The Union Inn

The Lost Union Inn, also know as The Union Tavern
19 Chapel Street, Conwy

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Before it became Chapel Street, this road was once known as Union Street - the name came from a public house that once stood here - The Union Tavern.

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Some sources place the Union Inn at 19 Chapel Street, opposite the former Cambrian Academy.

Other local records describe the inn as standing opposite the Independent Chapel, with an archway beside it, in the area now occupied by Erskine Terrace.

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Although the inn disappeared many years ago, the building still preserves intriguing evidence of its earlier layout.

In 2014, an old metal number 19 could still be seen fixed to the wooden gate.

The passageway leading to the rear contains a fireplace, suggesting it was originally an internal room before being converted into an entrance.

Why was the room removed?

During the tavern's lifetime, the passage may have been created to give horses and carts access to stables behind the inn.

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Another intriguing feature was reported by a previous owner, who recalled that one room once contained a central open hearth, later covered by a concrete floor. Such fireplaces are often associated with older domestic buildings and inns.

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Although no licence survives to identify exactly when the Union Tavern closed, its memory has endured in local history.

Even after the inn disappeared, its name lived on through Union Street, reminding generations of Conwy residents of the tavern that once stood here.

 

Timeline

Early nineteenth century (or earlier): The Union Tavern stands on what was then Union Street.

Late nineteenth century: Planning records refer to Union Terrace behind Chapel Street, preserving the historic street name.

Twentieth century: Union Street becomes Chapel Street.

Today: The former tavern survives as 19 Chapel Street, where architectural features may still hint at its days as one of Conwy's lost inns.

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