Blue Plaque unveiled at The Old Thatched Cottage

The historic Old Thatched Cottage Restaurant can be found overlooking the seafront on Knightstone Road.

Originally built in 1791 as a holiday home for Reverend William Leeves, the building acts as Weston's sole surviving thatched house.

Rev. Leeves was a solider and a musician/composer, best known for his role in creating the song Auld Robin Gray.

The Grade II-listed building was acquired by Axentis Michael in 1959. It is owned and operated by the Michael family in present day.

Cakes were given to those who attended. (Image: NQ staff)The plaque scheme celebrates the links between notable figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived and worked.

The commemoration was unveiled by the deputy mayor of Weston, Cllr John Crockford-Hawley.

Cllr Crockford-Hawley said: “I would like to thank the Michael family for continuing to invest in Weston-super-Mare for more than 60 years.

“The family is passionate about the town and is playing a pivotal role in its regeneration.”

The plaque was unveiled by the mayor. (Image: NQ staff)

Speaking further about the building's history and owners, he added: "For three quarters of a century, our Greek Cypriot friends have been living in Weston, which is considerably longer than other families have been living in Weston.

"We should be mighty grateful for the work that they have done to keep this town afloat."

Historian Graham Birrell gave a speech to stress the importance of the cottage. Graham was commissioned to delve into the past and uncover the history of the building, which has survived fires, floods and more.

Graham said: “This is an incredible landmark in the town, having been home to some inspirational people of the past as well as surviving several fires and storms.

“Reconnecting with history and heritage is so important and this Blue Plaque recognises the importance of the Old Thatched Cottage to the history of Weston-super-Mare.”

The unveiling was also attended by the Weston Civic Society, members of the public and Cllr Mike Solomon, who worked at the venue as a teenager.

The application for the plaque was spearheaded by Andie Jeffries, daughter of restaurant owner Maria Michael.

The event had a good turnout. (Image: The Old Thatched Cottage)

Andie said: “We are thrilled and immensely proud to be guardians of such an important building and can’t wait to share its history with future visitors.

“I would like to thank councillor Crockford-Hawley and Weston Civic Society for their staunch support in getting the Blue Plaque application approved.”