Yet to be written ...
Dutch Cafe, Queen Street, Cardiff
MR. HARRY ALBERT HECK, CARDIFF - OBITUARY
Confectioner and Caterer Mr. Harry Albert Heck, managing-director of Stevens (Confectioner), Ltd., of the Dorothy and Dutch Cafes Cardiff, died at his home. Athena, Lake-road West, itoath Park, Cardiff, on Wednesday.
Mr. Heck, who was aged 60, succumbed to pneumonia after only a few days' illness. A British subject, Mr. Heck, who was born in Paris, was brought up and educated near Highgate, London, but spent most of his early years on the Continent, and gained experience in Paris, Berlin, and the South of France. For some years he worked for the firm of Rumplemayer, the Continental confectioners, and later became acquainted with the famous Escoflier, chef to the Savoy Hotel in the late 80's, removing with him to the Carlton Hotel as his confectioner. It was there that he demonstrated his artistry in pulled sugar and carved ice. It is believed that few, even to-day, can approach his work in this sphere. He afterwards went to the Grand Hotel as head confectioner, and became one of the chief organisers of the Cookery and Food Association's Exhibition.
WINNER OF MANY CUPS He gained many gold medals and cups at various exhibitions, and was awarded the highest honour in cookery, the " Cordon Rouge." He came to Cardiff as manager to the late Mr. Thomas Stevens, and in 1918 was appointed managing -director to the firm. He was one of the best known caterers in the country, and was responsible for the supplying of 10,000 meals during the visit to Cardiff of the British Association. He also catered on many occasions at functions for the Bute and Tredegar families, and for a number of luncheons by the various Lord Mayors of the city. He was twice married. and is survived by his widow. His only daughter. Mrs. Hinton, died a few years ago. The funeral will take place on Tuesday next in Cardiff Cemetery
Thomas Stevens established the business in 1887 at the Dutch Café, 122 Queen Street, Cardiff, with additional premises at 17 St Mary Street before 1893.
He opened the Dorothy Café at 14 High Street before 1897.
The Dutch Café is recorded at 136 Queen Street in 1908 by which time the business had left St Mary Street but had opened a third shop at 93 Pontcanna Street, and a bakery.
The date when the Dutch Café, in Newport, Monmouthshire, was acquired is uncertain. The business still held the Dorothy and the property in Queen Street and Pontcanna Street in 1949.
By 1952, the Dutch Café had apparently closed but the firm had opened a café at 11 Windsor Road, Penarth. The entire business disappeared before 1961.
The Queen St cafe was demolished in 1987 to make way for the shopping centre.
Harry Albert Heck was managing director of Thomas Steven (limited) in 1929.