Fletcher's cafe Corporation Street

[Vivienne14]

A place I've never heard of before, Fletcher's Cafe. I wonder if it was somewhere along the stretch of Corporation Street that dropped down towards the Fire Station? These interior photos date from the early 1900s. Viv.

Dining room
Kitchen

 

[mikejee]

In 1904 Fletchers Reastaurants Ltd were at 19-21 Corp.St. In 1973 this waas W H Smiths

 

[Vivienne14]

Thanks Mike. That sounds like it was nearer New Street end of Corpn St. Viv.

 

[mikejee]

Yes Viv. It was on the left hand side going from New St. There is a picture of Smiths, after it was bombed in 1940, justs a hole with a few pillars and beams. As I remember it, it the 1960s building was a sort of mock tudorish type, if you know what I mean. Can't find a picture thpough

 

[Vivienne14]

Thanks Mike. I shall try and find that picture now I know where the restaurant was. Seems they would have been in competition with Patisson's a little further up Corporation Street. Viv.

 

[mikejee]

Viv
Herer is the picture. I didn't put it on as it is no use for identifying to you where it was, as you can see

 

[Vivienne14]

Thanks Mike. Just a shell of a building. Not sure, but this postcard might show the pre-bombed building, just above the words 'Birmingham' on the postcard. Possibly the building with the canopy, has the word 'restaurant' on the canopy, although could be wrong on that. If it's where I think it might have been, there was an arcade somewhere along there, which might also have been hit. Viv.

 

[mikejee]

Yes you are right viv. No 23 was Lloyds Bank on the corner of Fore st, the one next to that must have been 21, and the one with the canopy would be 19

 

[Vivienne14]

That's great, thanks Mike! I also found a 1925 photo which gives a slightly clearer view of the building. An interesting feature of this one is all those Sandwich Board Men! Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

A nice interior photo - nice interior view showing a beautiful frieze near the ceiling and fanlight windows. Looks to have been very cozy in there. Certainly not a greasy spoon and definitely an upmarket cafe. Viv.