Our Buildings History
The building was an administrative centre for the town before the completion in 1825 of the County Hall, which included a courthouse, near the main bridge.
As you can see if you enter Y Sospan, the building retains features from the early 17th century which survived the many alterations made in the 18th century. Notice the beams and the stone floor.
Above the fireplace upstairs is a coat of arms bearing the date 1606 . Further up the wall are plaster decorations depicting, among other things, a man being hanged and a witch being tried by dunking (pictured below). Suspected witches were strapped to a stool which was then placed under water. If the woman was still alive when the stool was eventually raised, she was deemed a witch and executed. If she drowned, she was innocent but had lost her life anyway!
The building has had various uses since it ceased to be a town hall and courthouse. In 1847 Sir Robert Williams Vaughan fitted out the building as a library for the town’s Cricket and Reading Club, also known as the Reading Society. By 1850 a small museum had been formed in what was then described as the public reading room in the old town hall. Exhibits included Roman, Celtic and Saxon archaeological finds.
Café
Y Sospan café has something for everyone. It is open throughout the day serving breakfast through to lunchtime meals with take away options available. There is a large selection of sandwiches, baguettes, toasted Sandwiches, wraps and Ciabattas also main meals and salads that are served all day.
If it not a cooked meal you are after we also have a large range of homemade cakes and delicious coffee. We have a large selection of hot and cold beverages perfect for an afternoon treat.
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Restaurant
Y Sospan had two floors that can seat up to 80 people in total. Our upstairs restaurant is perfect for private party. We offer a set menu to suit your group's preferences and price range. We can work closely with you to create the perfect menu for your party or for less formal occasions we can provide a buffet.
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Y Sospan in the evening is transformed in to a welsh bistro offering a taste of Wales to it's customers. We also have some great specials, reflecting the best food the region has to offer for the time of year.
Our downstairs restaurant seats up to 28 diners and offers a relaxed, intimate experience with our candle lit tables and unhurried atmosphere in which you can enjoy your meal.
Our upstairs restaurant has been seen as a secret from many people over the years. Locals have become aware of how beautiful and full of character it is with it's fire place that tells a story and it's original beams. Y Sospan has two great dining spaces with something that suits everyone.
