HISTORY

Hatton's was established by Norman Hatton upon his demob from the army in 1946. He bought a very small shop in Smithdown Road, where he sold anything that was in demand after the war. Things we take for granted today were in high demand with little supply to be found. Items such as firewood, second hand toys and fireworks sold like hot cakes. Gradually he found toys and particularly model trains were forming the bulk of the business and that, by advertising, customers could be obtained nationwide. Norman bought larger premises in 1958 in which we remained to last year. 182 Smithdown Road, next door, was purchased in 1999 to give much needed extra space for their growing needs. However this soon proved insufficient and larger premises where found at the outer end of Smithdown road to which we moved during the winter of 2001/2. The business is now managed by Norman's son, Keith, assisted by sister Christine.

For more information on new products and prices see our advert in the
"Railway Modeller"   

DIRECTIONS TO OUR NEW SHOP

FROM THE M62 MOTORWAY:

Turn left as soon as you reach the end of the M62, sign posted A5058 Widnes, follow the dual carriageway (Queens Drive southbound) for just over 1 mile crossing 1 major roundabout until the traffic lights immediately after a 2nd roundabout. Turn right here on to Allerton Road A562 towards the City Centre. Our shop cannot be missed on the left after 500 yards.

FROM THE M53 MOTORWAY:

 (KINGSWAY TUNNEL EXIT)

 Take the SECOND exit, marked 'City Centre'. The road spirals 3/4 of a circle anti-clockwise as it climbs. Then TURN RIGHT at the FIRST set of traffic lights. Follow this dual-carriageway and A562 signs  past the Liver Building and the PIER_HEAD and on for another three miles in total. The road bears left away from the River becomes Upper Parliament Street at the brow of a Hill bends right and becomes Smithdown Road.You pass A brand New Asda keep going straight on. You will go under a Railway bridge. Keep going straight on through the traffic lights and you cannot miss us about 1/4 mile down on the right.

FROM THE A41 or BIRKENHEAD:

(QUEENSWAY TUNNEL EXIT)

1. If you travel through the tunnel in the left-hand lane, it is possible to take a short cut by turning LEFT into the small tunnel before reaching the main exit. This brings you out near the Liver Building.  TURN LEFT and follow route described above from Kingsway tunnel.

2. If you come out of the main exit bear slightly right up St. Johns Lane to face Lime Street               Railway station turn right and follow signs for A562 (not A561) involving a few turns 2 miles from Lime St you should hit Smithdown Road We are a good 2 miles down this Road on the RIGHT about one mile past ASDA.

FROM LIME STREET or CENTRAL STATION:

Catch the No. 73, 75, 80, 86, 176 or 177 buses from outside the former ABC cinema. Ask for the Penny Lane stop. We are on the RIGHT. You cannot miss us.

FROM THE PIER-HEAD:

(FROM THE FERRY) - It's a 400yards walk to Paradise St. Bus Station. Catch the No.  73,75,80 or 86 bus. Ask for the  Penny Lane stop. We are on the RIGHT. You cannot miss us.

HERE IS A LITTLE MORE HELP

On the left highlighted in ORANGE is our old shop

On the right highlighted in GREEN is our new shop

HERE IS A CLOSER LOOK

This is our new shop.

We look forward to seeing you.