Hamilton

23 Chapel Street, Hamilton.

Robert Lauchlan. Wine & Spirit Merchant.

Thank to Mr Tyre.

Hamilton.

Mr Oliver dancing with Miss Hamilton. 1972.

The scene at the opening of Oliver’s Inn, Hamilton, when guests lined up behind the bar. They are from left to right; Mr A Brown (Cadzow Vaults); Mr R Crozier (Tennents Caledonian Breweries); Mr J Smith (Chatteringhall Hotel); Mr G Keir (guest); Mr S A McDonagh (Scottish and Newcastle Breweries); Mr A Shepherd (Kilglass Wine and Spirits); Mr and Mrs J Oliver (proprietors); Miss Julie Hamilton (who performed the opening ceremony); Provost Robert Sherry of Hamilton; Mrs and Mr A Beaton (manageress and manager); and Mr W Minnican and Mr A MacPherson (Westlers.)

Fairhill, Hamilton.

Interior view of the Mill Inn, Hamilton. 1961.

This pub was owned by Scottish Brewers in the 1960s.

Hamilton.

Group of friends at Lachie MacMillan’s New Bar, Hamilton. 1957.

This photograph was taken at the opening of Lachie MacMillan’s New Bar, Hamilton. Left to right: J H MacLaren (W. H. Chaplin & Co., Ltd.); B Robertson (Samuel Dow., Ltd.); G Maguire and W T Doherty (Thomas Usher); Lachie MacMillan; W G R Wright (Standfast); W McIvor (Johnnie Walker); C W Stewart (Haigs); R W Hardie (W & A Gilbey.)

Hillhouse, Hamilton.

The Hillhouse, Hamilton. 1962.

Designed and built to blend with the housing development carried out at the Hillhouse scheme in Hamilton. “The Hillhouse,” built by Thomas Usher and sons Ltd., the latest of their modern and commodious “new style” public houses, was officially opened by Provost Adam Russell in January 1962.

The Hillhouse development already had a population of two to three thousand, with no licensed premises in the community.

Those present included Mr I G Donaldson, managing director, and Mr G Bagley, Director of Ushers Ltd. Well-known West of Scotland entertainer Nicky Kidd was acting as resident manager for the owners. Mr and Mrs Kidd lived in a five apartment house above the premises.

Extending a personal welcome to Provost Russell, Mr Donaldson said the company’s policy was to provide “Pleasant and commodious premises.” The Hamilton premises were the latest of a number of “new style” public houses being erected throughout Scotland.

Internally the building had a large public bar with an island fixed seating unit for 50 people; a medium sized lounge bar; a reception room for weddings and parties with accommodation for 120 guests; two cocktail bars and reception hall. The premises were centrally-heated throughout.

The Hillhouse bar had its own wine shop outside the public house proper, and a large forecourt providing plenty of parking space. The premises took approximately eight months to complete.

Here are four images of the Hillhouse Bar interior views.

The Public Bar.

The Lounge.

The Lounge Bar.

Function room and cocktail bars.

62 Townhead Street, Hamilton.

Circles advert 1978.