Hayes Island Snack Bar

The Hayes forms a rectangular space in the centre of Cardiff, bounded to the east by St David's Hall and to the west by the former David Morgan's department store.[1] At its, triangular, northern end, a pedestrian space forms Hayes Island, the location of the snack bar, and of a statue of John Batchelor, a Victorian Mayor of Cardiff.[lower-alpha 1][3] In the early 20th century, Cardiff Corporation Tramways was established to operate electric trams throughout the city, replacing the previous horse tram system.[4] In addition to passenger services, the Corporation operated an extensive parcel distribution service. The Hayes Island Snack Bar was built in 1911 as a parcels depot.[5] It continued in use until 1942, when the parcel service ceased. In 1949, the structure was redeveloped and reopened as a snack bar. It continues in operation and in 2018 celebrated its 70th anniversary as the oldest operating snack bar in Wales[6] and an “unmistakeable Cardiff landmark.”[7][8]

The Ladies' and Gentlemen's Toilets date from 1898 and were the first public conveniences in Cardiff.[9] Closed due to budget cuts in 2013,[10] they were reopened in 2014 and are operated by the Worton family, licensees of the snack bar, under arrangement with Cardiff Council.[6]

The snack bar is of timber construction, the woodwork being original, although the roof has been replaced. The ends of the structure are gabled with scallop designs, a motif also used on the overhanging canopy. The kiosk is a Grade II listed building.[5] The toilets have original Victorian fittings, decorations and railings and are also listed Grade II.[11][12] The lampposts are contemporary with the toilets and have their own Grade II designations.[13][14] Cadw's listing record for the snack bar notes its importance as "a rare survival of Cardiff's tramway system" and its "group value with other listed buildings at Hayes Island."[5]

• Newman, John (1995). Glamorgan. The Buildings of Wales. London, UK: Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-140-71056-4.