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Birks' Cafe and Station Hotel

What we know about this image :

Taken around 1953, just before the cafe closed, the image shows the proximity to West Hartlepool railway station to the left. Sadly the building is now demolished and a newer one in its place.

Date (of image) : 1953

Donor : Hartlepool Museum Service

Creator : NDM

Location

Related items :

venue

Birk's Cafe and Station hotel was opened in 1896 when Edwin Birks aquired the lease. It was originally called the Oriental Cafe. It was bought as a going concern by Edwin in 1912 and subscribers were : WT Walton, William Edgar, H Birks, WP Hickley, Eliza Birks and Annie Crockes. It was for many years a popular venue for shoppers, local groups, auctions and many other functions.

In Hartlepool Mail on 6th Aug 1953, it was announced that the business would be wound up on the 1st September 1953. It had been bought by a London firm, but they inturn decided to sell it. In October 1953 there was an advert for the sale of the business and all fixtures and fittings.

The report stated that the business was not to be confused with Birks Bros who were grocers of Church St and Musgrave St. Presumably this was another family business ?

The business closed its doors in September 1954 and the building lay derelict. In November 1954, it was briefly used by the British Legion for poppy distribution. By 1956, there was concern in the town that this derelict building was the first impression of the town as people left the railway station. A furniture company almost bought it, but pulled out as there was uncertainty about where and when the new shopping centre would be built.

Eventually it was demolished and the current 1960s building is in its place.

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venue

Church Street

Church Street.

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