Three Towns Forum
The Local => Times Past => Topic started by: DaveR on October 18, 2010, 05:37:22 pm
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Shortly before the old Llandudno Local forum closed, we were talking about the 'Swiss Cafe', which was on the first floor above where Burtons is in Llandudno. Gogarth has kindly sent in two photos taken in the Swiss Cafe, from Glyn Goodyer's 21st Birthday Party, on the 27th February 1939:
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It was certainly a different world back then.
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Hi whoever this may interest. When working as a Saturday girl in Sumners 1970-74ish - does anybody remember Paul who worked on the deli bar. I sometimes see Richard Bleakley in the Deganwy area. The ladies who worked in Sumners were all great characters. Sumners was ahead of its time because they made sandwiches to order. There was a customer who liked a cold baked bean bap. Sumners had their own bakery too - it was at the back of another builidng on Mostyn Street towards M&S. Their bread was out of this world, the cream cakes were always sold out quite early on in the day. Mrs Bleakley, was a very fair boss and wow what a business woman she really new her stuff and was on the ball.
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Hi Suey,
I think we have talked about Sumners on the old forum, I worked in the cocktail bar at the back from 1974 - 1978. I knew Paul very well he married Penny, a lovely girl who came to work there. They moved away after getting married. I saw them when they came back for a visit and they had a little baby in tow. Mrs Bleakley was lovely and always very fair, I also got on very well with Richard and David.
They were the best four years of my working life, no two days were the same. I went back to work there after my children were older, and was there on the last day before closing down. It was Christmas eve, I think in 1989. All the staff were having a Christmas drink together after closing but it was sad to think that was the end of Sumners.
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I thought it would be good to start a separate thread, all about Sumners....does anyone have any pics of the interior and the shop front?
As I remember it, it had quite an expensive refit at one time in the late 70s/early 80s and looked quite modern afterwards? You walked in and there was a central counter in front of you, with the cafe bit round to the left, with tables along the left-hand side wall?
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Anyone know if it was connected to the Sumners cafe in Rhyl? I knew a Dougie Sumners from there. The building was next to Woolworths on the High Street, two stories, cafe mainly upstairs and counter service on the ground floo.r. As you will imagine, mega busy in that position in the 1950s/60s. In the summer of course. In winter----no comment
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I worked in the cocktail bar at the back from 1974 - 1978.
My first job was in Sumners. I was the dishwasher in the restaurant from 6 til 10 at the tender age of 13, around 1977, so I was there the same time as Barbiroli.
I remember spending weeks plucking up the courage to ask for a pay rise and when I eventually approached Mr David he instantly bumped me up from 50p/hour to 80p/hour. I felt like a millionaire!
I used to pick Mrs Blakely up in the cab before her sad demise and she would always say "send the bill to one of the boys, they've made enough out of me over the years". they always coughed up without question.
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My introduction to Llandudno was a visit to Sumners for G & T's with my in-Laws to be on a week-end visit to my Wife's family home. ZXZ
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I can still remember the taste of the Ham Rolls I used to eat there as a kid on a Saturday in the 1980s.
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I used to love going to Sumners, and remeber going there before starting my waiting on summer job at Tribells. I was about 14 at the time.
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Did we ever find out why Sumners actually closed? As I've mentioned before, I'm sure it was only a few years after they had an expensive refit?
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Probably Peggy wanted to retire and the boys were not interested in spending their life in catering. She may well have also received a good offer for the premises which prompted the decision.
They went on to buy Diamond Stylus. Unfortunately David died a few years ago whilst still in his prime. Not sure if Richard is still associated with Diamond Stylus or whether he has also retired.
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Good info, thanks Yorkie. $good$
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The Diamond Stylus Company was very much a family business, which Ernie Coathup started practically single-handed after many years as a skilled worker in a firm using fine diamond particles in the making of grinding wheels of all kinds (J K Smidt ??). About 70% of the company's output was exported, a fine record of which the founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Ernie Coathup, was proud and which contributed to his having been awarded the MBE.
