The Mahogany Room, with its deep panelled walls, intricate tapestry and stained glass windows, is one of the oldest rooms in the city – but lies above a fast food restaurant.
Every day, thousands of people traverse Cardiff’s Queen Street or St John Street. Some may even stop by the corner Burger King for a quick meal.
However, it’s almost certain that most are oblivious to the incredible history concealed above this seemingly ordinary fast food joint.
From the exterior, it appears like any other Burger King, and there are no hints of its rich past once inside.
But if you bypass the Whoppers and fries and venture into an area marked ‘staff only’, you’ll discover one of Cardiff’s oldest rooms.
These days, the decisions made in this building primarily revolve around lunch choices, but some 300 years ago, it was a hub where city-changing ideas were conceived.
Now known as the Mahogany Room, this deeply panelled room adorned with intricate tapestry and stained glass windows was formerly referred to as the Mahogany Bar – or the Green Dragon Pub, depending on who you ask – and was a popular haunt for some of society’s most influential figures.
The bar served as a gathering spot for ship owners, industrialists, and councillors among others from the city. It functioned as a base where decisions were deliberated over a pint before being officially submitted at the nearby City Hall.
The Mahogany Bar, first established in 1905 by wine importers Fulton Dunlop Company Limited, has a history dating back to at least 1720 when it was believed to be a public house or inn.
The historic pub, once known as the Green Dragon, still showcases a stained glass window depicting the dragon that gave it its name.
Back in 1905, beer was sold for just a penny a pint and half a pint of whisky could be bought for 1s 3d.
Interestingly, the bar served as a second home for council staff during the reconstruction of their offices in 1905, even acting as temporary chambers for council committees. Decisions made within its walls included the planned re-routing and electrification of the city’s tram service.
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Today, despite its primary use as an office or meeting room, or even a venue for the occasional disciplinary meeting for Burger King staff, the building’s rich history has earned it Grade II listed status.
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Sourse: www.express.co.uk
