A Pint of History Please

Exploring the History of Ceredigion's Pubs

Details of pub: Central Hotel, Aberystwyth

Other names: Tourist Hotel; Garners; Bar Essential; Salt; Coffee #1
Address/Location: 47-51 Terrace Road / Portland Street corner
OS Grid Ref: SN5839081829
Opened: before 1872      
Closed: open 2017       Type: Pub
Summary: This began as a public house, known as the Tourist’s Hotel, on the corner of Terrace Road and Portland Street, and was gradually enlarged to fill much of the block along Terrace Road between Portland Street and Portland Road.
It was first recorded in 1864 when the landlord was George Tustin from Worcester. He had died by 1874 when William B Bamber took over, then Mr Northey who sold the property and its contents in 1881. It was purchased by Mr Garner, baker and confectioner, who, with his wife, had several properties in Terrace Road. They turned it into the Tourist Dining Rooms and advertised it as follows:
T. GARNER BEGS respectfully to announce that he has opened the Tourist Dining Rooms (late Tourist Hotel, Terrace Road), where Breakfasts, Dinners, Teas, and every kind of Refreshments will be provided on the shortest notice, Good beds provided. Private and Public Dinners and Tea Parties supplied on the lowest terms. Wedding Breakfasts provided. Bride Cakes in Stock and made to order. A first-class Professional Man Cook kept.
Thomas Garner has also opened a Pork Shop in connection with the Eating House. Home made Sausages fresh daily.

The address on the advert was 20 & 21 Terrace Road. These numbers relate to a date before Mary Street became Lower Terrace Road and the properties were re-numbered. Now even numbers are on one side, odd on the other.

Thomas Garner was soon in debt and in 1887, Elizabeth Garner became the licensee. In 1895 the whole Terrace Road frontage from Portland Street to Portland Road was for sale as a unit, including shops. It was put up for auction in 1902, but was withdrawn when the maximum bid was only £2,400. In 1905 the licensee was James Sheares. By 1906, Messrs David Roberts and Sons, the brewers of Trefechan, owned the property and they made extensive alterations to the building, renaming it as the Central.
The new Hotel was run by Edward Llewellyn until at least 1937. He had made himself popular among a large circle of friends as treasurer of the Football Club and secretary of the Conservative Club and was also assistant clerk to the Board of Guardians and Rural Council. By the 1950s the Central was run by Mr and Mrs S. Terlezki.

In the 21st century it has been through a number of incarnations: Bar Essential, Salt, Coffee #1


Notes: 1864
George Tustin TOURISTS' HOTEL, TERRACE ROAD, ABERYSTWITH. Wines and Spirits Shropshire, Burton, Bitter, and other Ales. Licensed to let Post Horses for Hire.
AO 9.1.1864

1868
George Tustin
occupation: Horse Hirer
address: Terrace Road
source: Slater's trade directory, 1868

1871
Tustin, Caroline,
house no.: 51 Tourist Hotel Terrace Road wife source Census page 2
date: ..1871 census no. 8
age 44 1827 place of birth Bridgenorth

1871
Tustin, George occupation Innkeeper,
house no.: 51 Tourist Hotel Terrace Road head source Census page 2
date: ..1871 census no. 8
age 45 1826 place of birth Worcester

1872
Tourist Hotel mentioned
Cambrian News 13.9.1872

1873
"The licence of the Tourists' Hotel was transferred from George Tustin to Elizabeth Phillips" CN 9 May 1873

1874
AN ABERYSTWYTH CASE. Adolphus Wilkinson, Farmer, Tregaron, v. George T. Smith, Auctioneer, and Thomas Garner, Aberystwyth. The defendants are trustees under a certain decree of assignment of the estate and effects of George Tustin, victualler, late of the Tourist Hotel, Aberystwyth.
Cambrian News 20.2.1874

1874 (April) Notice of auction of household goods and fittings of Spirit Vaults. AO 28 March 1874
1875
Tourists' Hotel, Bamber, William B., Inn and Public House, Lewis Terrace, Aberystwyth, (Worrall’s Directory, 1875) [Lewis Terrace was the original name of Alexandra Road, but 1880 below shows that it was in Terrace Road, so probably an error in the directory]

1879
Temporary licence was granted to John Northey for the premises named the Tourist Hotel
Cambrian News 21.11.1879

1880
The licence of the Tourist Hotel, Terrace-road, was transferred from Mr. Bamber to Mr. Northey
Cambrian News 9.1.1880

