This proposed listing forms part of the draft Cardiff Local Heritage List - Public Houses, Hotels and Clubs (current and former)
Building reference
60 The Bridge Inn/Riverbank Inn (former)Date
Established Before 1846, later-C19 rebuilding.Ward
ElyHistory
There was a public house on this site as early as the tithe map of 1846. It appeared as a relatively small building of rectangular plan, fronting Cowbridge Road, with garden to rear. The premises was owned by the Chapter of Llandaff and occupied by Mary Lewis.
Earliest newspaper reference to the ‘Bridge Inn, Ely’ may be found on 26th November 1858 (The Welshman Newspaper), with the death of proprietor Mary Lewis announced at the age of 92. A licence under the name of Jane Lewis was renewed for the premises three years later (in September 1861).
Map evidence suggests reconfiguration of the building between 1875 and 1899. The extant portion fronting Cowbridge Road was clearly in situ by 1909 (see photos), though development to the rear comprised of a separate outbuilding fronting the river.
Conversion to flats (including the large extant rear extension and insertion of windows within the north-eastern elevation) was approved in 2014, following closure of the public house.
Description
Principal range of the building aligned NE-SW fronting Cowbridge Road West and adjacent to the River Ely.
Two-storey, slightly asymmetric five-bay front, formed in snecked pennant stone. Raised segmental-arch window-heads in buff (now painted) brickwork, with terracotta string moulding details. Dentilled eaves course in red and buff brick. Scrolled pediment to central doorway. Stopped-up former doorway between Bays 1 and 2. Artificial half-hipped slate roof. Buff brick Quoins.
NE elevation revised in 2014, with balconette double doors and marginal windows to all floors. Long, modern rear extension with similar detailing.
Reason
Retained some character post-conversion, imparting Architectural and Historic Interest.
Though closed, long history of a public house on this site imbues some Communal Value.
References
BC/S/1/37749
- Sign, Bridge Inn, Ely.
BC/S/1/38325
- Improvements at pub, Bridge Inn, Cowbridge Road.
BC/S/1/45617
- Alterations to Inn, Bridge Inn, Ely.
DCONC/6/11a-e
1923-1954
Plans.
Additional images
The Bridge Inn, 1911
The Bridge Inn, 1915
