Hamilton Secretary of the Hamilton Licensed Trade Defence Association.
John Cassels, secretary of the Hamilton Licensed Trade Defence Assiciation, who was honoured by his professional and business friends on the occasion of the attainment of his jubilee as a law agent. 1933.
13 West Croft Street, Paisley and the Oakbank Hotel, Sandbank.
Mr James Cochran. 1889.
Mr James Cochran was a well known and respected wine and spirit merchant in the West of Scotland. His Royalty Bar was situated at the prominent corner of 13 South Croft Street and 11,12 West Croft Street, the business was founded in 1810. It was in the same years that the Glasgow, Paisley and Ardrossan Canal, as it was then called, was opened, and where, in the same years, eighty five people were drowned in the new water-way by the capsizing of an over laden top-heavy boat.
The Croft district has many historical interests. It was a place of importance when the eastern bank of the river, Newtown and Fifth Ward, was representative of pastoral beauty, enhanced by the presence of the ancient Abbey standing like a mighty sentinel guarding the peaceful calm. Near to Mr Cochran’s pub was the site of which the fastest steamers on the Clyde of their time, “The Lady,” “Brisbane,” “Lady Kelburne,” and others were built.
Almost opposite the west doors of the pub, was the famous shipbuilding yard of Messrs. Hannah, Donald & Wilson, on whose ground stood the four walls of what was once the Abercorn Theatre, a favoured home of Thespis for many years. In it the followers of the lyric and dramatic arts were wont to assemble to study the portrayals submitted by such artistes as G V Brooke, his wife Avonia Jones, Barry Sullivan, Sims Reeves, Kean and many other alike. It is perhaps noteworthy, also, that only a few weeks elapsed between Brooke’s last appearance in the theatre and the lamentable foundering of the steamship “London,” which event took him to his long account on 10th January, 1866.
Mr Cochran had been connected with the wine and spirit trade for over twenty five years. He did not sell whisky which he guaranteed was under three years old, his vintage brandies dated from the 1850s. His favourite champagne’s were Heidseick, Dry Monopole, Pommery and Moet & Chandon. He also stocked a great selection of wines.
Mr Cochran gained experience as a traveler, representative for Messrs. Wordie & Co., well known brewers of Petershill, Glasgow. He then undertook an agency from Messrs. Ayton Brothers, Eagle Brewery, Bishopbriggs and in 1888 represented in the West for Messrs., Whitelaw & Son, Fisherrow, Edinburgh. In January 1887, when the Joint Lines Railway improvements and new station buildings were proceeding, this part of the town was undergoing many structural and architectural alterations. Not to be behind, Mr Cochran resolved to pull down the old landmark, and a new block of buildings put in it’s place.
His new public house had all the newest equipment and furnishings, the high ceilings were painted in pale blue tint, edged with a grand cornice in terracotta, relieved by delicate tints and shades. The vestibule doors were made from the finest walnut with stained glass panels and fanlights of coloured glass. The interior woodwork was a work of art in yellow pine, carved in antique. The counter bar was a half horse shoe shape, with a most unique appearance away from the general run of bars. The spirit stock casks and bottle shelves were arranged along a mirrored back elevation. Running round the counter was the usual brass protection rod which was now becoming so popular.
During the day the bar was lit by the large windows, whilst at night, a brass rod, containing many jets and two 4-branch gasaliers, gave the place a warm light. A corridor ran from the bar giving entrance to the sitting rooms, and at the top was the spacious comfortable commercial room. The whole bar was indeed a triumph of workmanship, reflecting credit on each of the contractors. The building was erected under the presence of Mr Cochran’s son James C Cochran, who managed the Royalty Bar. Above the pub was the Cochran’s family home.
In 1877 Mr Cochran acquired the Oakbank Inn at Sandbank and after a refurbishment got a hotel licence. In 1887 James was elected president of the Paisley Wine, Spirit and Beer Trade Association to fill the position of the late Councillor Foulds. His son James C Cochran went on to run the Royalty Bar with great success.