1881
Northey, John occupation Hotel keeper,
age 31 (born 1850) place of birth Cornwall
house no.: 51 Tourist Hotel Terrace Road head
Northey, Kate F, wife
age 27 (born 1854) place of birth Cornwall
source Census page 26
date: ..1881 5

1881
To Be Let Aberystwyth - The Tourist Hotel
A Full Licenced House in Terrace Road, about two minutes from the Railway Station, and the Sea. Further particulars may be obtained from the present proprietor.
Cambrian News 2.9.1881

1881
TOURIST HOTEL, ABERYSTWYTH, CORNER OF TERRACE ROAD and PORTLAND STREET. Household Furniture, Wines, Spirits, General Stock in Trade, Bar Fittings, Glass and other Gaseliers. Globe Lamp, and other effects, the property of Mr Northey, who, on giving up the house, has instructed MR G. T. SMITH to sell the same by Auction, ON TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY the 8th and 9th NOVEMBER, At six o'clock in the evening. Terms Cash. The Lease, Stock, and Fixtures, may be treated for by private contract, but if not so disposed of, will he included in the Auction.
Cambrian News 21.10.1881

1881
Mr Garner has taken the Tourist Hotel which he is about to convert to the uses of his business.
Cambrian News 23.12.1881

LEASE dated 29.4.1882 of the Tourist Hotel, and two other dwelling houses in Terrace Road and Portland Lane, for 21 years from 12.11.1881, at £60 p. a.
Morris Davies of Ffosrhydgaled and Thomas Garner of Terrace Road, baker and confectioner.
The Tourist Hotel, late in the occupation of John Northey, victualler, and now of Thomas Garner.
With note that tenant is to improve the property, spending not less than £100
NLW Roberts and Evans, Aberystwyth deeds 4; CG1/9

1882
TO VISITORS AND EXCURSIONISTS. CONFECTIONERY ESTABLISHMENT, AND DINING ROOMS,
20 & 21, TERRACE ROAD. ABERYSTWYTH.
T. GARNER BEGS respectfully to announce that he has opened the Tourist Dining Rooms (late Tourist Hotel, Terrace Road), where Breakfasts, Dinners, Teas, and every kind of Refreshments will be provided on the shortest notice, Good beds provided. Private and Public Dinners and Tea Parties supplied on the lowest terms. Wedding Breakfasts provided. Bride Cakes in Stock and made to order. A first-class Professional Man Cook kept.
Thomas Garner has also opened a Pork Shop in connection with the Eating House. Home made Sausages fresh daily.
Cambrian News 23.6.1882

1882
ELEGIT ENQUIRY
At the TOWN Hall on Wednesday, before Mr Wm. Morgan Griffith, under-sheriff, and a jury … an enquiry was held to ascertain what goods and chattels Mr Thomas Garner, confectioner, Terrace-road, Aberystwyth, possessed, and the value thereof, on the 7th November also to ascertain what lands and holdings he possessed, and the yearly value thereof. Mr Griffith Jones, who appeared for Mr John James, the plaintiff, addressing the jury, said that their duty would be merely to ascertain what goods Mr Garner was possessed of. He then called Mr John James, the plaintiff, who said that he accompanied by Mr Adams, sheriff officer, had made an inventory of the effects belonging to Mr Garner, and they were set out in the schedule produced, the whole amounting to £277 13s. In addition to this Mr Garner, the defendant, was also possessed of the Tourist Hotel, situated in Terrace-road, extending from the corner of Portland-street to the corner of Portland-lane, which was subject to a mortgage of £250. The premises are leased by the defendant from November 1881, for twenty-one years at an annual rent of £60. Thomas Garner, the defendant said he had heard the evidence given by Mr James, which was, as far as he knew correct. He owed £83 rent in respect of the Brynymor field where the cattle were found, and £20 for Llangawsai field. He also owed £36 to Mr. Lewis James, being one year's rent for the shop in Terrace-road. Mr. Isaac Morgan was the landlord of the fields and Mr. Lewis James of the shop. …
Cambrian News 24.11.1882

1887
Elizabeth Garner, Tourist Hotel, applied for a temporary transfer of licence to her. The application was granted.
Cambrian News 26.8.1887

1895
The Chief Constable’s report. The Tourist Hotel (Garner): The only objection I have to the renewal of the license of this house is on account of the existence of a door between the house and the adjoining butcher's shop.
Cambrian News 25.10.1895

