Palladium, Llandudno

The Palladium stands in the Welsh seaside town of Llandudno, a former theatre and cinema converted into a pub. It occupies the site of a former market hall and was designed in Baroque style by local councillor Arthur Hewitt. The building features a stuccoed façade with domed towers on either side and a central recess holding an oriel window. Hewitt also designed Clare’s Department Store and the Washington Hotel in the town. The structure is Grade II listed, recognising its architectural importance. The theatre opened in 1920 and originally seated 1,500 people across stalls, a dress circle and a balcony. It operated as both a theatre and cinema before becoming mainly a cinema after the Second World War. In 1972 the interior was split into a bingo hall and a smaller cinema. The building closed in 1999 and was purchased by Wetherspoons in 2000. The pub opened in 2001 after restoration returned much of the interior to its original design. The exterior was restored again between 2012 and 2013. Visitors find a circular entrance foyer leading to a spacious bar area. The original auditorium shape remains visible, though now used for seating and drinks service. The grand façade and decorative details provide a striking view on Llandudno’s streets.