News.
5th March 2010...
Thanks to Joan Nicklin for all her information on her family connection to Glasgow Wine and Spirit Merchant James Muirhead.
Thanks for all your emails.
James Muirhead owned public houses in the Springburn area of Glasgow.
Welcome Inn, Lawmoor Street, Gorbals.
26th February 2010...
Thanks to everyone for the emails this month.
Updates are...
Montgomery Arms, East Kilbride.
Tower Bar, Main Street, Rutherglen is now a bookies.
Fairways, 18 Chapel Street, Rutherglen gets a new name.
Linn O Dee also gets a new name and a revamp.
Campbell's Bar, Rutherglen is now called Dixie's.
Hubbards on Great Western Road is now called The Wise Monkey.
11 February 2010...
I visited the Clachan Bar, Baillieston Road, Garrowhill yesterday afternoon to meet a group of gents who meet there every Wednesday to play dominoes. Alexander Maxwell (Maxie), Raymond Livingston, Tommy Moran, Bill Brown, Bob (Robert Adams and Sammy Fleming. We all had a good chat about Glasgow Pubs.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you guys for your time and effort spent with me and well done the the bar staff. This pub is well worth a visit.
Raymond Livingston a former driver for Dunn and Moores gave me great stories and verified many pub names for me. 85 year old Tommy Moran was brought up in the Gorbals area, he didn't drink much then but could remember many of the pub names, not to say he drinks a lot now. Ha Ha.
Alexander Maxwell brought up in the east end also gave me loads of pub names from the past. Cheers Maxie for getting in touch.
These guys age between 62 and 85 and have great memories of forgotten Glasgow pubs in the east end and the Gorbals. Cheers guys I had a great time.
9th February 2010...
James McGonigle, Milton Bar, 90 Port Dundas Road.
The Royal Bar, 464 Gallowgate.
Swan Inn, Quarry Street, Lennoxtown.
The Firhill Tavern was in a Taggart series in 1985.
The Cart Bar, Corkerhill Place is Demolished.
Ibrox House, Broomloan Road.
15th January 2010...
Updates...
Dunchattan Arms, Duke Street.
Elijah Trueman, Duke Street.
Jack's Bar, Duke Street.
1st January 2010...
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...
3rd December 2009.
This months updates...
Railway Vaults, Shawbridge Street.
Royal George Spirit Vaults, King Street, Pollokshaws.
Masons' Arms, King Street, Pollokshaws.
Flag Staff Tavern, Main Street, Pollokshaws.
24th November 2009...
The Old Trades Inn, Main Street, Pollokshaws.
The Clachan Bar, Shawbridge Street formerly King Street, Pollokshaws.
19th November 2009...
The Palace Bar, Duke Street update.
Maxwell Arms, Shawbridge Street.
The Cabin Bar, Shawbridge Street.
Can you name all the pubs on Shawbridge Street? If so please get in touch. Click here
11th November 2009...
Updates are...
Ben Mhor Bar, Henderson Street, Maryhill.
Steps Bar, Glassford Street.
The Laurieston Bar, Bridge Street.
Lough Erne Bar, Spoutmouth off the Gallowgate.
Unknown pub at 117 Bishop Street. Do you remember this old pub?
The Kiloran Bar, Eglinton Street update... thanks to Norman McNamee for the image.
5th November 2009...
Sorry for the long delay on the updates.
Updates for this month are...
The Tap Bar, Argyle Street.
The Grafton Bar, Cathedral Street.
Scottish Vintners, Ann Street.
The Three Ell's Bar, Govan Road.
David Wood's Bar, Govan Road.
The Rose, Nelson Street.
The Double Six, Broomielaw.
Hielan Jessie, Gallowgate update.
James Alexander, Anderston Quay.
The Mecca Bar, London Road.
McGregor's Bar, Colinton Street.
Mitre Bar, Brunswick Street update.
Shandon Bar, Gallowgate.
The Oasis Bar, London Road.
O'Donnell's Bar, Victoria Road.
Old Black Bull, Gallowgate update.
Old Canteen Bar, Gallowgate update.
William Donnelly's Bar, London Road.
16th August 2009...
This months additions are...
The Harbour Bar, Rothesay.
Update on The Curlers Tavern, Byres Road.
Update on Samuel Dows, Mitchell Street.
The Cellar Bar, Glassford Street.
Dicks Bar, Gallowgate.
Royalty Burns Club Bowlers 1970.
Viceroy Bar, Edinburgh.
Bull Inn, Paisley.
Dumfries Arms, Dumfries.
Rob Roy, Govan.
Whyte & MacKay, Whisky Vintage Car Cartons. 1970.
Nags Head, London Road.
Jolly Sailor Bar, Greenock.
Queen's Head, Berwick.
Victoria Bar, Abroath.
Jeanie Deans Bar, Govan Road.
Update on Dixon Blazes Bar, Gorbals.
Bowhouse Hotel, Grangemouth.
Coburg Bar and New Dock Tavern, Leith Dominoes winners. 1970.
Update on Devon Bar, Eglinton Street.
Update on Sloan's, Argyll Arcade.
Pickwick, Shawlands Arcade.
The Capri, Dumfries.
Update on Old Eagle Inn, Howard Street and Raymond McCrudden.
Update on Kai Johansen's Bar, Govan.
Update on the Phoenix Bar, Old Rutherglen Road, Gorbals.
Lochinvar Bar, Berryknowes Road.
Lochinvar, Moss Road.
I will be covering many images and stories from the 1970s in the next couple of updates, so watch this space...
Over the next 12 months the Treasury expects to collect £1,000 million from taxes on alcohol. 1971.
William G Lundie, president of the Scottish Wine and Spirit Benevolent Institution. 1971.
Regal Bar, Dumbarton Road.
Update on Chapman's, Rutherglen.
In 1971 Tennent Caledonian Breweries announced that with effect from Monday 12th April, 1971, the wholesale prices of their Canned Beer Products, with the exception of Tennents Super Lager, will be increased by: Large Cans 5 pence per dozen and small cans 3 pence per dozen. The price of Tennents Super Lager, large cans, remain unchanged.
Consumption of Wine in Britain in 1970-71.
Lorry Driver of the Year for Tennents Caledonian Breweries. 1971.
Alexander M Don, president of the Scottish Wine and Spirit Merchants Benevolent Institution. 1971.
Jack Gow, chairman of the Scottish Licensed Trade Veto Defence Fund. 1971.
Dungeon Bar, Perthshire.
A summary of Licensees who fell foul of the Law. 1971.
Guinness take-home promotion 1971.
update on the Horse Shoe Bar, Drury Street, Glasgow.
update on the Court Bar, Hutcheson Street.
The Ferns Bar, Ladywell, Livingston.
Glentanar Bar, Aberdeen.
Angus Hotel, Dundee.
8th July 2009.
Can You Help
Matthew Annis is researching for a Glasgow History Book and looking for information as follows...Dear John,
I am a researcher currently preparing a book on the history of Glasgow, and I was wondering if you might be able to assist me with some information.
One chapter in the book will focus on drinking in the city between 1914 and 1945, and rather than skimming over the topic, or merely quoting newspaper stories and cliches concerning the Glaswegian fondness for the drink, as so many books do, I thought it might be better to devote some words to talking about pubs, publicans, and drinkers. After all, pubs being important social institutions in the city, as much as churches or sports clubs were (or more so), it seems only fair and balanced to do so.
The problem is that most histories have glossed over the subject, and contemporary reports are vague or biased. I wondered if you, or any other contributors to your web project, might be able to help me with this?