1895
TOWN OF ABERYSTWYTH. IMPORTANT SALE OF VALUABLE LEASE- HOLD PROPERTIES.
MR J. E. JAMES has been instructed to Sell by Auction at the Talbot Hotel, Aberystwyth, on Wednesday, the 6th day of November, 1895, at two o'clock p.m., the following important Valuable Business and Residential Properties.
LOT 1. The Dwelling-house and premises being No. 13, Portland Street, in the occupation of Mr David Humphreys.
LOT 2. The full licensed Inn, Shop, and Premises called THE TOURIST HOTEL and GARNER'S DINING ROOMS in the occupation of Mrs Garner. Also the four shops and premises adjoining, in the occupation of Mrs Garner, the Aberystwyth Perfumery, Miss Felix, and Mr E. P. Taylor. The whole of the Properties are held under a lease granted by the Corporation of Aberystwyth for the term of 99 years from 22nd October, 1824, at the low ground rent of 11s. The Properties extend from Portland Street to Portland Lane, with an extensive Frontage in Terrace Road, and owing to their central position in that Street and their proximity to the Marine Terrace, they comprise the most important sites in Aberystwyth for large and extensive business premises as well as the most desirable for residential ones. For further particulars apply to the Auctioneer, or to Messrs Roberts and Evans, solicitors, both of Aberystwyth
Cambrian News 25.10.1895

1902
GARNERS TOURIST HOTEL, ABERYSTWYTH. MR R. K. JENKINS has been instructed by Mr J. Garner to offer for Sale by Public Auction at the Lion Royal Hotel, Aberystwyth, On THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2nd, 1902, at three o'clock p.m. (subject to conditions then produced), all that old-established Leasehold Premises known as GARNER'S TOURIST HOTEL, ABERYSTWYTH, Now in the occupation of Mr J. Garner, with the goodwill and fixtures thereto belonging, together with the adjoining Leasehold Dwelling House known as No. 13, Portland street, Aberystwyth, now in the occupation of Mrs Garner. Also the Lock-up Shop known as No. 49, Terrace-road, aforesaid, now in the occupation of Miss Felix, permission having been obtained to include this shop in the licensed premises. The whole of the premises are held under a lease from the Corporation of Aberystwyth for the unexpired term of twenty-one years from the 22nd day of October next at the annual ground rent of 11s. This well-known Tourist Hotel is situated at the junction of Portland-street and Terrace-road, the main thoroughfare, leading from the Railway Station to the Marine Terrace, and is about 230 yards distant from the former and fifty yards from the latter, with entrance into both Portland-street and Terrace-road. The position is probably unequalled and the property is becoming more valuable every year. A most successful business has been carried on for years by Mrs Garner. The property has a frontage to Terrace-road of forty-seven feet and to Portland-street of forty feet. Possession may be had on completion of the purchase. For further particulars, apply to the Auctioneer, Baker-street, Aberystwyth.
Cambrian News 12.9.1902

1902
The Tourist Hotel, in the occupation of Mr J. Garner, was withdrawn at £2,400.
Cambrian News 3.10.1902

1903
Temporary Transfer of the licence of the Tourist Hotel, Terrace- road, to Mr James Shears of Cardiff
Cambrian News 20.2.1903

"Mr A. J. Hughes, town clerk, applied for the transfer of the licence of the Fox Vaults to Mr J. Martin, and of the licence of Garner's Tourist Hotel to Mr James Shears. The police offered no objection and the transfers were granted. " Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times 11 June 1903

1905
Petty Sessions: Aberystwyth; number on list: 43; name of premises: Tourists' Hotel; Parish / Place: Aberystwyth; Licensee: Sheares, James; owner or tenant : tenant; registered owner : John Garner, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth; free or tied: tied; tied to: Aberystwyth Brewery; type of licence: full; on or off licence: on; number of licenced days per week: 6. (1905 list)

1905
assignment of lease from John Garner, to David Roberts and Son
house no.: 51 Tourist Hotel Terrace Road
date: 23.11.1905 lease box no. 16.9

1906
John David Williams
occupation: fruitier
47 Terrace Road
source: Kelly's, 1906

1906
Messrs David Roberts and Sons applied for a renewal of the lease of their property known as the Tourist Hotel in Terrace-road and Portland-street. Alterations were to be carried out during the winter.
Cambrian News 21.9.1906

20.11.1906
Mr David Roberts, Tourist Hotel, Terrace Rd
raise roof, rear premises demolished and rebuilt, remodel the interior. To complete by
12.5.1907
Aberystwyth Town Council Minutes, Ceredigion Archives, ABM/SE/1/7, p. 359

