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Date of photo: 1961	Picture source: John Holden
The Prince of Wales in Union Street closed on September 2 1961. Along with many other Torquay pubs, it was used by US and Canadian servicemen during the War. The day it closed, the licensee Mrs Harriet Steer said: “People’s drinking habits change with the times. Years ago, when a pint of beer was fourpence and a pint of bitter sixpence, men used to come in their work clothes. Now they go home first, wash and change and arrive clean and fresh. Saturday nights, when the shops used to stay open until late, Union Street used to look like a fair. People from the country used to come up to shop. There were fruit barrows up the roads and meat was auctioned. A very homely atmosphere. It’s going to be a great blow to move from here. I’d like to know just how many friendships have been born in this place.” The Prince of Wales was demolished to make way for a Marks & Spencers. The site is now occupied by ‘Primani’.
Source: Kevin Dixon
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