Let’s go back to the November 1961 pages of the Optimist when a new chef was hired at the Ladner Hotel on Delta Street.
The above file photo shows chef Charles Down serving Mrs. Bob Hutton and daughter Elizabeth, while Ted Bell helps serving one of the tasty dishes at the smorgasbord in the hotel’s dining room.
Mrs. Bell smiles her approval at the many preparations offered by the new chef.
The smorgasbord was served every Sunday night from 5 to 9 p.m.
Originally opened in 1951, the hotel and lounge would go through several owners and managers over the decades.
The hotel, later renamed the Village Inn, was home to various drinking establishments, including The Grail nightclub, and many troubles by the end.
Over a decade ago, the building underwent a major face lift. The plan at that time was to open a new brew pub, which received city council endorsement.
Nobody at the time was interested in setting up such a business at that location. The redeveloped site is now home to a Telus store.