1906
The following applications tor renewals of leases were granted upon terms: Messrs David Roberts and Sons, Tourist Hotel, Terrace-road.
Cambrian News 23.11.1906

1907
New Hotel.
Messrs Roberts and Sons, The Brewery, intend making extensive alterations to the premises known as Tourist Hotel, at the corner of Portland- street and Terrace-road. It is understood that the premises will be kept by Mr E. Llewellin who has made himself popular among a large circle of friends as treasurer of the Football Club and secretary of the Conservative Club. He is also assistant clerk to the Board of Guardians and Rural Council.
Cambrian News 11.1.1907

1910
Corporation, occupation:
from : to Roberts (David Roberts and Sons Ltd),
house no.: 51 Central Hotel Terrace Road
source lease page
date: 16.8.1910 lease box no. 82.2 with lease plan

1910
47-51 Terrace Road Central Hotel public house
occupier: Edward Llewelin
Owner: David Roberts and Son
Gross annual value: £125
source: Duty on land values, 1910, Ceredigion Archives T/DV/2, page 85 no. 1717

1910
Leased by Aberystwyth Corporation to David Roberts and Sons Ltd
Abstract of deeds, Ceredigion Archives, SMB/A 82

1910
Lengthy report about lease for the Central Hotel, with details of the rebuilding work done. WGWWA 7 July 1910

1910-1926
Central 47 Terrace Road
no name occupation: Hotel
source: Wales Trades' Directory

1914
Edward Llewellyn
occupation: Central Hotel
address: 49 & 51 Terrace Road
source: Kelly's trade directory 1914

1920
Llewellin, Edward, occupation hotel proprietor,
house no.: 51 Central Hotel Terrace Road
source Anon, (1920), Programme of Infirmary Bazaar page 28
date: ..1920 10 AYB 39 advert

1926
Central Hotel, Llewellin, E., hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide and Souvenir, p. a30, (1926), advert, photograph)

1926
Among the many freehold properties owned by David Roberts and Sons, 31.3.1926
NLW, Roberts and Evans, David Roberts of Trefechan; CB7/7


1928
Central Hotel, Llewellin, Edward, Hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Parish Magazine for Aberystwyth churches, p. 6, (1928), advert)

1934
Central Hotel, Llewellin, E., hotel proprietor, Terrace Road / Portland Street, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide and Souvenir, p. 83, (1934), advert, photograph)
1935
Central Hotel, Llewellin, W., hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide and Souvenir, p. 85, (1935), advert, photograph)
1935
(51) Terrace Road Central Hotel
reason for plans: alterations David Roberts and Sons
date of deposit of plan: .3.1935
source: Aberystwyth Borough plans register 727 Ceredigion Archives, CDC/A/BP/1

1937?
Central Hotel, Llewellin, W., hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide and Souvenir, p. 78, (1937?), advert, photograph)
1940s
Central Hotel, Anon, hotel manager, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, on corner with Portland Street, (Anon, Official Guide, p. 42, (1940s), advert)
1946
(51) Terrace Road Central Hotel
reason for plans: new entrance door J.M. Evans
date of deposit of plan: 10.4.1946
source: Aberystwyth Borough plans register 1297 Ceredigion Archives, CDC/A/BP/1
1950s
Central Hotel, Anon, hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Aberystwyth, Where Sunshine Awaits you , p. 37, (1950s), advert, photograph)
1950s
Central Hotel, Anon, hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, on corner with Portland Street, (Anon, Official Guide, p. 31, (1950s), advert)
1950s
Central Hotel, Mr and Mrs Terlezki, S., hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide, p. 43, (1950s), advert, photograph)
1956
(51) Terrace Road Central Hotel
reason for plans: Improvements David Roberts and Sons
date of deposit of plan: 16.11.1956
source: Aberystwyth Borough plans register 1794 Ceredigion Archives, CDC/A/BP/1
1956
Central Hotel, Anon, hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide, p. 41, (1956), advert, photograph)
1958
Central Hotel, Mr and Mrs Terlezki, S., hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide, p. 44, (1958), advert, photograph)
1959
Central Hotel, Mr and Mrs Terlezki, S., hotel proprietor, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide, p. 40, (1959), advert)
1960s
Central Hotel, Anon, hotel manager, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, (Anon, Official Guide, p. 44, (1960s), advert, photograph)


Additional information