The Lilly

Image: © Gerald England Taken: 19 Sep 2015

In the 1930s this building was advertised as the Sandringham, a private hotel “facing sea and Snowdonian range”. It was open all year, could accommodate 40 guests, and boasted hot and cold water in all bedrooms. In July 1940, Lever Brothers purchased The Sandringham Hotel as a wartime recuperation and rest centre for its employees. The hotel was initially available to all employees of the company in North-West England and their families, who could take holidays here. Staying at the hotel was free of charge for employees suffering from strain who were recommended by the company’s medical officer. Lever Brothers was well known for taking an interest in the welfare of its employees, as evidenced by the model village of Port Sunlight, adjoining its soap factory on the Wirral. After the war, the house could be used by all Lever Brothers employees from anywhere in the UK. The recuperation centre was run similar to a private hotel, providing accommodation and meals for free while encouraging residents to spend time out of doors. It was sold in May 1961. In 2009 it was converted into a restaurant with rooms called The Lilly. History Points: http://historypoints.org/index.php?page=former-lever-bros-rest-home-west-shore Restaurant website: http://www.thelilly.co.uk/

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