222 Springburn Road corner of 1 Petershill Road, Glasgow. G21 1YL. Demolished.
Clark’s Bar sat on a prominent site at the corner of Springburn Road and Petershill Road, facing Sighthill Cemetery. The pub was established by wine and spirit merchant George Clark in the early part of the 1870s. George lived virtually next door at 226 Springburn Road with his wife and children. In 1897 George’s son George Walker Clark took over as landlord. A sign with the name George Clark with Wines & Spirits at each end of his name hung above the doorway, over the years George disappeared and the name Clark’s Bar replaced the old one.
Mr Clark moved home in 1880 to better accommodation to a grand family house, Crosshill Villa, Uddingston, before moving out to Dullatur.
Clark’s Bar was one of twenty pubs on Springburn Road. Springburn was very different than it is today, the streets were packed with people, there was no need to go into town for shopping, as Springburn had hundreds of family run shop.
During the First World War Isabella McMillan Clark, George’s wife took over the licence, she continued to do so until the end of the 1930s. Generations of the Clark family ran the pub for over seventy five years.
Many will remember Mr John A McBeath one of the last licensee of Clark’s Bar which was then owned by Usher’s the brewers, Mr McBeath also ran the London Road Tavern, London Road and the Old Straw House, Gallowgate. Clark’s Bar was demolished late 1970s.
It is interesting to know that Andrew Thomson who owned Thomson’s Bar got his training from Clark’s Bar.
Do you remember this old pub? If so please leave a comment.
END.
244 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. G1 2NG. Demolished.
This image from the 1930s shows Stones Ltd at 222 and on the left 224 Buchanan Street which was the site of the Clachan Bar.
Mr Marcus Calder Campbell owned this old bar in 1887, food was catered for as well as good quality liquor. The Campbell family served the locals here until 1913. The pub was then taken over by James Stenhouse, still keeping the Clachan Bar name. The pub closed for good in 1918. The following year it became the Reformer’s Bookstall.
Situated well up in this fashionable street the main bar which opened from Buchanan Street was spacious and luxuriously furnished, substantial armchairs lined the walls opposite the counter bar. The rear of the premises was used as a restaurant where snacks and dinners were served. The famous Glenalbyn blend of old Scotch whisky was dispensed here in all its purity. McEwan’s 126 shilling sweet ale was also served here.
Cut lemon was always on the counter and other titbits. Mr Campbell had other premises in 299 Argyle Street called the Glen Albyn.
There has been a pub on this site since 1880, occupied by landlord James Hunter. However there has been a licensed restaurant and dining rooms here since the 1860s. In 1887 Marcus C Campbell took over the pub, he continued as licensee until his wife took over the running of the business. She introduced a luncheon room at the rear of the premises which proved to be quite successful. Mr & Mrs Campbell were aided by their two sons who worked hard behind the bar during busy times and on summer holidays.
In 1887 Mr Campbell catered for the new Liberal Club in Glasgow, he had the opportunity of showing his skill and good management when the General Committee met at dinner in the Club house in Buchanan Street. The charge for the dinner was most moderate at 4 shillings.
The Menu…..
Consomme a Royale, De Poisson lie,
Cabillaud Sauce aux Hultres, Merian Frits,
Boudins de Lievre, Sauce au Vin, Haggis, Cotelettes de Mouton a la Macedoine,
Aloyan de Boeuf Roti, Legumes,
Perdreaux, Pommes de Terre Frits,
Poudin Diplomatique, Croutes a la Liberal Club,
Desert…
In 1886 Andrew MacGregor, wine and spirit merchant was running the pub, the name of the premises was the Lycern. Before this the property was used as a restaurant. In 1885 it was called the Caledonian Restaurant owned by Mr J Clark.
In 1860 Mrs Graham ran the restaurant and dining rooms.
Do you remember any of the old pubs on Buchanan Street? If so please leave a comment.
END.