Basically, I am looking for a summary of which pubs were the most famous, or notorious, in the inter war period, which publicans and drinkers were of note, who were the main figures in the brewing/pub industry, what were the favoured pubs/clubs of different sections of the community or different classes? Also, any other stories/references of note concerning pubs and alcohol in the city at the time.
Naturally, even if you are unable to answer all of these questions, any information you can provide will be hugely appreciated, and will help make the book more even-handed!
Kind Regards
Mathew Annis
If you can help email Matthew at mathewannis@gmail.com
Reo Stakis £500,000 Hotels plan withdrawn.
Bravery Award for Pub Manager. Man shot dead in the Round Toll Bar, Possil Road.
Photo of a few friends in the Double six bar, 66 Broomielaw.
The Eagle Lodge, Bishopbriggs.
Luss Hotel, Loch Lomond.
Wedding of Irene Deans, daughter of well-known Shettleston publican.
Argyll Hotel, Caledonian Hotel, Columba Hotel, Grand Hotel, Kings Arms Hotel, Marine Hotel, Oban Inn, Regent Hotel, Royal Hotel, Aulay's Bar, Harbour Inn, Lochavullin Bar, Tartan Tavern. Oban Distillery and many more.
update on Peter Smith, Sheddens Bar, Shettleston.
In June 1970, the Distillers Company, Ltd., had struck a wage bargain with about 9,000 of their employees which should result in the maintenance of good relations between the management and the workers.
After negotiations conducted over a fairly long period agreement had been reached on the terms of a pact under which members of the Transport and General Workers' Union and the Union of General and Municipal Workers will receive increases of £3 10shillings a week and £2 8 shillings in June 1971.
The agreement, which is subject to the approval of the Department of Employment and Productivity, concerns those working in the bottling and blending departments and in the grain distilleries.
Both unions at delegate meetings approved the new agreement, under which they will accept changes in methods of working and manning based on standard performance as established by work measurement.
There is to be full flexibility between jobs of a none-craft or none-supervisory nature and a new improved job evaluation scheme. As from midnight on Sunday, June 7 1970, men aged 18 and over will get 10 shillings 7 and a quarter pence an hour and women 8 shillings and 5 and a half pence.
Subject to co-operation in improving productivity during the first 12 months of the agreement rates of pay will be further increased as from mid-night on June 6 1971, to give men an hourly rate of 11 shillings 19 and a half pence and women 9 shillings 8 and a quarter pence.
3rd July 2009.
Thanks to everyone who has emailed photographs and information on Glasgow Pubs.
Can anyone remember the Centre Spot Bar in the Gorbals run by a Mr McFadden around 1970?
Updates on the Iron Horse, West Nile Street.
Updates on Matthew Reid's, Bar 82, Dundas Street.
Update on Jackson's Bar, Crown Street.
Mr C C Holmen, Director of the Carlsberg, head brewer.
First Women Directors of the Edinburgh Licensed Trade Association.
Famous Port Dundas Distillery to close down after 200 years of history.
Drinks giant Diageo has announced that it will close one of Britain's oldest distilleries at Port Dundas in a bid the multi-national company says is to cut costs. The famous distillery north bank of the Forth and Clyde Canal can trace its history back to 1810.
The doors will close next year, 2010, when the distillery is due to celebrate its 200th anniversary on the site. A total of 140 jobs will go; a further 80 office-based staff will be moved from Dundas House at Port Dundas to another location in central Scotland over the next two years.
Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown described the news as a "real blow".
Donald (Dan Campbell, Edinburgh Publican.
Berwickshire Licensed Trade Association Ball. 1970.
Jim Currie of Black & White, James Hograth of Drybrough's.
Golfing Vintners Big Night Out. 1970.
Rutherglen pubs update. Pop Inn, Spot Bar.
Scottish Brewers' Inverness depot.
Burns Howff, West Regent Street.
Red Lion Inn, Kelso, Roxburgh.
Alastair Dow President of the Ben.
Fruit Machines in Scottish Pubs.
Fruit Machines new procedure.. The Scottish Licensed Trade Association aimed at acquainting the trade with their obligations under the new Gaming Act, which transfers the responsibility for the issue of fruit machine permits from the local authority to the licensing magistrates. The demand by licensees in the Edinburgh area for permission to install fruit machines on their premises had grown so rapidly recently that over 150 applications will come before the licensing magistrates on February 1970. The licensees were determined to make their voices on this issue.
Licence bids galore in Veto Poll Ward. (Pollokshields)
On 28th February 1970, Applications for 16 licence's in the Pollokshields ward of Glasgow, scene of a recent veto poll which resulted in the whole of the ward going 'WET', are among those which will come before Glasgow Licensing Court at its forthcoming sitting. Four of these applications, under the category of removals of certificates in suspense, are for public houses. They will be the first applications for public houses in the ward to be considered by the court for more than 40 years.
The other 12 applications in the ward are under the category of new certificates. Two of these are for the provisional grants of hotel certificates, both being on behalf of Stakis Holdings, one for 301 St. Albert Drive and the other at 116 St. Andrew's Drive. The remaining ten applications in the ward are for off-sales certificates.
14 of the 16 applications are for the residential area in the ward, the traditionally 'dry' area, and 2 for the housing scheme of Pollok. This housing scheme, although nominally 'wet', had no licence's because of the previous corporation policy of not having licence's on grounds or premises owned by them.
One of the applications for the Pollok scheme is by Mrs Elizabeth Strain, who is applying for the removal of her public house certificate in suspense from 122-24 Cowcaddens Street to 210 Crookston Road. The other, on behalf of the Scottish C0-oprative Retail Services, is for a new off-sales certificate at 20 Broadcast Terrace.
2 Glasgow Licences Axed in 1970.
The drive against under-age drinking again provided the drama at Glasgow Licensing Court when the magistrates withdrew the licence's of two well known city premises after police complaints.
The premises were the Stevenson Taylor (Glasgow) public house at the corner of Parliamentary Road and Buchanan Street and the Stirrup public house and restaurant at 1055-1061 Sauchiehall Street.
In both instances the Chief Constable Sir James Robertson, objected that the premises were not being conducted in a proper manner. He said that in the Stevenson Taylor premises there had been three cases of under-age drinking involving a youth of 15 and 17 years old youth. The youths were later convicted.
In objecting to the renewal of the licence for the Stirrup, Sir James lodged seven complaints, including two of under-age drinking. The youths concerned, aged 15 and 16, were also later convicted.
The licensees themselves had not been prosecuted.
The court refused to renew the licence for the Stirrup, held by Mrs Helen Byrden. As regards the Stevenson Taylor premises, an application was put before the court for the transfer of the licence from Mr William Brownlee to Matthew E Taylor. The court refused the transfer application and also refused renewal of the licence.
Mr Hugh T McCalman, solicitor, appearing for Mr Brownlie and Mr Taylor, pointed out that Mr Brownlie had been given no opportunity to defend himself in connection with the complaints and said it was wrong to deal with a man as though he had been convicted.
It is a complete defence to the licence-holder to prove that he had no reason to believe that the persons served were under 18, said Mr McCalman. Had Mr Brownlie been prosecuted, this defence would have been available to him. Mr McCalman added that because of the manner in which the police enquiries were conducted, Messrs. Stevenson Taylor had been unable to find out which member of their staff had supplied the drink.
Explaining the steps the firm had taken in an attempt to prevent under-age drinking, Mr McCalman said that in all their shops notices are displayed concerning under-age drinking, and that there are notices in the windows to the effect that anyone under 21 will not be permitted entry
Mr McCalman also told the court that the premises concerned had been in the Taylor family for over 100 years and that at no time had there been a licensing prosecution.
