As Wetherspoons continues to put a number of its pubs up for sale across the UK, regulars can breathe easy knowing that one captivating venue, described by fans as a ‘work of art,’ is staying firmly in place.
While the affordable pub chain has enjoyed sales growth of nearly 8 per cent in the 12 months leading up to July, the company has been slimming down its portfolio, selling or surrendering the lease on 30 pubs this year after closing 41 last year.
Despite ten of the chain’s pubs currently listed on the market, including prominent buildings in Cardiff, Swindon, and Felixstowe, the future of one particularly breathtaking venue is secure.
The Palladium, a Grade II listed building in Llandudno, North Wales, has earned rave reviews from impressed punters over the years.
Originally opened in the 1920s and designed by Arthur Hewitt, The Palladium has a rich history, with much of its original interior still intact.
The Palladium, a Grade II listed building in Llandudno, North Wales, has earnt rave reviews from impressed punters over the years (stock image)
Originally opened in the 1920s and designed by Arthur Hewitt, The Palladium has a rich history, with much of its original interior still intact (stock image)
The building once boasted seating on three levels – stalls, dress circle, and balcony -and was used as a theatre and music hall before transitioning into a bingo hall and 600-seat cinema in the 1970s, according to Wales’ Daily Post.
After closing its doors in 1999, Wetherspoons gave the historic venue a new lease on life in 2001.
Now a Grade II listed building, The Palladium recently underwent a £1 million restoration project, preserving its historic charm while ensuring the space remains functional for future guests.
The restoration work included repairs and redecorations to the original ceiling, as well as the restoration of many of the balconies and intricate decorative details that make the venue unique.
Jason Connor, the pub’s manager, spoke to the Daily Post about the transformation.
He said: ‘Wetherspoon has spent approximately £1million on the pub, providing further substantial investment into the local area.
‘The work has ensured that the pub is safe, whilst also ensuring the preservation and restoration of this beautiful heritage ceiling so that many people can appreciate it for years to come.’
The venue has drawn praise from visitors, with many taking to TripAdvisor and Facebook to rave about the stunning interior.
The Palladium recently underwent a £1 million restoration project, preserving its historic charm while ensuring the space remains functional for future guests (stock image)
After closing its doors in 1999, Wetherspoons gave the historic venue a new lease on life in 2001
The building once boasted seating on three levels – stalls, dress circle, and balcony -and was used as a theatre and music hall before transitioning into a bingo hall and 600-seat cinema in the 1970
The restoration work included repairs and redecorations to the original ceiling, as well as the restoration of many of the balconies and intricate decorative details
The venue has drawn praise from visitors, with many taking to TripAdvisor and Facebook to rave about the stunning interior
One person wrote, ‘This is a stunning building, full of history. The inside really is a great environment to share a meal,’ while another gushed, ‘This has got to be the best Wetherspoons ever!!!’
A third said: ‘The recently fully renovated restaurant is a work of art. The interior is wonderful, still retaining the original seating in the circle and upper circle.’
In June, Wetherspoons threatened to sue a controversial Welsh pub after they started trading as ‘Wetherspoons Ltd’ – highlighting how rap group Goldie Lookin Chain have namechecked the bargain bar chain.
The Bridge Head in Abergele, Denbighshire, previously faced controversy after a name change from the traditional Welsh Pen-y-Bont.
But now the nationwide JD Wetherspoon chain has hit them with a legal claim after they added ‘Wetherspoons Limited’ to their sign.
