The glass house bistro

The Glass House Bistro, Burniston Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UK
The Glass House, formerly a seating shelter, was built in 1931 as part of the Northstead Manor Development.
In 1929, the Ministry of Health authorised the development of ‘Hodgson’s Slack’, (now known as Northstead Manor Gardens), which was bought by Scarborough Town Council. Work began in January 1930 with the aim of the development being to provide employment for unemployed men during the 1930’s Recession, to become an attraction for the benefit of the general public.
The overall development consisted of the building of the Railway, the Lake, Water Chute, Open Air Theatre, Toilet Blocks, Seating Shelter and Landscaped Gardens.
The unassuming Seating Shelter and other buildings were designed by the Town’s Borough Engineer, Mr Harry Smith and, along with other buildings such as the Changing Rooms at the Open Air Swimming Pool, were designed and built in an Italian style.
The shelter was built to provide a refuge for people during inclement weather, but people liked to sit in it to watch the trains, passers by and enjoy the scenery in the park.
Unfortunately, in the 1990’s it began to show clear signs of decay, which continued on until 2006 without being repaired.
As part of the Sands redevelopment the shelter was due for demolition but, the vision of David and Lesley Humphreys of North Bay Railway Group, saw it as a basis for its current use, a Café/Bistro.
In conjunction with the architect, Tony Stringer of Stringer and Jones and A W Sinclair Ltd of Scarborough, work was carried out to remove the existing roof and 7 arches, whilst retaining the existing two towers and the back wall, which were found to be in ‘as new’ condition.
The front of the building was extended by 1.4 metres, with columns and glass windows being added along with a new roof.
The building was fitted out and opened on Saturday 24th May 2008, (May Bank Holiday weekend) and was opened by the current Mayor of Scarborough.
This is a shining example of recycling a derelict seating shelter into a modern building, which complements the surrounding attractions.
The Café/Bistro provides breakfasts, coffee, lunch, afternoon teas, through to fine dining on an evening, along with catering for special occasions.
Alongside the Glass House is Britain’s biggest miniature railway, North Bay Railway, the Historic Water Chute and soon to be re-opened, Open Air Theatre as a modern Concert Venue. Nearby is Peasholm Park, which has delighted families for centuries with its lovely walks, lake and miniature golf.
Northstead Manor Gardens has been reinvigorated and, we hope, will give pleasure to many generations to come.
If Harry Smith were alive today, we hope he would approve of the changes to his beloved park that have been made.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu