Old Glasgow Pubs

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Auchinairn Tavern

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137 Auchinairn Road, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow. G64 1NF. Tel:014 1772 1399.

Auchinairn Tavern, 1991.

The Auchinairn Tavern was in the Ross family for over half a century. The tavern was refurbished in 1955, two sitting rooms on either side of the main bar were removed to make more room and give the place a new layout. Fluorescent lighting was also introduced. A modern cocktail bar and lounge was also added to the rear of the premises.

The bar to the left had a mirrored gantry, illuminated by concealed lighting. The wood panelling was highly polished with red and chrome beer pumps on the formica topped bar. A glass panelled roof over the bar concealed coloured lights with five lantern lights.

Interior view of the Auchinairn Tavern, 1955.

The wall seats were of red leather with oblong tables and small stools also in red leather. A red carpet with cocktail motifs covered the lounge floor. A glass brick wall divided the lounge from the entrance. A new fireplace was also fitted to give a warm feel to the place during winter evenings.

Facts…
Licence Holders.
Flora M Ross was licensee in 1955.

Do you know anything about this pub? if so please get in touch.

END.

The Atholl Arms

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134 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3AU.Tel: 01413322541.

Atholl Arms
The Atholl. 1990s.

In the 1920s this was known as The Criterion Restaurant.

In 1931 John McDougall took over, for many years John was licensee of the Empire Buffet Bar in West Nile Street. On the death of Mr McDougall the licence was transferred to his daughter.

The Atholl has been set on fire a few times since, but its now a trendy café bar in close proximity of the Pavilion Theatre and the Glasgow Herald and Evening Times office.

During the Second World War Miss McDougall was Licensee, the Atholl Arms as it was then known filled thirty four collecting boxes for the Navy League Comforts Fund, a total of £102 2 shillings and 6 pence was raised. This was due to the grand work of Mrs Edith Cane, she worked in the Atholl for many years.

On the outbreak of the war Mrs Cane was serving as a stewardess on the British liner which was sunk by an enemy surface raider while on route for India. When the Captain ordered ABANDON SHIP the enemy continued to fire, shelling many of the lifeboats killing and wounding many soldiers.

During the six days and nights on the lifeboat Mrs Cane attended the wounded and for her outstanding services she received the Brave Conduct Badge and the Oakleaf Emblem.

Before the war Mrs Cane was employed by Mr Matthew Hendry, in the Wellington Bar, Wellington Street.

The Wellington Bar was opposite the old Waterloo Rooms and next to the famous Alhambra Theatre.

When she went to sea Mr Hendry and the customers presented her with a gold watch which she unfortunately lost on her thrilling wartime voyage.

interior of the Atholl Arms

The Atholl Arms was refurbished in 1968. The first pint was pulled by comedian Johnnie Beattie.

Exterior view of the Atholl Arms 1960s
The Atholl Arms 1960s.

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In the NEWS 1978…

Atholl Arms interior 1978

The Atholl Arms in Renfield Street is a typical Glasgow pub with a warm and cosy atmosphere. The pub was closed for two months while it was given a complete face-lift inside and out, and reopened just under two weeks ago.

Mr Sandy Chalmers has been mine host at the Atholl Arms for twelve years now and takes pride in being on first name terms with all his regular customers. He is particularly pleased with the interior decoration of the pub and feels that the warm red upholstery makes customers feel really at home.

The Atholl Arms has always provided snacks, and this service has been reintroduced since the pub reopened.

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Atholl 2007
The Atholl. 2007.

Facts… 

In 1899 there were 10 pubs on Renfield Street.
This part of Glasgow was once known as Theatreland. Situated across the road from the Pavilion Theatre. This pub was once known as the Atholl Arms.
In 1968 the Atholl Arms had a face lift. Owners Scottish Brewers for the first time used outside experts rather than their own furnishing department for the job. Interior designer John McNeece a partner of Design Analysis captured a wonderful atmosphere by using subtle shades of damsons and scarlets and diffused lighting.
Main contractors were McIvor Shopfitters Ltd.
Manager Mr Sandy Chalmers
Licence Holders.
1930s-1950s MacDougall family.
1960 William H Devlin.
1973 Alexander Hood Chalmers.
1990 Paul Pender for Scottish Brewers.
Image of Mrs Edith Cane
Mrs Edith Cane

The Ashfield

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404 Hawthorn Street, Ashfield Greyhound Stadium, Glasgow. G21 6PR. 

The Ashfield, 1991.

This was a great place for a cabaret, Glen Daly was one of the famous entertainers here for a long time.

Situated on the grounds of Ashfield Greyhound Stadium, this is handy for punters winners or losers after a night at the dogs.

In the News 1971…

The Ashfield Club in Glasgow will make Clubland history this year – by staging their own summer show.

The show – the first of its kind ever to be run in a club in Britain – will last for three or four month, starting sometime in June.

It will have a regular cast of three, Glen Daly, Helen Randell and Hector Nicol, with a well-known guest act being featured at every weekly change of programme. The band will move to the front of the stage and the whole stage will be used for the productions. Sets and costumes will hired and there is already sufficient changing room accommodation. The weekly changes will involve a tremendous amount of script.

In the News 1972…

Glen Daly, promoting the Ashfield Club in 1972.

In the News 1972…

On stage at the Ashfield.

Moira Kerr, a lass who has built up a solid reputation in Scottish Clubland, is being featured at the Club next month.

She will be on stage one night a week for the month, and starts on the first Friday in May. This Sunday at the Ashfield they have Welsh singer Allan Davis doing a lunchtime show, and in the evening they feature comedian Hector Nicol, singer Jan Douglas and a comedy, magic drag act who go under the name Burdon and Moran.

The Ashfield Club 1990s.

Facts…
Do you know anything about this pub? if so please get in touch.
Hawthorn Street started at the junction of Springburn Road, were the Boundary Bar once stood. Formerly known as Eastmuir Street.

END.

Arthur’s

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55 Kingston Street, Glasgow. G5. Closed Down.

Arthur’s Bar, 1991.

There has been a pub on this site since 1863. James Alexander took over this pub in 1893 it stayed in the Alexander family until the 1960s. This pub has also been known as Alexander’s, The Ship and McGill’s. Now closed down and used as a store for an Asian shop.

The Alexander’s also had a pub on Bridge Street this pub is now known as the Laurieston.

James Alexander was born on a farm in Raisemill, Inverkeilor, Forfarshire. James entered the licensed trade when he was 14 years of age under Mr John McIntyre, spirit merchant in Arbroath. His next move was to Dundee and entered the wholesale wine trade where he remained until 1889. When James came to Glasgow he was employed by Robert Bowes, first in his pub in North Frederick Street and was then promoted to manager of Bowes pub in Caledonia Road, Gorbals. Alexander left here in 1891 to manage the Strathendrick Vaults now Dows in Dundas Street.

When Mr & Mrs McGill took over the pub in the early 1990s they served homemade mince & Tatties, hot pot and soup in the winter afternoons.

James Alexander was a member of the Wine Spirit & Beer Trade Association, a keen freemason, in his spare time he loved bowling and cycling.

McGill’s Bar,  early 1990s.

Facts…
Do you know anything about this pub? If so please contact us.
Kingston Street was formerly known as King Street. In 1899 there were 8 pubs on this street.
Licence holders.
1991 Jeanette McGill.
1978-1966 Margaret McQuade or Healy or McArdle.
1960 Alfred James Alexander (trustee), he also had pubs in Paisley Road West and Argyle Street.
1950-1893 James Alexander, he also had a pub at 58 Bridge Street. Mr Alexander resided at Aberbrothick, Eglinton Drive, Giffnock.
1893-1879 Thomas Cuthbertson.
1878-1863 Robert Horn.

END.

Arlington Bar

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130 Woodlands Road, Glasgow. G3 6HB. Tel :0141 572 5921.

The Arlington Bar. 1991.

There’s been a pub on this site since 1860 operated by William Allan, William had 2 other pubs one on Shamrock Street and the other on Smith Street Whiteinch.

James Lindsay took over the business in 1887. James was one of Glasgow’s well known publicans, he owned the Sou Wester Vaults on Bridge Street, he had other pubs on Blackburn Street and McLean Street. James Lindsay was also an agent for the “The Palace” which was a brewery company in Edinburgh. United Breweries was registered as a limited company on 14th December 1889 and took over four Edinburgh brewing businesses, Robert Disher & Co, Edinburgh & Leith Brewery, Ritchie & Son Bell’s Brewery, Robin MacMillan & Co Summerhall Brewery and David Nicolson Palace Brewery at a purchase price of £320.000.United Breweries went into Liquidation around 1934.

There is a large advertising mirror in the Sou Wester for The Palace Brewery, with James Lindsay as agent.

Charles Sweeney took over the Arlington Bar in 1958.

Left to right Mr A Ferry of the Alamo, Mr J Devlin, the Oxford, Mr T McEntee the Express Bar and Mr Charles Sweeney at the Vintners Golf Club function in Glasgow 1966.

Also see E Smyth.

Golfing Vintners’ Big Night Out.

The Glasgow Vintners Golf Club’s annual dinner and dance and presentation of prizes in the Eagle Lodge, Bishopbriggs, was a tremendous Success.

Pictured shows a group of prizewinners. from left Charles Sweeney, Arlington Bar (Captain’s Prize); Jack Devlin, Oxford Bar (Cantrell & Cochrane Cup); John Boyle, Waverley Bar (Queen Anne Trophy); Tony Ferry, Alamo Bar, Paisley (Silver Stag and Club Championship); Hugh McLaughlin, Ascot Bar (Dunn & Moore Coronation Cup); Peter Smith Shedden’s Bar (Skol Cup); Bill Martin, Calypso Bar (Vintner’s Tankard); Eddie Smyth, Anvil Bar (The Younger Putter); Ian Kennedy Molls Mire(The Brady Trophy).

Facts…
1991-1958 Charles Sweeney
1950-1936 James McAinsh Thompson.
1935 James Lindsay, Mr Lindsay resided at Magdala, Carrick Road, Ayr.
In 1899 James Lindsay was paying an annul rent of £ 90.00.
1886-1880 R Jackson, he also ran a small pub in Claremont Street.
18751873 J & R Jackson.
1872-1860 William Allan, Mr Allan also conducted pubs in Shamrock Street, and Smith Street, Whiteinch.

END.

Argyle Tavern

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92 Main Street, Baillieston, Glasgow. G69 6SL. Tel: 0141 573 0110.

Argyle Tavern. 1991.

Argyle Tavern. 2005.

The last time I was in the Argyle Tavern you could smell the disinfectant from the street at 10 paces away. The place is very clean, however the toilets were not. The bog  smelt clean enough but there was broken tiles and a few cockroaches running about.

Facts…
Baillieston had always been well catered for in terms of public houses, the Main Street has some of the oldest established pubs in the city.

END.