The Mount Stewart Hotel, Cayley Promenade, Rhos-on-Sea
This hotel was built before the Second World War, when it was commandeered by the Ministry of Food. In the upper photo, the hotel provides the entire backdrop as a double-decker tram from Llandudno heads towards Colwyn Bay.
Trams made a sharp turn at the street corner here, as shown in the photos, courtesy of the L&CB Tramway Society and Conwy Archive Service. The tramway closed in 1956.
The lower photo shows the tramway here soon after its opening in 1907 – before the hotel occupied the space on the left. The tram in the photo is waiting in the short loop where trams in opposite directions could pass each other (the track was later doubled). The complex overhead wiring ensured the trams’ electricity supply remained above the track right around the corner.
During the Second World War, the Mount Stewart Hotel was the headquarters of the government’s Wheat Commission. From here, officials ensured that people fighting in Britain’s armed services were kept supplied with wheat, oats and other grain.
Also operating from the Mount Stewart was the Cereal Products Division, which was concerned mainly with the people of Great Britain who remained at home. The secretaries’ first job was to make a list of Britain’s flour mills and bakeries.
A Mr Law, who owned the Crawford & Law flour mill in Scotland, was in charge and was reputed to look just like Anthony Eden, the Foreign Secretary. Every Saturday evening, a band played in the lounge area, which was packed with Ministry of Food civil servants.
sponsored by:
The Home Front Museum
Experience the sights and sounds of civilian life during WW2 at this unique indoor attraction.


New Street,
Llandudno
LL30 2YF
Tel: (01492) 871032
After the war, the Ministry handed the building back to its owner, Mr Howarth, who ran it for a few more years before selling it on. In the early 1950s, the owners commissioned Clement Beretta (1910-2005) – who was half Italian and lived in Rhosneigr, Anglesey – to transform the dining room with wood panelling to a design formulated by him. This has now gone.
With thank to Graham Roberts, of Colwyn Bay Civic Society, and to the L&CB Tramway Society and Conwy Archive Service
Postcode: LL28 4EP View Location Map
Website of The Mount Stewart Hotel (Facebook)
Website of Conwy Archive Service
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