The Jewel in the Crown of the North Cornwall Coast. Work on the Metropole was started in 1900 and the hotel opened its doors in 1904. It was built by the sons of John Cory and Sons, ship owners from Cardiff. It was built as much for the holidays of the extended family as for a commercial enterprise. The total cost including fitting was 12,000. The hotel was originally called The South Western, to benefit from the planned railway development but it was Southern Railways who eventually brought the trains to Padstow.
