New thatched roof for seaside town’s oldest building
The oldest building in Weston-super-Mare has become an even more prominent seafront landmark thanks to the installation of a new thatched roof.
The new feature has been carefully constructed, using traditional craftsmanship skills, on the extension attached to The Old Thatched Cottage, one of the resort’s most well-known and popular restaurants.
Thanks to the expert craftsmanship, the newly-laid thatch perfectly matches that of the attached cottage, which was the only remaining thatched roof in Weston.
The history of the cottage dates back to 1774 and was originally built as a holiday home on the beach, before the sea wall was constructed in 1885, for William Leeves, who returned every summer to stay there.
In 2023, The Old Thatched Cottage was recognised with an English Heritage Blue Plaque for its association with Leeves, a soldier, poet, musician and Rector of Wrington.
The cottage has survived several severe storms and a few fires during its lifetime but has remained a distinctive presence on the seafront.
The construction of the new roof took around a fortnight, starting with Somerton-based family contractors R. J. Wright & Son creating a timber frame on top of the existing flat roof, before experienced master tradesman Richard Wright put his traditional skills to good use adding the thatched roof, which perfectly complements that of the adjacent historic cottage.
In 1960 the lease to the cottage was bought by one of Weston-super-Mare’s best-known businessmen, Axentis Michael, and this year marks the 65th anniversary of the business remaining in his family, with his daughter Maria running it for the past 40 years.
She said: “The extension was built in 1855 but has always had a flat roof, which lacked the charm and character of the cottage.
“That’s why we decided to invest in a thatched roof for the extension, too, and we’re delighted with how it has turned out, ensuring that our restaurant remains a landmark fixture of the Weston-super-Mare map for many years to come.
“The project marks the end of a three-year process to secure planning permission and Listed Building Consent to create the new roof, but it was worth waiting for.”
Adding the roof is the latest in a series of investments the owners have made in The Old Thatched Cottage in recent years.
The restaurant, which specialises in steaks but also offers a menu featuring a wide variety of locally-sourced and regularly changing dishes, including some recipes that have been passed down through the generations, underwent a complete refurbishment in 2019.
External canopies, glass partitions and firepits were added, creating an atmospheric outdoor area opposite the main promenade, with views out to sea and across to another nearby local landmark, The Grand Pier.
Maria added: “The past few years have been very challenging for the hospitality industry and The Old Thatched Cottage has seen many other restaurants come and, sadly, go.
“We believe our beautiful restaurant offers a truly special experience in an historic setting – which now looks better than ever – and by continuing to invest in the building and the business, we’re confident of being able to serve the residents of Weston-super-Mare and its many visitors for generations to come.”