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The Diamond Stylus Company was very much a family business, which Ernie Coathup started practically single-handed after many years as a skilled worker in a firm using fine diamond particles in the making of grinding wheels of all kinds (J K Smidt ??). About 70% of the company's output was exported, a fine record of which the founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Ernie Coathup, was proud and which contributed to his having been awarded the MBE.
J.K. Smits was based in Mochdre and the Diamond Stylus Co set up shop close by. Arthur McElroy also worked for Smits then went on to work for Ernie at Diamond Stylus. His nickname was "Arthur Thou" as in "Half-a-thousand-of-an-inch" due to his work requiring close tolerances.
Diamond Stylus made record player needles, hence the name, and Arthur was always a handy chap to know when my Dansette needle became worn.
I see they still use the same Man playing the flute logo.
http://www.diamondstylus.co.uk/ (http://www.diamondstylus.co.uk/)
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Ernie Coathup? What a great name.... I know his Scottish cousin, Angus McCoatup. Geddit? L0L
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Ernie Coathup? What a great name.... I know his Scottish cousin, Angus McCoatup. Geddit? L0L
L0L
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Sumners advert from 1941:
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Advert from 1941:
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Sumners advert from 1987:
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Victoria Restaurant (now Edinburgh Woolen Mill) in 1954:
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The Venezia Coffee Bar in 1970. 33 Mostyn Street is now The Bargain Centre. When did the Venezia close?
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The Grove restaurant in Upper Mostyn Street in 1970. But where was it?
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Was it where the Emperor Chinese is now? Above the Kava coffee bar?
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Was it where the Emperor Chinese is now? Above the Kava coffee bar?
Could be but I thought that was called the Windmill?
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No mate, The Windmill is a left over sign from a previous business.
I actually though the Windmill was from the business downstairs, (a predecessor to Kava)
I have been in the Emperor many times.... (including Friday night) The value is unbeatable.
Even the lager is £2.80.
Might not sound cheap, but its a good 30 to 40p cheaper than the Queen Vic, The 147 or The Fountains.
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It was opposite where the Mediterranean Restauraunt is now.
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It was opposite where the Mediterranean Restauraunt is now.
Somewhere by the Rose Tor Hotel, you mean?
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John Mills Hygenic Cafe at 26 Mostyn Street in 1941 (now Vision Express):
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Write for terms to-
That's something you never see today, as it's always e-mail nowadays.
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Here's a Paynes Cafes ad from 1941 that shows the Avondale was part of the Paynes empire then:
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Yes, between Rose Tor and Tabernacle Chapel - painted yellow now.
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Yes, between Rose Tor and Tabernacle Chapel - painted yellow now.
Thank you! Think its flats now.
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Was Charlie Payne really born with a silver spoon in his mouth? 8)
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Smiths Restaurant, Mostyn Street,1941. Established since 1892 but where was it?
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Looks like it was in Mostyn Street Dave. ;D
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Time for me to use the newly fixed Rolleyes icon: :roll:
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I just love the fact that there was only 6113 telephones in Llandudno area at that time !!
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The Ritz Restaurant at 39 Mostyn Street in 1970. Now The Mall shopping arcade.
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The Venezia Coffee Bar in 1970. 33 Mostyn Street is now The Bargain Centre. When did the Venezia close?
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I went past the Bargain Centre today and was fascinated to see that a small portion of the Venezia's stone wall frontage (seen in the above illustration) survives as the boundary between it and the opticians next door.
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A Mr Dowell owned the Venezia. I believe he was once an Officer in the British Army.
It was one of the first cafes in town to serve Espresso coffee - Italian style in coffee glasses.
He had two children John & Elizabeth.
Not sure exactly when it closed down - possibly the late 1960's.
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Trojan; Mr Dowle (apologies for correcting the spelling) also owned The Ritz on Mostyn Street (see above). The latter was managed by his son John and daughter Elizabeth ('Liz'). I worked there in the Summer of 1979.
