THE DRANG
In the crowded corners that were 'down town' Padstow lived the sailors and their families. The shipwrights, sawyers, blockmakers, blacksmiths and rope makers associated with the shipbuilding trade and the butchers, grocers, bookmakers, clockmakers, drapers and tailors who supplied their needs. Here to the Inn keepers, providing food and shelter for the traveller by sea and land. There were seventeen mentioned by H.L. Douch in "Old Cornish Inns", perhaps not all at the same time.
All around the harbour the warehouses, workshops and storerooms of an earlier age have been transformed to meet the growing demand of you, the modern day tourist. Ever since the arrival of the railway in 1889 and the South Western Hotel (Now the Metropole) soon after, Padstow has welcomed the visitor. In this unique cobbled alley known as 'The Drang' in the surrounding slate grey buildings there are echoes of the people who lived and worked here.
Next door (now the Lobster Pot) was the Candle House, supplying much needed light for home and shipboard and up to the steps (above The Basement) a sail loft with a large window to give the necessary vision for this highly skilled work. Beneath the activity of the workshop were the store rooms (now The Basement Cafe). Damp caverns smelling of tar and sea water that, at times of high tides, swirled about your feet. Here, the rope, canvas and fishing nets would be stored. Maybe too, the odd contraband item away from the prying eyes of the excise men.
What is now The Basement Cafe outside eating area was bordered by a high wall; behind which was part of the Bray and Parken empire; the Last of Padstow Merchants that had served the town so well. Their Garage and various outbuildings were sold in the 1970's. The business continued for a while from a caravan on the quay.
(Comments and passage from John Buckingham, local historian - Feb 2005)
