Then and now; Merthyr's Iconic Milbourne Chambers through the decades

22 November 2022

Happy to share an interesting press release to the history of Casa Bianca Merthyr. Released by Merthyr Tydfil CBC - To celebrate the opening of Italian restaurant, Casa Bianca, in Merthyr Tydfil’s iconic Milbourne Chambers building, here’s a snapshot of all the local businesses that have served the community from this building over the decades…

1870s-1903: Post Office – owned by Merthyr Tydfil’s first postmaster, William Milbourne Davies, the building was rebuilt and transformed by his ancestors due to its dilapidated state into the building that stands today — named Milbourne Chambers in his honour.

1904-1907: J.D Williams — when the high-class jewellery and watch retailer took over the building, the iconic clock was erected atop the building to advertise the new business and celebrate the announcement of Merthyr Tydfil’s upcoming County Borough status.

1907-1999: H. Samuel — owner of jeweller, H. Samuel, bought J.D Williams and continued to successfully trade under both names in Merthyr Tydfil for over 90 years. In 1999, H. Samuel re-located to St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre – where it still stands today.

2000-2013: Ladybirds — the well-established hair and beauty salon served the community’s beauty needs from this building for 13 years and (now operating from a salon on Swan Street) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Present day: Casa Bianca — the Victorian building will soon become home to one of its most exciting business ventures yet, with the arrival of Italian restaurant, Casa Bianca. The much-loved Welsh chain will soon occupy the historic building on the corner of Glebeland Street and High Street — bringing a taste of southern Italy to the heart of Merthyr Tydfil.

Once opened, Casa Bianca will be the third establishment in restaurateur Andreas Christou’s small Welsh empire — with his Pontypridd and Abergavenny venues proving extremely popular with diners across South Wales.

The Merthyr Tydfil venue is expected to remain equally as visually impactful, complete with olive trees growing from the ceiling — providing a dramatic canopy for customers to dine beneath.

Made possible by an investment from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Placemaking scheme, delivered in conjunction with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, the new venture is expected to follow successfully in the footsteps of this iconic structure’s predecessors.

Leader Cllr Geraint Thomas said: “The Council is thrilled to have a restaurant the calibre of Casa Bianca opening in the heart of the town centre. Not only is it fantastic to see this wonderful old building glowing with life again, but also to see new jobs created for local people, and an exciting new menu added to the growing offer for local and visiting diners.”

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