Cardiff: inside the Prince of Wales (1)

Image: © Chris Downer Taken: 21 Feb 2015

Looking towards the upstairs bar of this J.D. Wetherspoon pub, it is clear that the building originally functioned as a theatre or a cinema - in fact, it has been both. The building was opened on 7 October 1878 as the New Theatre Royal, but was destroyed by fire in 1899 and rebuilt in the same style. It was converted to a cinema in 1957, transgressing from mainstream to X-rated films and closing on 30 June 1984. In 1987 the interior was much changed as it was converted to multi-use function (games arcade, fast-food outlet etc.) but some of the newly created units were never occupied. The firm J.D. Wetherspoon restored the interior of the building and opened it as a pub in July 1999. This view is from a non-original upper floor, looking towards the original stage as is clearly evident. The balconies are not accessible but are in clear view behind us - see Image

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