo of the Gresham pub in Upper Mostyn Street, Llandudno that I took the other day:

(Photo Credit)

The Toad, Colwyn Bay

Situated on the promenade at Colwyn Bay, The Toad is a food orientated pub that has developed a good reputation amongst locals and visitors alike in recent years. It used be to known as the Toad Hall but the name changed when current owner Pete Hammond took over a few years ago and revamped the premises/menu.

The Toad Pub, on Colwyn Bay Promenade (Photo Credit)

Curiously, the pub is on the first floor of the building, which means a climb up a flight of stairs to enter. It's very nicely furnished and still feels more of a pub than restaurant. There's a fair size menu, with all the usual favourites and they also have a Specials board. The food is well presented and portions are a good size. In particular, I can recommend the Homemade Cheese Burger and Homemade Steak & Cumberland Ale Pie. I'm also told that their steaks are very good. Nice selection of desserts, also. They have the usual choice of lagers/beers and a few Real Ales on offer - the Cumberland Ale is always popular.

The Toilets and a Pool Table can be found downstairs (accessed via an internal stairway) and there is also a few tables outside for those warmer days.

I've always found the meals and service there excellent. Pete Hammond and his friendly staff always make visitors feel welcome.

Website: http://www.thetoad-pub.co.uk/

Current Menu can be found here: Toad Menu

QYPE Reviews: http://www.qype.co.uk/place/471851-The-Toad-Colwyn-Bay

Colwyn Bay Golf Club, Upper Colwyn Bay

The 100 acre Colwyn Bay Golf Club, situated on what is now the modern housing estates of Upper Colwyn Bay, closed in 1956. It was sold to two local businessmen, who wanted to turn it into a caravan park with 400 caravans, but who were refused Planning Permission in August 1957. In January 1958, Colwyn Bay Borough Council bought the entire site for £10,250 and sold it for a private housing development (called 'Colwyn Heights') in 1960, giving themselves a nice £40,000 profit in the process.

The proceeds were used to purchase the 36 acre Glan Y Don Estate next to Eirias Park for £67,250 - the mansion became the Civic Centre and the grounds became part of Eirias Park. By a series of land deals, the Council ended up with a fine Civic Centre at a net cost of just £1,000 - if only CCBC were so enterprising today!

Location of Golf House on early 1970s Ordnance Survey map:


Map (c) Ordnance Survey

Here's a 1911 map, showing the house, Braeside, that later became the golf club house. It was then demolished and the Pen y Bryn/Taylors built on the site in the early 1980s and opened in 1983:



Looking at Google Maps, it would seem that Braeside was located where the main car park of the Pen Y Bryn is now.

Found the 1911 map showing the Golf Club House when it was on Pen Y Bryn Road, now a house called 'Southbank':



Found this old advert:


I've also heard of a house called Golf Cottage which was associated with the course, it's on Pen Y Bryn Road, just to the right of the road up to the Pen Y Bryn pub - set back from the road slightly, will try and get a photo when I'm in the area next. So might there have been three clubhouses over the years?

Anyone know more?

The Muncipal Building, Station Road, Colwyn Bay

Situated at 41/43 Station Road, I think this is one of the most interesting buildings in Colwyn Bay:


Its correct name is the Municipal Building and, when it was built in 1892, it housed all the administration for the fast growing town of Colwyn Bay, including offices for the National Provincial Bank of England, Denbighshire County Council (responsible for Policing), The Colwyn Bay & Pwllycrochan Estate Company Limited (the major landowner/developer in the Town) and the Colwyn Bay & Colwyn Local Board (forerunner of the local Council), the crests of which are all still visible in the carved stone medallions at the top of the building's tower. It is believed to have been designed (along with all the other buildings in that row leading up to the Central pub) by the architect firm of Booth, Chadwick & Porter, who were the main architects for The Colwyn Bay & Pwllycrochan Estate Company.

In 1901, the Urban District Council's offices were housed here.

There are four Stone medallions on the turret of the building, showing the crests of all the organisations housed within the building when it was built:


It's covered in carved stonework and stained glass. If you look at the left-hand door, you can still see a carved scales of justice and a pair of handcuffs in the stonework over it, an indication that this was once the entrance to the Courtroom:


I believe the courtoom is still extant within the building, which is for sale. I also recall that the upper floors housed two competing 'massage parlours' in the mid 1990s.

The ground floor (originally the Bank) was home to legendary Colwyn Bay discount shop Kavick's Bazaar in the 1980s and has housed a number of bars over recent years, including Peels, Libertys and, most lately, Owens Bar (now closed). A photo of Station Road from the 1980s, showing Kavicks Bazaar (with orange frontage) on the ground floor of the building (photo courtesy of Dave Jones):


How it looked back in 1900:


Lastly, a view of the building from the mid 1890s, showing Rev W. Venables-Williams and John Porter standing outside the Libertys Building (the ground floor was the National & Provincial Bank in those days). The Rev W. Venables Williams was the Chairman of the Colwyn Bay & Colwyn Local Board (which had its offices in the upper parts of the building then):

Anyone have any thoughts/memories of this building?

EDIT - October 2009 - The bar on the ground floor has now reopened as the 'Judge & Jury':