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the only Smith I can find in 1929 is at the Cocoa rooms St George st.
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Trojan; Mr Dowle (apologies for correcting the spelling) also owned The Ritz on Mostyn Street (see above). The latter was managed by his son John and daughter Elizabeth ('Liz'). I worked there in the Summer of 1979.
Saw and spoke to Liz only a couple of weeks ago.
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Trojan; Mr Dowle (apologies for correcting the spelling) also owned The Ritz on Mostyn Street (see above). The latter was managed by his son John and daughter Elizabeth ('Liz'). I worked there in the Summer of 1979.
Saw and spoke to Liz only a couple of weeks ago.
I believe Liz runs a small shop opposite Trinity Church?
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No she has "retired" and hasn't had the unit in The Mall for several years now.
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No she has "retired" and hasn't had the unit in The Mall for several years now.
Ah, thanks for that BR.
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Happy memories of Liz when she was my boss, back in '79. I was good friends with her son Steven, and one of his sisters, Sarah. Are they still around Llandudno / Deganwy? I recall that Steve was joining the armed forces.
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Happy memories of Liz when she was my boss, back in '79. I was good friends with her son Steven, and one of his sisters, Sarah. Are they still around Llandudno / Deganwy? I recall that Steve was joining the armed forces.
I see Liz occasionally in town and will ask about the family, Dave W.
Murphy's Law may apply and I might now not see her for some time. I will send you a PM about where they live.
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Thanks Bellringer! She might recall me as 'The Scouser'. Others who worked in the Ritz that summer include John Jones, Bobby Owen, Michael Owens and 'Ivan' the Russian kitchen porter, and his partner Lil. Great days at 39 Mostyn Street. I love this site, by the way.
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Michael Owens......would he have been from the Tre-Creuddyn Estate?
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That's the fella Trojan, although he lives on West Shore now.
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That's the fella Trojan, although he lives on West Shore now.
Ah ha, thought so. I seem to remember he had a penchant for Pernod at one time. ;D
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Mmmmmm PERNOD ! Z**
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An old Chinese proverb says: "There are mouths too slimy to retain silver spoons."
Anyway, he said shaking his head, anyone remember Miss Twist's?
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The cafe next door to Billy Mac's and my Mam worked there for a while. It must be ages since the cafe closed.
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Hi all - Re Sumners, Mostyn Street
As a youngster I went to Llandudno most years for the summer holidays and stayed with my mums aunt (my great aunt) who lived in Craig-y-don. My "aunt" worked in Sumners 2 or 3 nights a week and a couple of days as well.
We used to wait for her to come out from the day shift and walk home along the prom.
My aunt was Daisy Morris and used to work in the restaurant of Sumners in the 60's and 70's and maybe to the very early 80's although she was past retirement age by then.
Sadly aunt passed away in 1988 and it was her wish that after her funeral we went to Sumners and had a meal and some wine which of course we did for her. We were made so welcome and the staff talked about her with great fondness. I am not certain when Sumners closed (but certainly after March 1988) but this is just another missing (possibly) piece of the jigsaw and a memory that I am happy to share.
She was a kind old soul and was well liked at Sumners. I can't remember the name of the boss but Mrs Bleakley does ring a bell in the back of my mind somewhere.
Does anyone remember aunt Daisy from the Sumners days in the late 60's and 70's?
I haven't been back to Llandudno since she passed away but the photos on this thread certainly bring back memories. Thank you.
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A few more vanished cafes...anyone remember any of them?
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Well I certainly remember the Robin's Cafe and its not ALL that long ago either. Dont ask me how long---I'll make a guess and say 25 years and wait to be proved wrong. I remember it in particular because there was a cafe by the same name on the corner of Queen St and the prom in Rhyl. The one in Rhyl is still there and has been "reborn" under the ownership of Les Harker, after being virtually derelict a year or two ago.