Asking for the licence to be renewed and for its transfer to Mr Taylor, Mr McCalman said that the form Stevenson Taylor was owned by the trustees of the late Edward Taylor, and in order to wind up the trust they were disposing of the assets.
Mr McCalman also explained that the business for Messrs. Stevenson Taylor and that Mr Brownlie, secretary of the firm, concurred in the transfer. Mr Brownlie deeply regretted the complaint, coming as it did when his connection with the firm was being severed.
In all, the police objected to 23 applications, mainly to renewals of licence's. Several of the complaints related to the supply of drinks out with permitted hours.
22nd June 2009.
Thanks for everyone who has sent in emails, photos and information on their families.
Also in this months updates is...
The Ark Inn, Partick.
Pointhouse Inn, Partick.
Stockwell Street Pubs. including Penny Ales, Robert Jeferay's Tavern, John Scott's Tavern, Andrew Purdon's Tavern, Clan Inn.
Trongate updates.
Mason Arms Trongate.
Black Bull, Trongate.
Britannia, Trongate.
Argyle Street updates.
Bucks Head, Argyll Street.
Gallowgate updates.
Bun House Inn, Old Dumbarton Road.
Wheat Sheaf Inn, Old Dumbarton Road.
Goose Tavern, High Street.
Saltmarket updates.
Bailie Nicol Jarvie and the Singing Saloons.
Broomielaw updates.
High Street updates.
Herb Ale House, Provands Lordship.
The Star Inn, Ingram Street.
15th June 2009.
13th June 2009.
Read all about it, read all about it.
MURDER IN A GALLOWGATE PUBLIC-HOUSE.
11th June 2009.
Glasgow's smallest pub closes after a Fire.
Glasgow is Targeted in a bid to boost pub trade.
A pub company which has created more than 500 jobs in England and Wales by reopening pubs hit by hard times is coming to Glasgow.
London Town, which identifies recently shut pubs or those in trouble and makes money by keeping them operational, is moving into Scotland, and looking to Glasgow for its first venture.
The business has an ambitious strategy in reopening these pubs with the belief that many viable businesses were closed because they couldn't access the right investment, access to credit, business plan and support. Operations director Russell Cawtheray said: "Many pubs should never have closed in the first place. It is much more cost-effective to offer a small but steady number of customers somewhere to socialise. By listening to what customers want, we have been able to revitalise establishments."
Between December 2008 and March, London Town has taken over 125 pubs, and its impact has been noticed by big operators. Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns, the biggest landlord in Scotland which owns Hubbards in the city's West End and 1901 on the South Side, are now working in partnership with London Town to address potential closures within their own estates.
Thirty-nine pubs a week across Britain, nearly six per day, shut in the last six months of 2008 and almost 2000 called time for the last time. Spiralling costs, tumbling sales, fragile consumer confidence and cheap super-market alcohol have all affected sales.
Colin Pedrick, Enterprise Inns managing director operations, said; "We have found London Town very quick to respond and on many occasions we have been able to prevent potential closures through working with them. We have also been able to maximise the performance of other pubs that were struggling."
London Town chief executive Billy Buchanan believes that, as the credit crunch continues, the fact that some pubs can also offer a home will spark greater interest in the sector. He said; People want a steady income in uncertain times and when a pub can provide that, it will be highly sought after. Many pubs offer accommodation, another highly attractive feature."
7th June 2009.
Robert Chapman, Coatbridge and Glenboig.
6th June 2009.
The Royal Bar, Coatbridge.
Couper's Bar, Main Street, Coatbridge.
The Old Toll Bar, Coatdyke, Coatbridge.
Sunnyside Bar, Sunnyside Road, Coatbridge.
I am sorry for everyone who turned out at the Hielan Jessie this month, as you will have noticed I was not there. I had a cancellation at the hospital that day.
2nd June 2009.
This glorious summer's updates...
29th May 2009.
Old Pub name discovered as pub gets renovated.
24th May 2009
More updates this month.
Many thanks to all your kind emails and images you have posted. Keep up the good work.
The Little Mill Tavern, Green Street, Calton.
Peter Hanaway's tavern, Green Street, Calton.
The Three Ell Bar, Govan Road.
Govan Road Pubs updated.
Garscube Road updates including McParland's Bar, Deery's Bar, Bears Paw New Camp Bar.
Issac Stark's Athletic Bar, Airdrie.
Baby Blue, Bath Street.
The Ark North Frederick Street.
Bar Budda update.
Hamilton Public House update including the Sutherland Arms, Oliver's Inn, Mill Inn, Hillhouse Bar, Cadzow Bar, Lachie Macmillan's Bar, the Wine shop, Argyll & Sutherland Bar, Bruce Arms, and many more.
Argosy Bar, Paisley Road West.
16th May 2009.
Thanks for all your emails, and special thanks to Peter Mortimer who has a great knowledge of Glasgow history and the names of Glasgow Streets. Cheers Peter.
More updates for you including...
Broon's Bar, 163 McAslin Street, Townhead.
The Tavern, 99 Glebe Street, Townhead.
The Glebe Bar, Townhead.
Robert Glover's 149-51 Albert Street, Townhead.
Argyll Arms, 122 Glebe Street.
Exchange Bar, Anderston.
The Bakers Arms, Anderston.
Carrick Street pubs, Thomas Brownlie's Tavern and McLean's Bar.
9th May 2009.
Do you know where Caughley's Bar was in Maryhill?
4th May 2009.
This months update...
The Auld Hoose, Westmuir Street, Parkhead.
28th April 2009.
Added this month...
Archibald Walker, Crosskeys, Kirkintilloch.
International Bar, London Road.
The Douglas & Clydesdale Hotel, Hamilton.
William Docherty, Railway Luncheon Bar, Hamilton.
Robert Lachlan, Wine & Spirit Merchant, Hamilton.
30th March 2009.
This update includes...
The Cross Keys, Gardner Street.
Anderson's Auld Hoose, Westmuir Street.
I have included a list of Glasgow Celtic Football managers and players that have owned pubs in and around Glasgow. I am hoping you can help with the Rangers team.
Does anyone remember the New Era Bar, Gorbals? Do you recall where it was situated or did you know John Scanlan the proprietor of the bar.
Have you heard of a pub called the Bundoran or the Dundoran Bar in the Gorbals during the 1950s. What about the Mucky Duck and Satellite City in Govan?
16th March 2009.
The Keystanes in Landressy Street has been closed now for some time. Clyde Gateway has bought the pub and the customers car park which is directly opposite the Public Library. Clyde Gateway are proposing to demolish the pub to gain ownership of a large are of land to build new houses or offices on the site. The pub will be demolished sometime in March 2009. Clyde Gateway have offices at 15 Bridgeton Cross.
The Waverley Bar, Gallowgate.
The Camphill Vaults, Bothwell.
The interesting history of John Eadie and R W Cairns.
4th March 2009.
This month up-date of Pubs and Publicans of the year 1895 including The City Bar, 100 New City Road owned by Mr William Imrie. John McCormick, Harvie Lane, Greenock. James Cameron, Douglas & Clydesdale Hotel, Hamilton. J S Sanders, 23 Nicolson Street, Greenock. William Brown, 40 Westburn Street, Greenock. The Old Saltmarket's Redevelopment. The Commercial Inn, Stranraer, owned by James MacKenzie. Blakley's Bar, High Blantyre. Volunteer Bar, Blantyre. Matt's Bar, Blantyre. Auchinraith Vaults, Blantyre. Old Original Bar, Blantyre. Stonefield Tavern, Blantyre. The Parkville Road House, Blantyre. Village Bar, Blantyre. Commercial Bar, Blantyre. The West End Bar, Blantyre. Larkfield Bar, Blantyre. Bla,an,tir Inn, Blantyre. Apollo Bar, High Blantyre. The Barnhill Tavern, Blantyre. Carrigan's Bar, High Blantyre. The Doon Inn, Blantyre.
