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Bennet’s.

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40 Port Dundas Road, Glasgow.

Bennet’s Bar. 1963.

Bennet’s bar was named after licensee W J Bennet who ran the pub in the 1960s.

This was a very old establishment known for many years as Gilmour’s. James Gilmour took over the old pub in 1892 which was formerly occupied by Peter MacIndoe from 1875.

Mr. James Gilmour. 1903.

Mr Gilmour was born in the east end of the city and moved with his parents to Rothesay, where he received his education under Mr George Grant a well known and respected dominie of his time. There being no school board regulations in those days, young Gilmour started work in the spinning mills at the age of eight. Moving back to Glasgow in 1852, his first acquaintance with the trade was in Wellpark Brewery, Duke Street, where he worked for almost five years in the bottling department. He then moved to join the staff of James Dickson, bottling and aerated water manufacturer in Graham Square, off the Gallowgate. He then moved on to other bonded stores in the city, completing twenty five years in the liquor trade.

James then moved on to a new trade and directed his energies into an apprenticeship with John Nairn & Son, box makers, North Frederick Street, Glasgow. He was living in lodgings at Mary Wylie’s house in Dundas Street, she was a widow living with her three daughters and to make ends meet, she let three beds out. one to Mr Gilmour, Robert Simpson a joiner from Lesmahagow and James Lightbody a clerk in the spirit trade, he was an Englishman.

James acquired his first public house at 40 Port Dundas Road in 1892.

James Gilmour regularly spent summer holidays in Rothesay, the island where he was brought up as a boy. He was a member of the Royal Ash Lodge of Foresters and a member of John Street U.F. Church. He was also involved in the Benevolent, Defence and the St. Rollox Trade Associations.

James rented the property from the Caledonian Railway Company, he paid an annul rent of £32 for the pub in 1902.

John Alston. 1897.

Another well known spirit merchant to own the pub was John Alston, he was born in John Street, Glasgow and attended St. David’s School, when he left he entered into the butchering trade, in the employment of John McLardy. He left hear to join the staff at Moore Street, slaughter house where he remained for seven year. Very ambitious, he opened a butcher’s shop in Dalmarnock Road for five years. He left here to open his first public house at 69 Naburn Street, south side, he still dealt in the meat market in Moore Street while still attending the pub. He then opened another public house at 86 Port Dundas Road in 1897, gutting the old pub and installing brand new equipment and refurbishing the old premises.

This pub was demolished around 1912 and John acquired the licence for 40 Port Dundas Road shortly afterwards. John married Miss Clark, daughter of Andrew Clark, farmer, High Possil Farm, Bishopbriggs in the late 1880’s.

James O Omand on the left with barman on the right.

Thanks to Ronnie Omand for this image.

James O Omand was another well known publican in this pub, he ran the pub in the 1930s until the 1950s, he was also well known in the Popinjay Bar, Stockwell Street during the 1960s. James was a car fanatic, he was known to have a car for years, a novelty in those days, however on Sat 25th April 1959, he was stopped by a police officer outside the pub in Stockwell Street while driving his car under the influence. He was summoned to the sheriff court and convicted and fined £10, for driving a motor car registration number JWD901 while under the influence of drink to such an extent that he was incapable of proper control of the car.

Mr Omand kicked out a well known gangster in his pub many years ago. After he pushed the gangster out in the street there was a scuffle, Mr Omand then returned to serve his locals and one of the customers said ” James you a bleeding” Mr Omand put his hands on his throat and seen all the blood. The gangster had pulled out a razor and slashed James while he had a scuffle outside, the blade was that sharp he never felt a thing.

Trade personalities who attended the smoker dinner held at Belmont House, by the Cowcaddens Ward. 1962. left to right Mr G Ramster; Mr Hugh Doherty, Symposium Bar, Cowcaddens; Mr Neville Jones, Cross Keys, St. Peter’s Street; Mr John Dougan, Dougan’s Bar, Springburn Road; Mr Richard Lemon, Lemon Tree, Parliamentary Road, ward convener; Mr W J Bennet, Bennet’s, Port Dundas Road; Mr William B Gow, Bristol Bar; Mr James Lanagan, Maitland Street; Mr Thomas F Flynn, Mr Donald McNiven, Argyll Arms, Kennedy Street, Mr W J McDowall.

Facts…
Licence Holders.
1875 Peter MacIndoe.
1892-1912 James Gilmour.
1916 James Meichan.
1918 John Alston.
1937-1950 James Ogilvie Omand.
1960 W J Bennet.

Do you remember this old pub? If so please leave a comment.

END.

Ben Nevis.

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1147 Argyle Street, Glasgow. G3 8TB. Tel: 0141 576 5204.

Ben Nevis. 1991.

The Ben Nevis was closed down for many years but was refurbished in 1999.

Established in 1884 and owned by publican George Praugnell.

This part of Argyle Street was then Dumbarton Road. In 1893 this pub was known as “St Vincent Vaults.”

The Ben Nevis sits on the corner of Argyle Street and Carunna Street.

Ben Nevis 2007.

