40 Fox Street, Glasgow. G1 4AU.
Check back soon for the history of this pub.
40 Fox Street, Glasgow. G1 4AU.
Check back soon for the history of this pub.
77 Finnieston Street, Glasgow.
In 1887 Samuel Blackstock had his small public house remodelled, which meant that 200 customers could now sit in comfort. The bar counter itself ran 26 feet long, beside this small rooms also known as snugs with high ceilings were set up. The pub like all the others were very busy especially when the Queen’s Docks was at the foot of the street.
Another landlord to run this pub was Robert Morrison, he took over in 1892 and made a good living from the pub, when he died his wife Louise took control of the business in 1915, the following year she sold up to James MacDonald.
There has been a public house on this site since 1853. James McBeath spirit merchant was the first to acquire the licence. However he only lasted a few years in this business until 1956.
In 1861 Duncan McVean was licensee he too only lasted a few years until 1863. In 1864 Mr Charles Scholefield traded here for less than a year before William Fleming took over. Again he lasted a few years too and sold up in 1868.
The next licensee was Joseph Rew, Joseph also owned a public house at 82 North Street and lived next door to that pub. He sold up in 1875.
John Colquhoun from 1875 to 1880. Hugh McNab from 1882 to 1885.
As above Samuel Blackstock owned the pub from 1887 until 1891.
Robert Morrison took over the pub from 1892 until the early 1900s. George Morrison was licensee in 1911.
James McDonald owned the pub from 1916 until the 1940s. One of the last publicans to run the pub was James Stirrat. The pub was demolished in the early part of 1960s.
License Holder. 1875 John Colquhoun.
4 Finnieston Street, Glasgow.
Mr John Douglas. 1901.
The Oriental bar, 4 Finnieston Street was one of twelve public houses on this old street. The pubs on this street were full of sailor’s, mariner’s, engineer’s, labourer’s from all over the world.
In 1853 Robert McLellan was the first publican to run this public house. The following year James Paterson, wine & spirit merchant acquired the licence. James resided with his family at 3 Minerva Street, Glasgow.
Mr Robert McLellan served the locals here until 1865.
Alexander McGregor was the next spirit merchant to take over this pub. Mr McGregor made a good living from this pub. He lived with his wife and family firstly at 123 Kent Street in the east end of the city before moving to better accommodation at 50 St Vincent Street. Alex McGregor sold up in 1877.
The next spirit merchant to run this pub was James Smith from 1878 to 1890.
From 1891 to 1895 Henry Skinner was the holder of the licence before well-known wine and spirit merchant John Douglas took over.
Mr John Douglas was a member of the Tradeston Defence Association in the early part of 1900s. He also owned pubs at 46 Cook Street, 465 Cathcart Road. Mr Douglas stayed as licensee until 1910.
Mr John Douglas was born in Florence Street off Cumberland Street in the Gorbals area of the city. He was educated at the local school and then on to Hutcheson’s School under Mr Thomas Menzies, F.E.I.S.
After leaving school he worked in some minor situations, but this was not for John. He then entered the service of the well-known firm of Messrs Mowatt Bros., flour importers, as a traveller and cashier, a responsible position and arduous position, in which he wrought not only in Glasgow, but the whole of the West of Scotland.
John remained in this position for seven years. He then went on to work for Colonel Menzies of “Auld Scottie” famed whisky. He left this firm after four years. He was entertained by Colonel Menzies and his wife, giving him many gifts for his hard work.
He then left Glasgow to work in London to represent the well-known firm of Messrs John Walker & Sons, Ltd, distillers, whisky and wine merchants and brokers of Kilmarnock.
John Douglas then got married to Miss Skinner, daughter of Mr Henry Skinner, one of the best known and most respected members of the trade. After being in London for over two years, hearing that his father-in-law was very ill and anxious to retire from active business life, Mr Douglas was induced to resign his position in London, returned to Glasgow.
He then purchased a public house at 465 Cathcart Road and 4 Finnieston Street. A week after opening the business in Glasgow his father-in-law died.
John was a strict businessman and attended his premises every day. John also managed as trustee of the late Mr Skinner public house at 46 Cook Street, which licence was also carried on in his name.
Mr Douglas was nothing if not social. He was much sought after by the promoters of Smoking concerns and other social gatherings, where his genial presence, capital song, and other flowing goof humour made him a welcome guest and acquisition.
John was a zealous Mason of “Athole” Lodge, no. 413, an old Oddfellow of Lodge “Queen Victoria”, and a prominent member of the Bank Burns Club, a member of the Wine, Beer, and Spirit Trade Benevolent Association, a bowler with the Cathcart Bowling Club.
He was also a proficient swimmer, fond of pictures and a keen cultivator of flowers.
David F Gunn then took over the business, David ran a successful pub here until 1931. Mr Gunn survived the depression of the WW1 which was very hard work during war times. Many pubs closed sometimes for two days because of the shortage of beer.
Michael Foley another well-known Glasgow wine and spirit merchant took over in 1932. Michael also owned the Oriental Bar in Govan Road.
In 1937 Alexander Grant was the licensee, Alex was still running this pub until the early 1940s.
William Gallagher ran the Oriental Bar from 1945 until around 1967, the pub was then demolished.
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In The NEWS 1965…
2 Jailed After Pub Robbery.
Two men were each jailed for nine months at Glasgow Sheriff Court, when they admitted assaulting and robbing a publican and his barmaid of £11 16shillings.
They are Frederick Owens 25 of 17 Kelvinhaugh Street, Finnieston, and Bernard O’Hara, Finnieston, Glasgow. The Court was told that Owens and O’Hara went into the pub at 4 Finnieston Street on the night of January 26th and after one pint of beer, they were asked by publican William Gallagher to leave as he thought they had to much to drink.
They did, but minutes later dashed back, and while Owens ran behind the bar counter O’Hara seized the publican and barmaid. Owens grabbed a handful of notes and coins and both men ran out.
Later they were seen fighting in Argyle Street and arrested. They were later identified by Mr William Gallagher and the barmaid. An agent said the men had been celebrating a win at the dogs and had to much to drink. The incident was not planned, he said, it came over them on a spur of the moment. They were found guilty.
Licensees…
1967-1945 William Gallagher.
1945-1937 Alexander Grant.
1933 Michael Foley.
1919-1910 David F Gunn.
1910-1898 John Douglas.
1895-1891 Henry Skinner.
1890-1878 James Smith.
1877-68 Alexander McGregor.
1865-54 James Paterson.
1853 Robert McLellan.
3-5 Florence Street, Gorbals, Glasgow.
This old Gorbals public house was originally owned by William Brechin jun in 1880 until 1930.
William Brechin & Son owned some of the best pubs in the city of Glasgow. William Brechin owned pubs on New City Road, Aikenhead Road at the corner of Calder Street now the Mire Bar and two pubs on the Gallowgate one at the corner of Graham Square the Tappit Hen and the other near the Barras at 170-74 Gallowgate. His son owned a pub on Govan Street now Ballater Street at the corner of South Wellington Street now Lawmoor Street and a pub on Candleriggs, many will remember this old pub as Granny Blacks.
To read more on the Brechin family keep an eye out for our second book here.
3 Forge Street, Glasgow. G21 2DQ.Tel: 01415528055.
The Glen. 1991.
To read the full history of this pub click here.
The Germiston Arms. 1930s.
The Glen with a new paint job. 2008.
The Glen is now Closed Down. June 2009.
ALSO SEE BIG GLEN.
10 Fortrose Street, Glasgow., G11 5NS.Tel: 01413397406.
Fiddlers. 1991.
Fiddlers Restaurant advert 1976.