6th February 2009.
Welcome to all the new comer's.
This month many pubs have been added to the site, here is a list of just a few of them... Bailey's Bar, Fairfield Street, Govan; The University Bar Argyle Street; The Auld Hoose St George's Road; Crown Inn Camp Road, Baillieston; the Kings Head Inn Stirling Street; Harmony Bar Orchard Street, Gorbals; and the Royal Oak Bar in Ingram Street.
I would also like to thank everyone with there emails and requests especially Mr Billy McLaren who sent me the image of the Royal Oak in Ingram Street. CHEERS Billy.
Jo Hawksworth sent me a great image of the interior of the Horse Shoe Bar in the Gorbals. John Hendry sent me info on the Malletsheugh Inn, Mearns., and everyone else that sent images.
18th January 2009.
Over the last few years I have been ask what happened to the Mitre Bar's neon sign. Well thanks to Billy Gold of the Hielan Jessie on the Gallowgate, he told me at the last meeting at his pub that the sign was indeed erected on a wall in Tontine Lane off the Trongate.
This month I have included some of your messages on the Forum Page. If you can answer any of the messages please do so. And if you want to leave a message on the Forum page Click here.
7th January 2009.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Updates for this new month is some more Gorbals Pubs which include the Seaforth Bar, McKellar's Bar, King's Arms, Doyle's Bar, Benny's Bar and an east end bar called Arthur Mone.
17th November 2008.
This months updates....
Thank you for everyone who turned up at the Hielan Jessie, Gallowgate on Wednesday. It was a great success as was the articles in the Glasgow Evening Times. If you are interested in Glasgow Pubs you are more than welcome to join me at the Hielan Jessie, Gallowgate every first Wednesday of the month.
Pubs added this month are, Jackson's Bar, Crown Street Gorbals. Also on that page is his other licensed premises including the Garfield Hotel, Cumbernauld Road, Lanarkshire House, Halfway Cambuslang, Jackson's Place, Argyle Street, Jackson's Dog House, Dundas Street and the Neuk, Carmunnock.
Some more Gorbals establishment added, McGovern's, Norfolk Street corner of Portugal Street, The Turf Bar, Rutherglen Road and Hospital Street, The Clady Bar, Thistle Street and Ballater Street, and a very rare photograph of James Jack's Tavern, Houston Street, Kinning Park.
If you would like a pub featured on oldglasgowpubs.co.uk. please do get in touch?
Thanks for all your emails in the past few months including, Margaret Minto, James Nunns, George Steele a well known and respected member of the Scottish Licensed Trade, Stephen McGuire, Robert McCurley, Janet Munro, and thanks to Norrie McNamee for all the nice photographs of the Gorbals. I am sorry not to mention all the emails I have received over the past few months as it would take up too much room. So Cheers to everyone involved.
John Gorevan.
31st October 2008.
I am so sorry for the lack of updates to the website.
This seems to be a regular occurrence now as I have been in and out of hospital and find it very difficult to update the site on a regular basic. So please to accept my apologies.
This months updates are...
Fleck's Bar. Paisley Road and Pollok Street.
26th January 2008.
This month is packed with hundreds of updates, new photographs both on Glasgow Pubs and Pubs outside the city boundary, including Aberdeen.
Blairgowrie., Bothwell, Coatbridge., Dundee., Edinburgh Tavern's., Falkirk.
Gourock. , Greenock. , Hamilton. , Kilsyth. , Kirkintilloch. , Millport. , Motherwell.
Paisley. , Portobello. , Rutherglen. , Sandbank. , Stonehouse. , Rothesay.
How Maggie McConnell sat on the Excise man. A few miles from Lochnaw is a little harbour of Dallybar. Here, some smugglers has landed a cargo of their usual wares, and these were carried up the hill of South Cairn, waiting till a band of volunteers arrived with a string of pack-horses to transport them inwards for distribution. The Custom-house officer in charge of the district received information of their doings, and, hurrying to the spot with the only coastguard-man disengaged, he promptly effected a seizure of the whole of the goods. The smugglers skulked off, and the one coastguard-man was sent back to press men and horses in the king's name to convey the precious treasure to Stranraer. The officer, pluming himself not a little on his alacrity, sauntered, sentry-fashion, round and round his prize, which lay heaped before him in rich profusion, his sword and a brace of formidable pistols at his side. Presently Mrs Maggie McConnell approached the great man, wishing him a good morning, to which he affably replied and accepted Maggie's proffered hand. He had unwittingly sealed his own fate. His arm was thrust upwards and at the same instant he was encircled by the siren's arms, and with a heavy fall was thrown helplessly on his back. Maggie then sat coolly down upon her victim, and, having placed her apron over his eyes, she held him firmly down as if bound in a vice. In vain he struggled; he coaxed and threatened her by turns; he shouted for help in the King's name and for a moment his hopes ran high; footsteps approached; he roared louder and louder, but no friendly voice replied. At last, but only when it suited her pleasure, Maggie released him from her grasp. But, oh, the vanity of human hopes! When he looked up not one of the articles lay in its old place, as he had himself seen them just before upon the ground. By the by his companion reappeared, but only to find the head officer with Galloway matron, who, bidding them adieu, disappeared without further loss of time, wishing them both a pleasant ride to Stranraer.
In 1892 Romania was the highest taxed country in the world. Every bottle of foreign wine has to pay a shilling duty. A case of whisky came from the Army and Navy stores, the transport tax stamps and other duties amounted to more than the price of the whisky. There was even a tax on female servants.
This notice was stuck up outside a pub in Quay Street, Saltcoats; "A man is specially engaged and kept in the back yard to do all the shouting, cursing and swearing that is required in this establishment. A dog is also kept to do all the barking. Our fighting man, or chucker-out, has won 75 prize fights and is a splendid shot with a revolver. An undertaker calls here every morning for orders."
The following table shows the quantity of foreign ale and beer imported into the British Islands during 1890. The quantity only reaches 32,000 barrels and this compares poorly with the 31,835,574 barrels which were brewed in the United Kingdom during the same year.
Norway.....1,498 Barrels; Denmark......1,667 barrels; Germany......14,773 barrels; Holland (much of this was German)......14,545 barrels; other Foreign countries...459 barrels; total 32,942.
Archibald Bruce, Beer and Spirit Raising Engine.
This is an old recipe from 1892 on how to make Hot Ale. The following recipe occurred in the "Answers to Correspondents" column of a pharmaceutical contemporary. To make hot ale in a similar manner to ginger beer, dissolve 8Ibs of moist sugar in 8 gallons of water, to this add a mixture of tr. lipult 5ij., and tr. chiratae 5iss., with 20 drops of essence of pineapple. Float a slice of toast upon the liquor, and pour upon it 4 ozs of fresh yeast. Ferment at a temperature of 70 degrees to 80 degrees fahr. for a day, and then bottle. The colour may be brought up with caramel, or a part of the sugar may be replaced by treacle. But this recipe would evidently have to be considerably modified if employed for any but household purposes.
In 1893 Sir George Trevelyan asserts that at Bristol there are 287 public houses in the hands of one person, while at Blackburn one person held 132, and in Liverpool 143. In St. Margaret's Parish, Westminster, there are 38 public houses owned by two brewers.
