ABOUT US......
The Blue China is a family run establishment and has been run by the Gardner family for the past 33 years, since 2 May 1990. After taking over the reins from Roslyn, her children Mark and Kate are not responsible for Swn-y-Mor, Blue China and 2 Kittys sandwich shops based in Porthmadog and Pwllheli.
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Swn Y Mor has been built up on the reputation of Blue China, which is situated next door. Blue China is Criccieth's oldest traditional Welsh Tearoom. It was first established in 1926 and has continued to be a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Some of our customers first visited as children themselves and have returned again and again, with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over our time we have seen people visit as courting couples, then as newlyweds and later still with their growing families. One lady remembered her first visit to the Blue China by horse and carriage over the Crimea Pass. The Blue China remained open throughout the war, even during the blackouts and was a popular meeting place, especially on a Sunday afternoon and evening
In August 2008 we purchased the business next door, this we named Swn y Mor (Sound of the Sea).This building has seen some changes in its life time. During the early fifties it was decided that Criccieth no longer needed a life boat, so the life boat station was sold and turned into a milk bar. After a tragic fatal accident in the bay, involving several teenagers, the life boat was re instated, and to compensate the gentleman who owned the milk bar, Swn y Mor was built. It was originally known as Beach Cafe, and indeed many locals will also be called that. It was for a time a Kebab shop but then we acquired it and after much work turned it into the place it is today.
We are often asked about the history of the boxers on the wall in Swn Y Mor, these are Jack, Bob and Rodney Gardner, the youngest being Rodney who initially purchased Blue China, along with His wife and daughter. Jack won the British and Empire heavyweight title twice in 1952 and 1955; he was also the youngest colour sergeant in the Grenadier Guards, in his day, a military tradition which successive members of this family have continued.
