A brief history of the Fwrrwm Ishta

Situated in the idyllic village of Machen is the Fwrrwm Ishta restaurant and bar. The Fwrrwm appears to have been in existence as long as the village of Upper Machen, in fact, some theories state that the whole area of Upper Machen was once known as Fwrrwm Ishta. There is also some evidence to suggest that the Fwrrwm was once the courthouse for the area.

Over the years the Fwrrwm has had many incarnations; from the regular haunt of the Welsh rugby greats of the 1960s and 70s, the thriving family pub of the 1980s, a period of relative decline in the 1990s, through to its resurgence as a leading restaurant in 2005.

"Fwrrwm" or "Ffwrrwm"

It is generally accepted that Fwrrwm Ishta means "seating place", "place to sit with a bench" or similar. The great controversy involves the spelling…

As any Welsh speaker will attest, the correct spelling of Fwrrwm is with two 'f's. However, research has shown that the spelling of the Fwrrwm Ishta with one 'f' has been the norm for at least 105 years! The 1901 census shows a Mrs Humphries as the landlady of "The Fwrrwm Ishta" in Machen – so the spelling remains. After all, the name is suitable, as many a satisfied customer has been heard leaving the Fwrrwm, replete after a fine meal, great service with fine wines and beers, saying to their friends "Well, there's only one F in Fwrrwm!"

Captions for pictures

Top

The local hunt outside the front of the Fwrrwm (note spelling on the wall) from the late 1950s or early 1960s.

Middle

From around 1905, a view of the Fwrrwm from the area that is now the car park in front of the bay window.

Bottom

Also from around 1905 is a view of the Fwrrwm and the Old Post from the side lane.

The management of the Fwrrwm Ishta would like to thank Machen Remembered (Machen's Local History Group) for permission to reproduce photographs from their extensive collection, to Laurence Vaughan for his research and to the staff of Machen Library for their help and advice.