BANK PLAIN RESTAURANT

The original licence was in the name of the ICE HOUSE, situated on the corner of Tombland. It became known as COOPERS and in 1877 an application was made for relocation to Bank Plain.

In 1878 the business was relocated in newly constructed premises situated on the west corner of Queen Street, St. Michael at Plea.

William Coleman applied, on Monday 24th August 1891, for a music and singing licence for a room on the ground floor. Granted.

The house became the BANK PLAIN RESTAURANT in 1894.

At the Licensing Session, Thursday 23rd October 1902, it was heard that the BANK PLAIN STORES, the large building at the end of London Street, formerly known as COOPER'S and then known as COLEMAN'S had recently passed into the hands of Mr. White, a well known gentleman of Yarmouth. The new owner had come to the conclusion that alterations to the premises were necessary and unlike normal applications to extend premises, this was for the reduction.
Plans approved.

Structural alterations were made during 1902 and the front part facing Bank Plain was divided from the back part facing Queen Street with no connection between the two. The property facing Queen Street had been sold off.

Licence transferred to the BANK PLAIN STORES, Queen Street by 1903. (To be known as GUNDRY WHITES for many years after, but still officially the BANK PLAIN RESTAURANT)

On Tuesday 10th March 1903 the application for renewal of licence was heard. The Magistrates questioned that the new premises were not substantially the same as the old ones.
One of the magistrates, Mr. Haldenstein, had objected to the licence since his own premises were close by and claimed it would devalue his property. The magistrates consulted in private and following their discussions, Mr. Haldenstein decided not to sit.
It was heard that the Bench had previously approved the building plans and could have no objection to the licence renewal and it had been the magistrate not then sitting, who had raised objection.
After much discussion it was determined that the premises on Queen Street had previously been used as offices and liquor stores and had always been considered by the police to be licensed premises. Since the alterations had been carried out to approved plans there were no grounds to refuse licence renewal.
Thousands of pounds had been spent on the premises and if the licence was refused, the licensee, Mr. Redgrave, his wife and thirteen children would be turned out into the streets to starve.
The magistrates approved renewal but said that the case called for their very serious investigation.
A formal application for a singing licence was also granted.