A trip from Liverpool to New York in the Cunard Liner Umbria, which occupied eight days, the passengers, numbering 630, consumed 2954 bottles of ale and beer, 2780 bottles of mineral water and the contents of 670 syphons.
17th December 2007.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Added this month is Duncan Walker, Wholesale Wine, Spirit and Beer Merchant, 233 Hope Street. His son was proprietor of the Cross Keys, Kirkintilloch. To read more Click here.
Also included this month is Christopher Foulkes, 1-2 Adelphi Street, Gorbals, Glasgow. Click here.
William Smith proprietor of the Vaults, and the Queen's Hotel, Dundee. Click here.
William Murdoch, University Restaurant, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. Click Here.
James Mearns, Oriental Bar, Gallowgate, Aberdeen. Click here.
Hugh Tennent, Wellpark Brewery. Click Here.
John MacDonald, president of the S.L.T Defence Association. Click here.
James Purves, S.S.C, Secretary of the Licensed Trade Defence Association. Click here.
Greenlees Brothers, Bonded Stores, Osbourne Street, Glasgow. Click here.
James McRobert, the Bucks Head, Hamilton Street, Greenock. Click here.
Councilor McQueen, Rothesay. Click here.
Robert Stoddart, manager of the Rob Roy Vaults, Argyle Street. Click here.
Alexander W MacLeod, Eglinton Street, Glasgow. Click here.
John White, Waterloo Street, Glasgow. Click here.
Andrew R McKenzie, wholesale and retail wine & spirit merchant, Stobcross, Street, Glasgow. Click here.
John McIntyre, Stobcross Street, Glasgow. Click here.
Hector Munro, 45 Cheapside Street, Glasgow. Click here.
Alexander Ross, Blythswood Street, Glasgow. Click here.
William Doherty, Victoria Hotel and Hall, Hamilton. Click here.
Allan Gilmour, Govan Street, Glasgow. Click here.
William Neilson, South Portland Street, Glasgow. Click here.
John Maitland, Station Hotel, Bridge Street, Glasgow. Click here.
George Buchanan, the Rob Roy Vaults, Argyle Street, Glasgow . Click here.
John McCall, Era Vaults, West Nile Street, Glasgow. Click here.
Hugh McPhee, Bernard Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow. Click here.
13th November 2007.
Over the years I have been asked if I know anything about the lost Memorial Plaque which used to be in the Garscube Bar.
This memorial plaque used to hang proudly displayed on one of the walls in the Garscube Bar known by the locals as Kiernan's, this old bar sat at the corner of Lyon Street, a rather small street with a lot of lost memories. It is said that more men died in this street than any other street in the UK, during the First World War.
At eleven o'clock in the morning on each November 11th bagpipes played "The Flowers O' the Forest", the kilted piper march from Maryhill Barracks. After a two minute silence a bugle played "The last post." After a long salute the two riflemen marched back to Maryhill Barracks. The Highland Light Infantry had honored its dead once more. This memorial went on for over 40 years.
At the corner of Garscube Road and Lyon Street a large black cross adorned with a wreath and poppies and beside it a Roll of Honour in a golden frame, brought out from the Garscube Bar for the day, after which the plaque was returned to the bar. When the pub was demolished along with Lyon Street the plaque is supposed to have went to St Joseph's Church in North Woodside Road. When the Church closed the plaque disappeared, it's a shame that this part of our social history is lost.
Do you known anything about this plaque or any of the soldiers names please get in touch.
More Entertainers are listed included are Mr J M Lonie a Tenor Vocalist, Mr J C Lawrence a Scotch Character, comedian and mimic, Miss Helen Duncanson a Soprano vocalist, and BABY Violet MacFarlane. Click here to read more.
The Victoria Bar, Market Square, Kilsyth, 1900, sorry no photographs of this pub.
The Clachan, 224 Buchanan Street, Glasgow 1900. sorry no photographs.
23rd October 2007.
100 years ago on October.
A Publican fined.
Frederick Lorkin, licence holder was at the Western Police Court, Glasgow, on Friday, charged with having in his premises at 68 Cranston Street, on 21st October, sold by the hands of his shopman, Frederick Lorkin jun. whisky to several girls whilst they were in a state of intoxication. He pleaded not guilty and was defended by Mr F MacQuisten. Mary Carrol, who is only 15 years of age, stated that she and another girl named Cissie McCracken went into a room in Lorkin’s public house about 9 on Sat night, 21st Sept. Witness ordered 2 glasses of whisky one for each, and after they had consumed the liquor they were joined by 2 other girls, one of whom called for a glass of whisky for each of the four. Having drunk it another round was ordered. Frederick Lorkin jun the son of the accused, who served them was going to refuse to supply it, but, having told them to be quiet he brought the four glasses in. They consumed this and then three glasses of whisky and a bottle of soda were ordered. The soda was for a girl called Kelly who was too drunk to take any more whisky. Witness was intoxicated when the 3rd round was ordered, and did not remember drinking her share. The girls afterwards left the pub and went into a fish supper shop. She remembered entering the shop but everything else was blank till she wakened in the Police office.
A pretty girl named Ann Jane McCracken known as Cissie 16 years of age, corroborated, she stated that she was drunk when the 3rd glass of whisky was ordered. Police evidence was afterwards given to the effect that carrol and McCracken were arrested in Argyle Street on Sat night 21st Oct for being helplessly drunk and that they pleaded guilty at the following Monday’s Police court to a charge of drunkenness.
Mr F L jun. stated that the girls were in the shop for half an hour, he served them two rounds only, refusing to bring any more owing to one of the girls using obscene language, they left the shop quite quietly. Mr F L sen, 75 years of age stated that he had held the licence since 1875, he had sold the business not to his son, but to another man subject to the transfer being granted on Tuesday. Bailie Dunlop found the charge proved and imposed a fine of £5 with the alternative of 30 days imprisonment.
A petty young terrier was the cause of the dispute.
On 26th Sept 1906, the dog was found in possession of an Italian in a shop at 100 Bardowie Street, Possilpark. As a result of information received by the police, and now claimed by Mr Archibald McKinnon, of Shawlands, and the Italian, Nicoli Pierotti. Mr McKinnon, a publican of Parliamentary Road, residing in Shawlands, said that he purchased the dog in October of last year from Mr Wilson, a dairyman, Parliamentary Road. It was an exceedingly valuable breed of dog, and he gave £2 and another animal for the terrier. After that Mr Wilson kept the dog for him in his stables as he had negotiations with a man in the United States. The dog appeared in November last, after which he instituted a thorough search, going to the dog and cat home three or four times. In consequence of what he learned recently, he went to the Italians fried fish and supper shop in Possilpark, where he found the dog. The Italian said the dog was his, and was very angry when they claimed the animal.
Cross examined by Mr Hart, witness said the dog was born in 9th April 1906. The Italian flourished the licence in their faces when they went into the shop, he did not know the dog was at the Falkirk show (He Witness) was a winner at that show, also show manager. Mr Hart handed witness a catalogue with the entry of the dog at the Falkirk show by the Italian under the name of TEDO with the words “term unknown” after long court session the dog was Mr McKinnon’s and that compensation at the rate of 3s 6d per week be paid the Italian from Nov 1906.
SEVEN YEARS FOR A GLASGOW HOUSEBREAKER.
