40-41, CHURCH STREET

40-41 Church Street is a building that dates back to the 1870s and was originally the National Provincial Bank, now functioning as a restaurant. It features dressed freestone on the front, with brick at the rear, and has an asbestos slate roof at the front and a dry Delabole slate roof. The building is designed in the Italianate style and has a deep plan.

The structure is two storeys high with a symmetrical front consisting of one central bay flanked by three bays on either side. It has a plinth, moulded sills, and a mid-floor entablature above keyed round arches supported by moulded imposts, which are linked to transoms between rusticated pilasters topped with Corinthian capitals. The first floor features eared and shouldered architraves with triangular pediment hoods. The moulded entablature with modillions runs under the parapet and is linked to end pediments that project over the entrance bays. The freestone stacks are articulated and topped with moulded entablature.

The original first-floor windows are two-pane horned sashes, while the ground floor has 20th-century glazing. The doorways are adorned with consoles under capitals and feature carved friezes, with plain fanlights above the doors. Although the interior was not inspected in detail, it is noted to have an open well staircase with turned balusters. The building showcases a robust design with some rich detailing.