225-35 North Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow. G3 7DL.
The Cross. 2005.
In recent years this pub has had numerous names, so many I can’t remember them all. If you can please let us know.
This pub was also called The Berkeley after the Cross Bar.
241 North Street, Glasgow. G3 7DL. Tel: 01412264419.
The Ritz Bar. 1991.
In 1890 John Gemmell ran Gemmell’s Bar at this address. John Gemmell was a well known and respected publican in Springburn having Gemmell’s Vaults at the bottom of the Balgrayhill Road many will remember this old pub as the Kelvin Bar. Mr Gemmell traded as a publican at the bottom of the Balgrayhill since 1869, he then ran a pub at 327 Parliamentary Road from 1881. “Gemmell’s” special blend of old Scotch Whisky was sold on the premises along with “Highland Park” malt whisky which retailed at 3d a gill.
The pub was sold in 1903 to Thomas Dunbar, his son Michael then took over the business, he was a well known figure in the licensed trade on the Gallowgate, he ran 3 pubs in the 1890s all called “Dunbar’s” his first pub was at 429 Gallowgate, then 32 Main Street, Bridgeton and then 72 Gallowgate. Mr Dunbar later opened another pub at Reid Street, Bridgeton.
Marguerita Dunbar then took control the the business in 1920 until the outbreak of the Second World War. Miss Kathleen Dunbar then took over the licence and traded under the name of K Dunbar Wines & Spirits Ltd.
Scottish & Newcastle then took over and completely refurbished the interior and exterior, today the old cast iron pillars and the richly decorated plaster cornices are the only surviving features of the old pub.
The Ritz Bar 1980s.
The Ritz Bar, Octobert 2005.
225-233 North Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow. (formerly the Berkeley).
In the NEWS 1976…
GO TO BLAZES.
Two Glasgow business men have joined forces in a new venture which looks like being a surefire success.
Whisky broker Terry Alvis and Franco Fraioli, a restaurateur and chef, decided some time ago that Glasgow was short on smart nightspots. Explained Mr Alvis, “As a whisky broker I often have business clients from abroad. One likes to impress by giving them a good night out, but it was becoming difficult to find places where I could prove to them that Glasgow is a go-ahead city.”
So he and Mr. Fraioli embarked on a lengthy search which led them to the Berkeley at Charing Cross.
It has been in the hands of one family for 50 years when the duo took it over last April (1975). They never closed (although the restaurant was shut, the successful functions side of the business continued) while tremendous alterations and massive redecoration took place.
Finally Mr. Alvis and Mr. Fraioli opened the doors of their smart new restaurant and bars complex last month and called it Blazes. “This is not,” emphasised Mr Alvis, “because we wanted to attract young trendies. We don’t. Blazes is a sophisticated concept, where the finest of food and entertainment is provided in attractive surroundings.
“We chose the name mainly because of the flambe cooking we offer, our headwaiter is a wizard with lamp cooking beside the diners’ tables.” He showed me round Blazes and I was particularly impressed with the Tramps Bar, which has been designed as a tribute to Charlie Chaplin.
LUXURIOUS
Said Mr Alvis, “The whole place is on a theatrical theme of one kind or another.” The Tramps Bar has some superb Charlie Chaplin drawings and opened umbrellas cover the ceiling. To keep up the sophisticated image. Blazes aren’t allowing under 21s in their bars and they insist that patrons must be smartly dressed. No tramps, in fact.
The Theatre Bar is luxurious with a Victorian atmosphere and Scottish Opera prints. But in the two restaurants they have really gone to town.
International cuisine features in the a la carte restaurant, quality named “Bottom’s” after the Shakespearean character.
Interior of Blazes. 1976.
The neighbouring restaurant, which also houses the stage and band, has table d’hôte menu, which is changed weekly and incorporates such mouth-watering dishes as veal atrogano’f. Although food has top priority, entertainment is important.
Mr Alvis raves about young singer Donna Reid, an “Opportunity Knocks” find, who is featured with Blazes’ own Tramps Trio.
FUNCTIONS
There is almost all-week-round entertainment. On Tuesday, Radio Clyde’s Frank Skerret holds his own chat and music show, which is fast becoming a favourite night out for women’s groups. On Wednesday it’s the turn of modern country ‘n’ Western group The Hay-riders, and, to round the week off, there are dinner dances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The long-established function side of the Berkeley isn’t forgotten. “We have bookings as far ahead as January 1978,” I was told all we can cater for parties from 40 to 120.”
Blazes advert 1976.
Another advert from the same year.
In the News 1978…
Beauty Of A Late Nightcap…
Like Cinderella these three lovelies have until midnight to charm the menfolk of Glasgow… thanks to the licensing court.
The girls, Elaine McIntyre (21), Joy Cadbury (18), and Marilyn MacIntosh (21)- work as waitresses at Blaze’s restaurant, which is the first place in the city to be granted a bar licence until midnight.
Owner of the restaurant, Teri Alvis, was overjoyed with the new licence, which will start operating from tomorrow. “After years and years of trying to improve the night life of Glasgow I am very happy to have the assistance of the licensing court,” he said.
Blazes advert 1978.
Read More On Glasgow’s Old Restaurant’s.
Do you remember this old establishment? If so please leave a comment and we will post your review.
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