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Well here is one for you.i remember working as a dish washer and sweeping up in mostyn street in a place called the avondale,i think the guy was polish and called edmund he would shout at the customers when they asked him what the soup of the day was.he would say it is soup of the day and get nasty happy times.
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The Avondale is now Pebble chip shop:
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Iremember as a teenager going to a cafe in Upper vMostyn st and playing pool ,im sure it was called Syd;s and was in the Home cookin building.
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The Venezia Coffee Bar in 1970. 33 Mostyn Street is now The Bargain Centre. When did the Venezia close?
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Peter Oliver bought the Venezia in 1971. The Olivers ran the Venezia for another year. In 1972 it changed to the Skyliner Steak Restaurant. In 1974 it then changed to The Golden Egg. In 1976 the Golden Egg was sold to the current owners who ran the restaurant for another year before turning it into what it is now The Bargain Centre. Who remembers any of that?
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hmm.... latest and gayest :-X
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Peter Oliver bought the Venezia in 1971. The Olivers ran the Venezia for another year. In 1972 it changed to the Skyliner Steak Restaurant. In 1974 it then changed to The Golden Egg. In 1976 the Golden Egg was sold to the current owners who ran the restaurant for another year before turning it into what it is now The Bargain Centre. Who remembers any of that?
Thanks for the information and welcome to the Forum. Please feel free to share any other bits of info/memories you might have.
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I have moved all the Wavecrest Hotel related information over to the Hotels thread, which is here:
http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,403.msg41347.html#msg41347 (http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,403.msg41347.html#msg41347)
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Re Sumners - Richard Bleakley now lives in the Gannock Park area of Deganwy. I beleive he has retired.
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Certainly remember the King's Cafe with affection. I was given a sixpenny bit - fourpence for admission to the Saturday morning pictures at the Odeon, then straight across the road afterwards for a twopenny jam tart from King's Cafe.
The Lilac Cafe was run by Trevor Pritchard's (Maesdu Road new houses - on the corner nearly opposite the big gas holder next to Gerald Parry) Uncle from Deganwy (does my memory say Ted?). Trevor was a slightly removed member of the Celestial City mob :votive: and grew up to be a tiler with... (God my memory is groaning!) the big roofing firm in Conwy.
:votive: Terry Donovan, June Ellis, Merion Evans, Ken Evans, Keith Evans, Arfon ?, Ellis Atherton, Ronnie Atherton, George Owen, Ernie Owen, Joan Roberts, Isobel Roberts, Coxy, Ken Ryan, Kathleen Ryan, Michael Kirkham, Sheila Kirkham, Keith Rawlings, Sheila Hughes, Ronnie Hughes, Jeff Berrington, Joyce Berrington, Emrys Brownson, Carl Brownson, Dorothy Brownson, Joyce Leslie, Carol Leslie, Mike Venables, Sue Venables. And on the Main Road with Trevor (slightly removed): Denise Jones, Stan Dickens, Roger Ellis, John Thomas. My apologies as I know I've missed some out - lost in the fog of age. :Sisyphus:
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Trevor was a slightly removed member of the Celestial City mob :votive: and grew up to be a tiler with... (God my memory is groaning!) the big roofing firm in Conwy.
Tuxfords?
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I was looking today at the work going on to prepare the First Floor of the Burtons building for its new use as a Caffe Nero and it occurred to me that its new usage would mark a return to its original catering use as the Swiss Cafe. I'm not sure when the Swiss Cafe closed, but Burtons used the First Floor as additional retail space for many years.
Interior of Swiss Cafe in 1939:
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Advert from 1941:
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....and how sad that in all probability everyone of those happy looking young people are now dead. :(
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but nice to think that here in 2012 we are seeing them and discussing them and sharing them with the world! I hope they would approve
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At least one of the people in the photgraph in the Swiss Cafe was alive in 2009. His name is Richard Rowlands and he was born c1909. He was reported to be living in a care home in Colwyn Bay in cAugust 2009.
Richard Rowlands was born in Bangor, worked for WH Smiths and retired to Llandudno in the 1970s.