Before Lord Justice Clerk in the High Court at Edinburgh on Monday there was brought up for sentence a middle aged man named William Mitchell on a charge of having on Feb. 5th in consent with George Green at present in Barlinnie, broken into Mathew Hendrie's Spirit Shop, 78 Wellington Street, Glasgow and stolen a cheque for £6. 4s shillings, and a key and secondly with maliciously destroying 8 bottles of brandy, 4 gallons of rum and a number of books, several drawers and a desk It was stated that the prisoner was watching outside and played a very minor part in the affair. The Lord Justice Clerk said it was impossible to deal with the prisoner as other than a criminal of confirmed character. A sentence of 7 years had been followed by 2 of 15 and 18 months respectively and the present offence was committed 2 days after his liberation from prison. In these circumstances his Lordship could only repeat the sentence of 7 years penal servitude.
50 Years ago on October.
Who named the H.LI
Fifty Years Ago in 1957.
One of the brightest and most attractive pieces of re-decoration seen for a long time had just been completed at the H.L.I Bar in Maryhill Road, Glasgow.
The name, in view of events, has been happily chosen, but it was selected long in advance of the present publicity for the affairs of the H.L.I.
The idea, in fact, came from a customer. He suggested the Happy Lads Inn, using the initials of the H.L.I. It was decided to use the letters and not the words, but the customer got the prize of a bottle of whisky for all that.
So now, with the prospect of an H.L.I. / R.S.F. merger, the public house had acquire something of an historic interest.
H.L.I. Decoration.
In a measure it has that already, of course, for the theme of its decoration was entirely H.L.I. and official blessing, as it were, was given to the project by the presence as a guest at the opening of Major B S M Carson, commander of the H.L.I. Depot at Maryhill Barracks.
Above the long gantry was a most handsome mural painting of men of the H.L.I. in the regiment’s various uniforms. The artist Mr Douglas Anderson, had specialised in military painting, and he at one time was adjutant of the H.L.I.’s 1st Battalion. He was still associated with the regiment as honorary curator of the H.L.I.’s regimental museum.
For the walls he had painted a series of studies of the regiment’s headdress from 1777 onwards. And to adorn the pubs facade he had carved and painted a striking effigy in wood of an H.L.I. braw laddie.
Mr Anderson’s mural had been given a coating of a special preparation which, when it dirties, may be removed and re-applied again without harming the painting or affecting its colouring in any way.
Seen in the photograph above left to right is Captain A. G. Ingram, adjutant, H.L.I.; Mr D Anderson artist; Mr N Andrew, licence holder; Colonel Robert Younger, chairman, Robert Younger, Ltd.; Mr J B Millar managing director, Robert Younger’s; Major B. S. M. Carson, Commander, Maryhill Depot, H.L.I.; and Mr D Ross, director, Robert Younger’s. In the background is Mr J Webster, charge-hand.
Entertainment.
On the subject of entertainment in Glasgow Pubs I send my condolences to the family of Frank Feeney, a well known and respected Glasgow entertainer and an old friend of myself. Frank was probably better known as Frank Hassen, (his stage name) who played the keyboards in hundreds of pubs and clubs in and around central Scotland. Frank was a fantastic talented musician, accompanied with his daughters Elaine and Ann.
Many will remember Frank in Betty's Bar, Gallowgate, the Riverside Tavern, Gorbals the Rangers Club, Ibrox, the list goes on and on, he was one of the first entertainers in the Swinging Doors night club in Parkhead in the 1980s. His whole life was dedicated to entertaining, he was well known to leave a night club in the early hours and begin a music rehearsal for his next gig on the same night.
R.I.P. Frank Hassen.
Glasgow pubs have always been well known for the fact that you can get a laugh a singalong and get entertained by the many different groups and entertainers. The Horseshoe Bar, Drury Street, the old Ship bank, Saltmarket and the old College on High Street have a wonderful singing talent and of them have made it to the top of the pops. Glasgow in 1900 had its fare share of talent too, like Pete and Miss Minnie Lee.
Black and White Specialty Artistes, Vocalists and Instrumentalists.
41 Eveline Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow.
Mr Pete Williamson, who takes the stage name of Lee, was a native of Yoker, but has received most of his education in Glasgow. It was at one time intended that he should enter the Church and become a minister, but found himself as a lad apprenticed to a firm of glass painters and embossers. Having a strong musical bias he always found time to devote himself to its study, and in this capacity was one of the originators of the popular Georgian Minstrels somewhere about 1890, in which combination he was also principal comedian and top-boot dancer. For this latter accomplishment he won a gold medal in a competition at Beith in 1893. A little over three years ago he left the minstrels troupe and decided on courting the verdict of public opinion as a solo performer, but meeting with Miss Lee they agreed to collaborate as duettists and musical and variety sketch artistes, with what conspicuous success is well known to the patrons of our concerts.
Mr Pete & Miss Minnie Lee. circa 1900.
Miss Minnie Lee was also born in Glasgow. After receiving a good and thorough education, including a lengthened course of music, with the intention of becoming a teacher of that art, her mother died, and with that resourcefulness which is characteristic of the lady, at once decided to discontinue her studies and joined the Theatre Royal Stock Company. For a time she also travelled with “For the Crown” company, and after having gained considerable experience, which her apt and receptive nature enabled her to pick up quickly started for herself as a coon singer, serio, mandolinist, and dancer. Her early training has qualified her admirably for a concert pianist, in which, as well as in the manipulation of many other instruments, her execution and proficiency are above the average.
As duettists they are equally at home with either banjo, mandolin, guitar, sleigh bells, musical glasses, etc., including the xylophone, which has been lately introduced into their entertainments. Since their appearance before the public they have met with phenomenal success. They give their annual concert in the Albert Halls in College Street on the 18th of February, at which many well known to both the public and the professional assisted.
Other entertainers click here.
16th October 2007.
Thanks to Jimmy Gibbons ex Daily Record and Sunday Mail employee, for his email... I frequented "The Monty" (Montrose Bar) in various roles since the early fifties. My uncle Peter Kelly was a Stoker on the boats on the Broomielaw, working 24 hour shifts stoking the furnaces.
Wee John Cassidy (a gentleman and his partner George) opened the pub on Sundays to sell me 2 bottles of whisky for Big Peter, because he really worked up a thirst in the heat of the engine room.
A few years later, being employed at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail I became a Regular in the MONTY. I may bring your files on licence holders up to date., when John Cassidy retired his nephew Tony Taylor (ex Celtic footballer) took over the licence. Then there was Larry Diamond brother of Jim Diamond.. Pop Star... After them it was the twins... Scott and Jim Savage and finally it was Big Jim Cullen... Mine host until the MONTY closed.
I have lots of fond memories of this establishment... I still meet Jim Cullen and my ex colleagues of the Press.
Jimmy Gibbons.
29th September 2007.
Caly Road pubs (Caledonia Road)
26th September 2007.
The Mail Box has been identified, the pub was at 466 Paisley Road now known as the Quay, what a transformation. Thanks to everyone who recognised this pub.
The Mail Box. 1980s.
RG's now with all the Mod Con's.
RG's has turned the clocks back to the 1960s with a name change the Twisted Wheel named after mod club of the 1960s, the pub with its basement club has a licence until 1am with a 3am licence on the cards. The new club promises to have Fridays DJ and free live bands while Saturday is focused on growing talented DJs. Despite the new look and music theme the bar's fab style art deco remains unchanged.
Forgotten Pubs
One of the main projects of this website is to name as many of the old pubs in the city of Glasgow as possible, thanks to the numerous readers with your pub names especially Old Bob who has named twenty forgotten pubs, Cheers mate.
The Gorbals
The Gorbals has been a popular subject lately or should I say Gorbals Pubs. In the early part of the 1900s Caledonia Road had 14 pubs to its name, by the 1960s there were only a hand full left, can you remember any of them. If so please get in touch.
