The Regent Hotel was officially opened on 19th August 1819. Proving itself to be a popular place for visitors taking the Spa waters, the Regent saw a number of celebrities choose to stay at the hotel. These included Princess (later Queen) Victoria, Hollywood star Douglas Fairbanks, and author Charles Dickens. The Hotel was owned by the Cridlan family from 1904 until its closure in 1998. After vigorous debate about its future, the hotel was refurbished and re-opened in 2005.
Then and now
In these photographs, we can see that the basic layout of the Parade in Leamington is much as it was in the 19th century. Modern life sees the road somewhat busier (although the modern photos were taken on a Sunday, and are still relatively quiet compared to the usual bustle) but a row of shops and shoppers still face the Regent. Now, it seems, awnings no longer cover the pavement, and a couple of units are up for rent, suggesting further change on the horizon. Does anybody remember any of the shops that used to be on the parade?
Get involved
Have you stayed at the Regent? Do you have any memories of the hotel or its functions? We’d love to hear more about the hotel, and the characters who passed through it if you have any stories you’d like to share.
Comments
Can anyone say what the tall building at the top of Parade in the 1870s was? It’s obviously not there now…
The large building at the top of the Parade was Christ Church, a daughter church to All Saints. It was built in 1825 or 1829 and was demolished in 1959.
I remember the bar (late 80s- early 90s) that was at the right hand side of the building. I think you went down stairs and I remember the decor was very blue with leather blue seating. It did have a different name but I can’t remember what it was called.
As a child I was always fascinated by the revolving doors.
It’s the mini library in the lift that impressed me!
A little passage from Dombey and Son. “The Major continued all day: so that when evening came on, and found them trotting through the green and leafy road near Leamington, the Major’s voice, what with talking and eating and chuckling and choking, appeared to be in the box under the rumble, or in some neighbouring hay-stack.”
The bar on the right was Syds Bar. We used to go for a drink there after work on a Friday night. Someone played a piano too. Nice and relaxing.
The band, “Big Bertha” I played in during the 1970s often played in Syd’s bar. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and always supported with a good crowd. We often did the New years eve gig there. Interestingly on that night we were booked for Syd’s Bar and also the Ballroom. It meant an exchange of musical equipment between the two rooms, where we would set up our “Mad Hatter” disco in the Ballroom whilst we played in Syd’s Bar and then during the evening swap venues and then swap back again. It was quite a marathon evening but most enjoyable.
I have a desk that came from the Regent in Leamington, I was given it by my brother in law who was doing work there in the ’80s. Is there any photo of the interior? Would love to see it in situe.
I have just stayed at the Regent, now Travelodge. Stayed there several times and love the original features especially the wonky staircase! Pity the lift interior book case has gone. This time we’ve worked out that the photos and drawings of notable people up the staircase are of people who have stayed there. Interesting. I think Leamington could do more to promote its heritage. Simple info board at the rail station would be a start :). Marion, Canterbury
“Does anyone remember any of the shops?”…..
Boots and “Bobbys” (then Debenhams) was at the bottom of the Parade; heading north on the left was Werf, Woodwards on the corner (where you got your school uniform), Dottie P (Dorothy Perkins) where Mint Velvet is now, Burgis & Colbourne (where I bought my first single – David Cassidy – for 45p) and its “Fountain Buffet” – with a fountain and goldfish; memories of a “Bar 6” and a Coca Cola as a treat. In the 70s Pollyanna Tridias! on the right (great clothes) and AVA for special dresses at the top next to Robert Charles for nice handbags and luggage. There was a restaurant (was it the Light Bite?) roughly where Royal Priors upper entrance is now, that did “Hawaiian Pancakes” which were a real treat in the 60s and the Ruby Restaurant that served my father alcohol in a tea cup as it was too early for them to serve drinks. Sainsburys where Boots now is and Tesco which has been there as long as I remember (since 1965) and The Clarendon Hotel.
My first job after leaving school was there at the Regent. I was a porter there. Had some great times there.
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