Helig.
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Thats a brilliant observation Helig, and welcome to The Forum.
I hope that Mr Rowlands is alive and well, and as happy as he was on that night in 1939.
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Thanks, Fester.
Richard Rowlands is the chap standing on the back row, going from left to right, he is fifth from the left. He has a very white shirt and black bow tie.
The chap standing second from the left on the back row is Glyn Goodyer whose celebration party was being held there. He was 21 that day. I think he died about the year 2000.
Helig.
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Just to share my one abiding memory of Sumners in Llandudno. In the mid 1960s the downstairs part of the restaraunt was where we all used to meet for coffee on a Saturday morning. My grandmother met her firends there and it used to be packed out with people. In those days, most people smoked and the air was thick with blue cigarette smoke. At times, it was so bad you could hardly see across the room which wasn't very large at all.
The atmosphere was also thick with the buzz of gossip. The older ladies of the town gathered there and their main enjoyment, apart from the coffee, was to swop the juicy tales of the town.
There were two waitresses, I remember Megan, a small dark haired lady who was rushed off her feet. I cannot recall the name of the other person.
Sandbach's was the other gathering place for coffeee on Saturday morning. That was always considered second choice with Sumners having the best coffee and gossip!
Helig.
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A couple more vanished cafes and restaurants, these ones from 1955:
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72 Mostyn Street has seen a variety of catering uses over the years; Wimpy, National Milk Bar, Burger King and now Harveys New York Bar Grill.
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Happy New Year everyone!
I recall the downstairs part of Sumners from around 1974 - it was always packed. But - did this part close down when the place was refurbished?
And - wasn't there a Sumners in Rhos-on-Sea; later called Chimes as I recall? I think that it was called that when I visited around 1991. There is still a cafe there but I can't recall what it is called.
Take care all
T
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Rhos - You're thinking of Pinningtons, I think? Their bakery was where William Hill is now in Rhos Road.
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Hi Dave
Yes, it could be, although my failing memory suggests it was Sumners, as i had been to the Llandudno one and thought that it was a branch...although, that's my memory for you!
I see that the lease of Chimes is for sale - and they state that Chimes has been operating for over 11 year - thus, since 2000.
Regards
T
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Hello everyone
I was in Llandudno and Rhos yesterday. I see that Chimes is now Ambrosia. I wonder when that changed?
Talk about false memory - i could have sworn that was Sumners. About 1991?
Regards
T
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Hi
I know the original post is a couple of years ago but only just found the picture on the site - Glyn was my uncle and he died in 1996 in Wormhoudt on a revisit
Chris
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??? The likes of the Ritz, Sumners and Swiss Cafe were far to posh for us. When I was a bullock Mam used to take me to the National Milk Bar (between Marks and Sparks and the church) for a bi-annual treat. If we went for a cuppa, it was the Cocoa House or Gardner's. Wwhen working it was always Billy Wright's. Different worlds. )*)&
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Hello Chris,
I have just seen your post about your uncle, Glyn. My mother was very friendly with Glyn, she attended his 21st birthday party and is in the photos. I seem to recall that Glyn worked for the railway after the war. My mother had worked for the LMS as did her father and other family members.
In the 1960s we visited Glyn and his family in their house in St David's Road, Llandudno. My mother was very fond of him as they had been friends for years, since childhood possibly.
Helig
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Hi
Glyn did indeed work on the railway at Colwyn bay
Chris
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Regarding the Venezia. I noticed the other day that part of the stone facing that was a prominent feature of the "Ven" still survives as the boundary between Searles the Opticians and the adjoining one of Mr Lal's stores.
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I remember Peggy Bleakley very well in the 70' s and her two sons. I was Deputy Manager of the St George's and I would occasionally drop in on my day off to Summers. It might be heaving busy but she enjoyed a chat about respective businesses with a cheery " Come in Dear, sit down, tea, something to eat?" Richard looked run off his feet. Always gracious with people but super tough on standards and I may have inherited that partly from her.