Crown Street had 20 pubs, Cumberland had 16 as did Eglinton Street, Ballater Street formerly Govan Street had 14 pubs, Hospital Street had 9, Main Street or Gorbals Street had 15, Norfolk Street had 10, Nelson Street had 8, Rutherglen Road had a massive 26 public houses and 3 off Licensed premises and even more shebeens.
Victorian Glasgow was booming so were the pubs at that time, Glasgow had 1400 pubs 309 Off Licensed premises 19 hotels. This was an enormous amount especially when the city had a population of less than 750,000 people. The Gorbals was split into 4 different wards Hutchesontown had 57 pubs, the Gorbals ward had 95, Kingston had 103 pubs and Govanhill had 13.
The Horn Bar.
One well known pub in the Gorbals was the Horn Bar which sat on 62 Thistle Street, this old pub dated from 1870s. The landlord was then Robert Robin a well known publican who had other pubs in the city including Charlotte Street, Sydney Court off Argyle Street, Elderslie Street and Anderson Quay, his son also named Robert had pubs in Rutherglen Loan and Great Hamilton Street now London Road. The Horn bar was opened in 1894 by a gentleman called John Nicholson who formerly managed the premises and took charge of the proprietors other pub in Govan before taking over the Thistle Street premises. The pub was totally gutted a new family department was added to the pub which was entered from a separate door, this proved to be a very lucrative business indeed. A new 36 foot mahogany bar counter was installed with a handsome spirit rack and gantry with all the mod cons. The little snug's were cosily furnished and fitted with electric bells the whole establishment was very bright with the use of the very large stained glass windows, panels and mirrors. All the best liquor was stocked at the Horn bar included was the "Horn Club" blend of Scotch Whisky. From its proximity to the Royal Princess Theatre, numerous well known professionals were among Mr Nicholson customers, theatrical newspapers were always at hand.
Mr John Nicholson. 1895.
In 1907 a new landlord took over the pub, Mr William Keith took charge and continued until the end of the First World War. One of the last licensee to run the pub was John Cumming, many will still remember him, the pub closed its doors for the last time in the 1960s when most of the old pubs were demolished. Do you remember this pub? maybe you remember this pub with a different name, if so please get in touch.
Interior view of the Horn Bar. 1895.
International footballer fae the Gorbals.
Jimmy Howieson was a sportsman an International footballer, who had been in the licensed trade all his life. Many of his fans thought that Jimmy Howieson entered the trade after his playing days were over.
James Howieson was born in 1900 in the Gorbals and had three sisters and two brothers all of whom had worked in their father’s pub in Queen Street especially during the summer holidays.
James followed in his father’s footsteps an owned the Railway Tavern at 520 Rutherglen Road not far from his place of birth, his father John owned the Crammond Bar, 157 Queen Street for thirty five years a licence which was taken over by Mrs Howieson when her husband died.
Jimmy Howieson.
Jimmy was educated at Rutherglen Elementary School and John Street School. Strange to say, he was not one of those boy football fanatics who had carved themselves a niche in the hall of soccer fame.
After school, James worked with his father in the pub before embarking on a career as a marine engineer. That was when he started out to be, and he served two years of his time before an accident and a few smashed fingers led his feet, very literally, in another direction.
This happened near the end of 1917 and the day he was discharged from hospital found him making tracks for the nearest Navy recruiting office. He signed on to serve twenty five years with the Senior Service. In his youth, like other lads of his age, he used to kick a ball up and down Rutherglen Road and in the parks, but he never played football in a recognised team, school or otherwise, until he joined the Navy. In fact, he had little time to play, because when he was at home he was either at work or giving his father a hand in the Crammond Bar.
By the way, the Crammond Bar was named after his fathers favourite place near Edinburgh the Crammond Village.
In the Navy, playing football for the ship’s team, he played against all nationalities, and in all climates. Matches were played at Cape Town, the West Indies, Spain and whatever port of call they weighed anchor. The football of those days was on the he-man variety, and made Jimmy as tough as they make them.
Came 1921, and while he was on shore leave he received permission from the skipper to play football at home. He played a few games for junior combines, Port Glasgow being his first team, and he played along with a companion from the ship called Duffy, who was an all round athlete.
Of the two, Howieson was the one who found the game most attractive, and with a sum close on £50 he bought his discharge from the Navy and settled down to be a footballer.
He played for Rutherglen Glencairn until the end of the season and then signed for Airdrieonians. In the following year the Lanarkshire team won the Scottish Cup and Jimmy secured his first cup medal. At the end of that season he joined the ranks of St Johnstone at Muirton Park, Perth and then began a series of exchanges which amazed the football world.
He played for St. Johnstone in their League games and for St. Mirren in their cup ties: All this in the same season and it was affected by transferring him backwards and forwards as if he were a shuttle-cock. That is something that cannot happen today, with the S. F. A.’s rulings on the subject, but it gave Jimmy Howieson both traveling and experience of the world.
At the end of the season, instead of going to St. Mirren as everyone had thought would have happened, he signed up for Dundee United, but his career with them was a short one and mid-way through the next season he was on the Paisley eleven’s books. Fate must have prompted that signing, for by the last day of the 1926-27 fixture list, Jimmy had secured a second Scottish Cup Medal.
St. Mirren for the first time in their career won the cup, beating Celtic in a memorable final 2-0, and it was Jimmy Howieson who clinched matters with a second goal. The same year he received his cap against Ireland and at the end of the season Hull City tabled £3200 for his transfer. St. Mirren accepted, and Howieson went through to England for his first taste of football over the Scottish borders.
He just couldn't’t settle there, however, and was badly off form, and eventually turned down the retaining fee offer that made him and packed his grip for the United States of American.
He played for New Bedford and New York Giants and found himself back in the old Navy style of game. The money was good, however, despite the fact that the gate was small. The prices charged for admission in those days were something like a dollar and a quarter (five shillings or more).
A cable from Hull City offering new terms brought him back to British soil and he joined their forward line once more. That year Hull City went to the semi-final of the English Cup and Jimmy almost had an English Cup medal to add to his Scottish pair. Hull City was leading 2-0 with about fifteen minutes to go, when, after a change in their formation, Arsenal drew level. They won the re-play and went on to win the cup.
That match, says Jimmy, was by far the most exciting of his whole career, beating the Celtic-St. Mirren final easily for the position.
Placed on Hull City’s open to transfer list at the same price at which they paid for him £3200, Jimmy went to Ireland and played there for two years with Shelbourne and they won the Free State League and the Leicester Shield while he associated with them. When he left Irish football he joined Clyde, a football team which he had supported as a youth, and for whom he still had a soft spot for until he died. Two years service with them and back to Ireland again. This time he hung his boots in the Glenavon locker and then shifted them to Belfast Celtic’s pavilion, just a month before his brother and himself took over the Railway Tavern. For several years Jimmy had been on the look-out for such a pub and when the opportunity came he took it. And so many fans frequented his new pub in the hope of getting an autograph and a chat about his football career.
Do you remember Jimmy’s pub the Railway Tavern or one of his father’s pubs? If so please get in touch. One of the last licensee for the Railway Tavern was a lady called Margaret Bogle.
Gorbals Local Veto Defence Association. 1924.
This interesting photograph taken on a day trip to Largs, with the Gorbals Local Veto Defence Association. The Gorbals Local Veto Defence Association was set up to voice the local publicans who's businesses would have perished long before the 1950s and 60s City Councils clearance. The temperance movement was at full swing which saw many publicans out of business losing their lively-hood. The whole of Pollokshaws ward went dry in 1920 as a result of the temperance movement. Thanks to these guy the Gorbals was saved and very few of the pub were closed during the height of the clearances.
