Memories Of Largs

Even though it was only a short train ride from Glasgow I was never taken to Largs as a child, in fact the first time I recall going to Largs was when I was in my early twenties in my first car.

Back then, and up to a few years ago, Nardinis on a Sunday was the place to go on a visit to Largs for a coffee accompanied by a tasty cup cake and possibly a knickerbocker glory ice cream.

I can still remember its glass top tables, waiter service, thick red twisted ropes that ran across the seaview windows and the pastry and cake display in the far corner. If you didn't want to sit in there was also its take away stall bedecked with all manner of boilings, ice creams of every flavour and even a choice of postcards to send back home.

After your coffee a refreshing stroll along the esplanade , lit throughout the year with coloured outdoor tree lights, was the order of the day finished off with a visit to the amusement arcade with its traditional one arm bandits, penny push and shooting ranges.

Sadly, due to bitter family feuding, Nardinis is now an empty shell with nothing but the distant echos of happier times sharing a space with the pigeons who fly in through the crumbling roof. The amusement arcade has lost its traditional seaside charm and is now just like every other run of the mill arcade found in every city centre up and down the country.

Although maybe a glimmer of hope remains as the last I read there was talk of a consortium reopening the famed seaside cafe that was once the heart of Largs tourist industry. Maybe, just maybe people will be able to once more enjoy a slice of nostalgia while they sip their latte.

But even without these seaside icons from a time when life was a little more innocent Largs still has its charm. Its brightly lit , perfectly manicured esplanade still attracts families and couples of all ages who stroll along on a pleasant Sunday afternoon, ice creams in hand, enjoying the views across the sea towards the isle of Cumbrae and beyond.

Anyone for a double nougat ice cream...???