Old Glasgow Pubs

You are here: Home / Archives for John Gorevan

John Gorevan

Argyll Hotel

by Leave a Comment

 

Corran Esplanade, Oban. PA34 5PZ. Tel: 0631 562353.

Argyll Hotel Oban

Argyll Hotel, Oban. 2008.

Agyll Hotel old 1896

The Argyll Hotel. 1896.

Mr J D Smith Oban

Mr J D Smith. 1896.

In Oban all travelers to the West of Scotland know there are two steamboat piers, one at the railway station the other at the end of the esplanade. Exactly at the head of the Argyll Hotel, owned by J D Smith.

Mr Smith was for twenty years acting as steward in Mr MacBraynes steamers. He was born in Brora, Sutherlandshire, on leaving home after completing his education Mr Smith at once joined Mr MacBraynes steamers as a boy, and by diligence, attention to his duties, and perseverance, he gained promotion, step by step, till he rose to the highest position he could attain, that of chief steward.

In 1889 having gained the respect of his masters and compeers alike, with mutual regrets he left the service with which he had been so long and happily connected, and having youth, energy and enterprise on his side, determined to strike out for himself.

He was fortunate in securing a lease of the Argyll Hotel, Oban, a handsome structure built in the Scottish baronial style and one of the most comfortably arranged houses for caring on the business in the north. From his long practical experience in catering for tourists, commercial men and travelers of all kinds, Mr Smith, of course, knew their wished almost intuitively and to his credit be it said, spares neither himself nor his efficient staff in seeing that their wants are supplied and their wishes attended to. Mr Smith was assisted by his wife in the running of the hotel.

The Argyll Hotel is now demolished.

Alexandra Hotel

by 1 Comment

 

Esplanade, Oban, Argyll.

The Alexandra Hotel was situated on the esplanade within its own ground, on the north side of the bay of Oban. It was established in 1870 and accommodated one hundred guests. The hotel had many beautiful paintings and was frequented like all the Oban hotels by tourists.

In the coffee-room a specious apartment on the ground floor, was a painting of great value by Sir George Reid, president of the Scottish Academy; Hugh Cameron, R.A.; David Cox, Colin Hunter, Paul Chalmers, P. Graham, (who got £800 for his last Academy picture,) David Murray, Horatio McCulloch, surely a list of names to the delights of art lovers and connoisseurs.

James McGregor Manager of the Alexandra Hotel Oban 1895

Manager Mr James Gregor. 1895.

There were two grand apartments unique in their way in Scotland. These were the ladies drawing-room, a perfect dream of what a lady’s dainty taste would desire, the selection of the colours, and, in fact, everything, of the smallest detail, betokening thoughtful care and cultivated good taste. A cabinet in this room containing curious and very valuable articles of vertu.

The Smoking-room was decorated with old armour, a perfect Elderado to the antiquary; whilst, rarer still, one side of the room was devoted to coats of arms and heraldry, amongst which was an ancient herald’s coat, beautifully made of silk, with the white horse of Hanover woven upon it.

Everything that modern science can suggest for the comfort and convenience of its patrons was to be found in this magnificent establishment, while its design, situation, and architectural arrangements leave nothing to be desired.

Mrs McArthur, the worthy and well-known proprietrix took an active part in the running of the hotel and she was assisted by Mr James Gregor as manager who so ably filled his responsible position here for over nine years.

Knowing his business thoroughly in every detail, a modest, retiring, courteous gentleman, Mr Gregor was certainly the right man in the hotel and was enviably popular with many guests and towns-people, merchants and tradesmen with whom he came in contact with.

Pitstop

by 1 Comment

Manse Road, Newmains, Lanarkshire.

Pitstop sign

In the News 1972…

It’s All Go At This New Howff

Mining and car-racing have been associated with Lanarkshire since the turn of the century, so when a new tavern was about to be opened in Manse Road, Newmains, what could be more natural than to call it Pit Stop?

The name covers both interests, and, to give the new lounge and bar howff a bit of atmosphere, reproductions of racing cars dating from the beginning of the century until the present day have been hung on the walls of the plush new place.

The holding company of the new venture, which opens today, is West End Taverns, and under their banner they also have the Whistle in West Campbell Street, Glasgow, and the New Inn in Glengarnock. Food, entertainment, good atmosphere, and the personal touch, these are the ingredients which will go into making it one of the most popular howffs in the area.

Price Limit

Snacks will be available at lunchtime and in the evenings at prices which won’t frighten away the pangs of hunger. Manager Peter Devine, who’s had many years experience in the wine and spirit business, tells me that he will be putting a 50p maximum on the foodstuff. Peter says they will be only too delighted to give tenders for receptions, office outings, and wedding parties of up to about 150 people.

Over the festive period the Pit Stop will feature entertainment in their lounge every evening, but later only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. What I particularly like about the Lanarkshire licensing laws is that people are able to go into a lounge, listen to the music, and have a dance. They’re obviously a bit more liberal and sophisticated than they are in Glasgow.

Talent contest

The Pit Stop has a small dance floor, and Ian Weanie who plays electric organ, will be on stage as resident MC and will be accompanied by a guitarist. Peter says, “We intend making it into a place where folk can come along with their families and have a good night out. We will be having regular sing songs, and perhaps on Saturdays at lunchtime we’ll run talent contests with a small prize.”

The Pit Stop is a free house and the measure for spirits is the stomach-warming quarter gill. “We sell this measure throughout the organisation because we want to give the public value for money,” said Peter. Incidentally, his wife Rose will be looking after the lounge side of the business.

The Pit Stop, before it was given a £20,000 face lift, was a deserted building comprising four walls, a roof, and a floor. So much effort has gone into the plush new hostelry that the owners deserve to get off to a flying start.

Moray

by Leave a Comment

1978 .

Member of the Moray Licensed Trade Association 1978

Mr. John McLennan, president of the Moray Licensed Trade Association and owner of St. Andrews Hotel, Lhanbryde, near Elgin, receives a dram at a tasting arranged by Dewar’s for mambers during a social gathering that followd the association’s annual general meeting in Mr. McLennan’s hotel. The group also includes Mr. Eddie McAllister (front, third from left), a past president.