In the photograph above is Mr & Mrs John Holmes who had premises in Bedford Street, Mr & Mrs William Keith who had pubs on Thistle Street and Gorbals Street, Mr Francis McAvoy, he had pubs on the Gallowgate and Scotland Street, Mr Patrick McKernan, he had a pub on Cumberland Street, Mr John Gallagher, who had a pub on Adelphi Street, Mr James Cleland, Hospital Street Mr William McDonald, assistant organiser, he had a pub on Cumberland Street and Mr William McLeod, Treasurer, who had a pub on Eglinton Street.
Bonfire made from Gorbals Pub.
On V.J. night a celebrating crowd broke into Thomas McGinn’s pub at number 251 Rutherglen Road, Gorbals, and made a victory bonfire. The frenzied crowd tore up the floor boards, the shelves and the gantries, stripped the walls the seats everything to make a bonfire on Rutherglen Road, even the large barrel of McGinn's special blend of old Scotch whisky "Ye Olde Judge" was set ablaze.
But Mr McGinn celebrated his own victory with the opening of a magnificent new road house situated just off Paisley Road West in Broomloan Road. A short distance down the Broomloan Road was Ibrox Stadium home of Rangers F.C. Appropriately Mr McGinn named his new premises Ibrox House.
Mr Thomas McGinn.
He could scarcely have chosen a more ideal spot. In addition to the football stadium there was also the Albion and White City greyhound racing tracks close by as well as Ibrox Station. Mr McGinn was invalided out of the R.A.F. two or three weeks before the celebrating crowd destroyed his Rutherglen Road premises. For the next 12 months he was in Hospital and for six months he was convalescent. He was unable to restore his premises because it was not then possible to obtain a timber permit. Then came the next blow. His premises were compulsorily acquired by the City Council for demolition to make way for the new improvements to the Gorbals. Although he also held the licence for premises at 246 Paisley Road Mr McGinn began to look around for premises to replace the Rutherglen Road pub. His idea was to have large new premises that would be a credit to the city. At the corner of Broomloan Road and Paisley Road West he found the idea site. His application to the Licensing Court proved successful, but he had to surrender the Paisley Road licence.
Mr McGinn was assisted in his premises by his two sons and daughter, Paul manager, Thomas jun and Patricia (Mrs R G Watt.) And traded under the title of Thomas McGinn & Sons. Ibrox House had its motto: Semper Idem (Always the Same.) On the crest was a crown the road house was built on crown property. In the centre was the letters I.B., which stood for Ib Broch, which means the home of the badger. Underneath between the works Semper and Idem was a badger’s head.
On the ground floor of the premises was a spacious well appointed public bar, the bar itself extended the full length of the room. It was estimated that 1800 pints can be served in an hour. There was plenty of comfortable seating accommodation. Upstairs was a bright lounge bar and restaurant with seating accommodation for 120 people. Ample car parking space was also provided.
Interior of Ibrox House. 1958.
Mr McGinn himself declared the premises open in 1958 when he invited a large company of Trade personalities, in which wholesale houses were well represented and friends to the opening ceremony. Among those at the top table were Mr Balfour, director of William McEwan & Co Ltd., Mr MacDonald manager of McEwan’s and Mr A Don manager of G & C Moore Ltd. Mr Balfour’; speaking after the luncheon, said that the Ibrox House marked the fulfillment of a dream the McGinn’s have had for many years. That day the dream had become a reality. They had to congratulate Mr McGinn on three points. The site chosen could not have been a better one; the building represented the idea of what a public house should be. The business was a family concern. Mr Balfour then proposed a toast to Ibrox House and to the McGinn family.
This interesting Gorbals photograph of the Citizen's Bar darts team taken in 1972. The Citizen's Bar had a record breaking fourth time winner of the Guinness Darts shield, beating the Ceilidh Bar, Clyde Street in the final. Pictured below are Mr C Sweeney, proprietor of the Citizen's Bar, W Martin, captain, Bob Connolly area representative, Guinness who presented the trophies in the Citizen's Bar, G McGinlay, Ceilidh captain and J A Bailie assistant regional manager, Guinness. Do you remember any of the guys here?
4th September 2007.
First of all I would like to apologies for the time it has taken for an update.
After a long spell in hospital I am now in the position to update the website on a regular basis.
The Hielan Jessie has ordered more booklets on the popular "Up & Doon the Gallowgate." It's nice to see so many people enjoying this read, it will bring back a lot of memories to folk in the East End of the city.
Thanks to Norrie Mcnamee and Peter Mortimer for their emails, they are members of a newly setup message board www.glesgakeelie.co.uk the mastermind of author and local historian Charlie McDonald.
Norrie Mcnamee sent in this photograph of the Blarney Stone, Caledonia Road, Gorbals on the south side of the city. After Norrie had a swatch on my website he recall's going into the Hawthorn Bar where he had his first pint of Guinness in 1963 costing him a wacking 2/6d, he also went on to say that the Hawthorn Bar moved to the site of the Avon Cinema on Saracen Street in between Closeburn Street and Saracen Cross. The pub soon went on to earn the name of the Stab Inn. One day some local neds walked into the pub and calmly stole the TV.
Directors Box found...
Many Thanks to Norrie Mcnamee he also ID one of the forgotten pubs "the Director's Box" which sat on Hope Street just around the corner of Renfrew Street Post Office right across from the Savoy Cinema (later the Majestic Ballroom,) right had side of Hope Street between Renfrew Street and Sauchiehall Street.
Peter Mortimer recall's "Chathams at 424 Ballater Street was previously known as the St. Mungo Bar, (my father drank in there,) it has now been demolished, and like so many old pubs, the site is now occupied by flats."
"The Langfield 256 Cambuslang Road now demolished, site of flats now. The Lea Rig, Alexandra Parade occupied the former grocery store of A. Cochrane & Co.. McLaren's, 1046 Gallowgate was known as in its latter days as the Mill Inn. The Mission, 160 Battlefield Road, site of the Queens Cinema, built in 1922 to seat 550, also known as The Tonic."
11th May 2007.
The opening of Sloan's, Argyll Arcade.
Last night I was invited once again to the opening of Sloan's at Argyll Arcade. I was dropped off on Argyle Street face the lane that takes you to Morrison Court. My first vision was the crowd outside, some of them standing and a few sitting at the table and chairs, It was quite cold to be sitting out last night however those who were outside were smoking and meeting their partners or friends. The graffiti was still a problem I noticed on the fall facing the entrance. The refurbishment from the outside was not to my taste, the paneled wood looked rather cheap and nasty the owners Billy McAneney and Oli Norman of DaDa could have stripped the old paint off the walls and displayed the original stonework.
On entry I noticed the large gathering of people at the main bar and surrounding area, all the booths were full of customers. A new floor was replaced by a Laminate wood flooring formerly white tiles with small black inlay's. Large photographs of Old Glasgow scenes adorned the walls.
I then met my brother Kev who directed me to the wine and cider tasting, Kev obviously liked the wine and I opt for the cider which was very nice and sweet. I then gave my brother a detailed tour of the building by then poor Kev was very thirsty, the kind Rep filled his glass once more.
I noticed the ceiling and cornice had been re painted, the gold was a bit yellow and to bright. We were presented with a tray of canape's, very nice, very tasty and well displayed.
In all Sloan's is a magic Glasgow hidden treasure well worth the visit, I hope the new owners will keep the doors open a little longer than the last owners, Sloan's is now a national treasure and a Glasgow Institution. The newspapers state that £2million revival and restoration at the oldest restaurant in the city, it is true that Sloan's is the oldest restaurant in Glasgow however I could not see how £2million quid was spent on refurbishment, I could have done it for half of that....
End.
