There was great excitement and celebration in Largs at the end of May in 1935 as Mssrs P.Nardini and Sons opened the new super-cafe and restaurant at the foot of Nelson Street and was met with "instantaneous success".

The acclaimed new cafe hoisted the flags on the premises at noon on Saturday May 25 and was the signal for the commencement of business, from then till the late evening the building was besieged by crowds of patrons. During the day over 4000 customers attended the cafe"s opening.

The "News" reported: 'Designed and constructed on the most modern and lavish lines, the premises are probably the most elaborate of the kind in Scotland, and the facilities for customers are the height of comfort and luxury.

'Built in "Snowcrete", the building has an elegant exterior appearance, but this is even surpassed by the interior lay-out, which has been aptly described as the "last word" in catering facilities. All the equipment is of the most up-to-date kind, even to the electric dish-washer, and all the latest hygienic precautions in the way of sterilisation of food and eating utensils are incorporated.

'The massive soda fountain is a remarkable bit of work itself, and it is in charge of an American expert dispenser.

'There is seating accommodation in the cafe and on the sunshine verandah for 300 persons, while the restaurant has seating for 150.

'The orchestra of six players, attired in neat tunics, adds considerably to the attractiveness of the cafe premises, and the firm have to be heartily congratulated on the enterprise and foresight which has resulted in such a splendid addition to the attractions of Largs as a holiday resort.' The building was designed and erected under the supervision of Messrs C.Davidson & Son, architects, Paisley. Tables and chairs were provided by W.Lusty & Sons of London, carpets were Clark and Co, Largs, cutlery was supplied by Wm Murray, Largs.

The report added: 'Of handsome exterior appearance, the building inside is furnished with elegance and taste. With specially manufactured carpets covering the floor space of both the cafe and the restaurant, the premises have an air of comfort and luxury, and the other furnishings and interior decorations are in keeping with the general high tone.

'The £300 soda fountain is a remarkable piece of equipment, and the firm have engaged and American expert dispenser to take charge of this department, and he will be able to provide almost every conceivable form of refreshment.

'Electricity and steam play a big part in the operation of the numerous devices for catering purposes, and it is interesting to note that the Ayrshire Board required to construct a special sub-standard station at the rear of the premises to meet the demand for the current.

'Modern lighting effects are installed throughout the building.' The super cafe and ballroom was build in the grounds of Auchenean and was estimated to cost in the region of £10,000 but has provided many priceless memories for the townsfolk of Largs and visitors from around the world.

Augusto Nardini, who had been a manager in Largs, saw the chance in this holiday town with only one cafe. With a bank loan they paid the £10,000 to have a building with some of the most beautiful Art Deco furnishings of the time. It was the largest cafe-restaurant in Great Britain. It had the only glass-lined ice-cream mix boiler in Scotland, brought over from Germany in 1935.

The P,Nardini and Sons Restaurateurs advert in the "News" during the opening week stated: 'Messrs Nardini"s Super Cafe and Restaurant at the Foot of Nelson Street, on the Esplanade,, Largs, is acknowledged by thousands who have already visited it to be the last word in catering comfort. Everything possible has been considered for the convenience of the patrons, and the catering is par excellence. Restaurant opens from Noon to 10pm, Cafe open from 9am to 11pm. An Instantaneous Success.' * A busy summertime was expected in Largs. The "News" reported: 'Largs has been refereed to as Bonny, Lovely, Loyal and Invigorating, but judging form the number of orchestras booked for the summer months, 'Musical Largs' will require to be added to the list. We hear that no fewer than six bands will be playing in the town this summer. These will be heard at Barrfields, Nardini"s, Macari"s, Castlesons (The Moorings), Elderslie and Barra House (which went on to become the Marine and Curlinghall Hotel).