Restaurants, Cafes, Coffee Bars

The second hand motor cycle shop was called Trophy Autos

Was the coffee bar off Hales street behind Arthur Hammonds shop, I remember a dusty little place frequented by all sorts of oddniks spouting Marx and Proust, unlike any other coffee bar more of a café really but you could get beans on toast very cheap, lots of old armchairs and such like, can't remember name but it was something arty.

Pixrobin. The coffee shop in Broadgate House I believe opened when the building opened, above the men's outfitters. I believe it was the first coffee shop to have settees, couches or whatever instead of the normal tables and chairs, and yes I loved their lemon tea. Unfortunately a few days after opening a window blew open and a pane of glass fell onto a passerby, causing serious injury. In the early fifties I believe the busiest shop was opposite Matterson's in Hales Street, stood next door to a pub. Was it the Opera House near the lights, anyone?

Yes Kaga, on the corner of Bishop Street/Hales Street was the old Grammar School and then next to it in Hales Street was the Opera House.

As far as I can tell from planning records, the Opera House had its own café at the rear of the cinema in Silver Street.

"Café Continental", between the Smithfield Hotel and the fruit stall.

UPDATE: The café behind the Opera House was called "The Snackery". In 1953 permission was granted to convert the café into a drawing office: Planning Application

Thanks Dutchman, It would have been at that time (50's) It was half day closing on a Thursday and that's when I was treated to a nice tea at the Opera House. Also thanks for the tip with the accent key. Tonys S, thanks for your tip also, but my (~) is at the start of the numbers. I must admit it took me a few seconds to find it as I don't use it all that often. What would we do without our 'Knights in Shining Armour' on this forum. I am off now to have a go !

There's nothing in aerial photos to suggest there was anything behind the Opera House except a fire exit and a car park so I'm guessing "The Snackery" was either a reference to the upstairs restaurant or else the Garibaldi in Silver Street.

Never set foot in the place, all those tiles it looked so 'clinical' not in the least a welcoming Restaurant. Out of the three 'Swiss Alps' there were (always thought a strange name as well) are any still going ?

Anyone remember the Copper Kettle in Fleet Street - opposite St John's Church. Used to go in there late 1950s

It's been mentioned a few times on here Pixrobin Search results for Copper Kettle

No Swiss Alps remain - That one became Bourbons owned by a friend of a friend of mine before closing then being redeveloped as part of the Lower Precinct revamp. The other was in Hales Street by Shambles Arcade. Where was the other?

Thanks, NeilsYard Corporation Street ?

That one was Corporation Street / Queen Victoria Road. That one and the Hales Street one were the only two I knew of. As per the chat earlier - owned and run by Croatian businessman Ivan Polancec who had that mad Roman house on Broad Lane