Victoria Bar.
159 Bridgegate, Glasgow. G1 5HZ. Tel: 01415526040.
Victoria Bar. 1991. (Vicky's)
On the 13 April 1875 Thomas Neeson acquired a certificate to sell wines beers and spirits from these premises. The Neeson brothers Patrick and Thomas came from Ireland to set up business as publicans in the city of Glasgow. Patrick ran pubs in Rutherglen Road, Crown Street, Gallowgate, King Street and a small pub further along the Bridgegate at number 35. While Thomas ran establishments in High Street and Graeme Street.
To read more on the Neeson family of publican's and P J Neeson, Allison Street click here.
"Briggate" and Old House at the foot of Stockwell Street by William Simpson (1823-1899.) On the right of this wonderful water-colour is where the Victoria Bar (Scotch Corner) now sits.
Over the years many publicans have come and gone, serving the locals of this old established Bridgegate howff. Donald Cameron a well known publican in the city took over the pub before the First World War. The Cronies club used to meet each year on January 25th at Donald Cameron’s pub at 159 Bridgegate, Victoria Bar. The first Cronies night was held there in 1934, about eight people who wished to honour Burns night without all the formality and stuffed shirts, on a more formal gathering. The Cronies had the exclusive use of the room at the back of the pub. Amongst the company included a Lawyer, a Chartered Accountant and a Diamond Merchant, the musical programme was considerably brightened by a number of street singers, who were there by special invitation. Mr William Carie president of the Cronies club presided. The haggis was duly piped in and the Immortal memory proposed by Mr John Allison. C.A. other members were Mr Russal, Richardson, Hulton, Morris, Horn, Cameron, M Taylor and J Taylor. As a result of this gathering the pub is today one of the best folk bars in the city of Glasgow.
Another well known city publican to hold the licence was Alexander McCondach, he ran pubs in North Frederick Street and Thistle Street, Gorbals. In 1940 his pub on North Frederick Street was blown up during the blitz on the city, as a result of this unfortunate incident he acquired the licence for the Victoria Bar, Bridgegate. He ran the two pubs successfully for many years.
Gerald Davis sold the pub a few years ago the same buyer also bought the Clutha Vaults, this maybe a result of the two most famous pubs in the city ready for demolition as the ground that the pubs sit on is very valuable to developers. The only think that is stopping the developers is the wee Tryst shop that sells lavy pans and sinks.
Update 2007.
The once famous folk singing pub in the Bridgegate the Victoria Bar (Vicky's) has now got a name change. It is now called the Scotch Corner, however I have yet to hear anyone calling it by its new name, The pub will always be called Vicky's.
Scotch Corner. 2007.
Various photograph of the Victoria Bar. 2005.
A typical night at the Victoria Bar.
One of the best if not thee best folk music pub in the city. Mr Davis the boss man is always at hand to make sure the standard of service and music lives up to its name.
End.
