Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 10:32am

"Pubs were 20 years ahead of their time in Largs"

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Aerial view of the Lugano bar in Largs.

The Lugano Bar opened at 5 Fort Street and was part of the new enterprise by the Castelvecchi family and was opened by Provost John Robertson in December 1955.

The Lugano, which is based at the current 'Sugar and Spice', was a new restaurant and cocktail bar with directors Corrado and Cosimo Castelvecchi taking part in the opening.

The 'News' reported: "The Lugano is considered to be an advance on any licenced establishment constructed in Scotland, and probably in Britain. The Lugano incorporates the popular Continental combination of a bar-cafe. Coffee (from a £400 machine) can be served while the decor is teak, maple and mahogany. By an ingenious ventilation system, the air can change six times per hour."

Provost Robertson said: "One or two people have said to me that Messrs Castlesons are 20 years ahead of the times, My reply was that while I might agree, it is much better to be 20 years ahead of the times than 20 years behind of the times. Mr Corrado Castelvecchi persisted in going ahead with the ideas and I think the Lugano is an innovation as far as licenced premises in Scotland are concerned."