IN THE COURTS… 1911…

COURT CASE ROBERT WALKER 1147 ARGYLE STREET AND WILLIAM J McCREADIE 68 ELDERSLIE STREET FOR £300 DAMAGES OF INJURIES BY A TAXI CAB. Robert Walker wine and spirit merchant 1147 Argyle Street against William J McCreadie 68 Elderslie Street for £300 damages, in respect of personal injury. In May 1911 the pursuer was crossing Argyle Street when he was knocked down and seriously injured by a taxi cab belonging to the defendant. The pursuer said that had the driver of the cab entered Argyle Street at a moderate rate of speed and given warning of his approach the accident would not have happened. Further he failed to keep a proper look out and to have his car under proper control. The defender denied fault and pleaded contributory negligence. The jury after an absence of 50 min returned with an unanimous verdict of the pursuer and assessed the damages of £130.

Ben Nevis. 2007.

Interior view of the bar. 2018.

Facts…
Do you know anything about this pub or any other pub in the city?
If so please contact us and we will review your comments.
Other Licence Holders.
1991 K Fallon.
1970 Elizabeth Fallon.
1960 J McDonald.
1950-1937 Archibald McKechnie.
1920-1910 Robert Walker.
1910-1903 W & T Rattray.
1899 Robert Howard.
1895 George Sutherland.
1890 John McWalker.

Do you know anything about this pub? If so please leave a comment.

END.

The Bells.

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143 Springburn Way, Glasgow. G21 1DT. Tel: 0141 558 8941.

The Bells. 1991.

The Bells a prominent local in Springburn has been here since 1886 and known then as The Stevenson. Owner John Ramsay Stevenson was the first proprietor. Born in Shettleston in a house in Old Shettleston Road which had belonged to the family for hundreds of years, their landlords being the Lords Douglas.

There were two prominent occupations in the district, weaving and coal mining, Johns father William was a weaver all his days and lived to the ripe old age of 70 which was regarded as a long life in those days.

Mr John Ramsay Stevenson.

When John came to the city at an early age he was employed as cellar boy by Mr Wyper a well known publican in Glasgow but was soon managing one of the firms pubs. He left for a short while and joined the staff at a confectionery shop in the Saltmarket, this job didn’t fulfil his needs therefore saved a little money and borrowed from his father and friends to secure his first public house at 84 Ingram Street.

He went on to purchase pubs in 125-27 Green Street, Calton, eight years later, the Rob Roy Tavern in Argyle Street and 481 Springburn. He was assisted in business by his son William Walker Stevenson.

Mr Stevenson was an ardent freemason of lodge St. John’s, Shettleston, the Kenmure, Springburn and was a Royal Arch Mason of the lodge Cathedral.

In his spare time he loved the horses and dogs and played many musical instruments, he belonged to St. Rollox and Springburn Bowling Clubs, he was a keen curler in the Sir Colin Campbell Curling Club. John was also a prize winner in the old Scotch game of Quoits. He was also a very good musician and played several musical instruments, an enthusiastic Freemason and belonged to three lodges, St. John’s, Shettleston, no. 128; the Kenmore, of Springburn and is a Royal Arch Mason of Lodge Cathedral; he is further, perhaps, the oldest Mason of his age in Scotland. Belonging to St. Rollox and Springburn Bowling greens, he was a curler in the rinks of the Sir Colin Campbell Curling Club. A rare judge of horses and dogs; a prize taker at the old Scotch game of quoits.

In this prize winners group photograph was taken at the dinner dance and presentation of prizes held by the Glasgow Vintners’ Golf Section in the Grosvenor Restaurant. Left to right… Mr G McEntee, vice-president, Express Bar, winner of the Coronation Cup, presented by Joseph Dunn; D Ferrie, secretary, Bells Bar, winner of the Younger Putter; Ian Kennedy, captain, Morven Bar, winner of the McCall and Pringle Cup; Peter Smith, holding the Calder Rose Bowl on behalf of the winner, Raymond Strain; A Hanlon jun., with the McEwan Shield, won by his father, A V Hanlon, licensed grocer, Govan; R Mahan, Lomond Lounge, Lambhill, winner of the White Horse Cup; B McLaughlin, Town Tavern, Rutherglen, winner of the Vintners’ Tankard. 1962.

Donald Ferrie licensee of the Bells Bar, Springburn Road and Mrs Peter Smith. 1964.

The Bells Bar. August 2005.

2 interior views of The Bells. August 2005.

This popular bar in Springburn is very well run and serves one of the best pints in Springburn. During my visit to Springburn 2006, I went into Bell’s Bar and was welcomed by manager Peter Blair who has served in the bar for 21 years. He was a gent and very helpful. He seemed to have a very controlled pub which had a warm calm feel to it. I think it was a Monday afternoon when I arrived and couldn’t believe how busy the bar was.

Many thanks to manager Peter Blair.

Facts…
In 1899 Springburn Road had 18 public houses. This was not counting the Kelvin at the bottom of the Balgrayhill.

Do you know anything about The Bells bar? If so please leave a comment.

END.

Bells Bar.

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247-49 St George’s Road, Glasgow.

Bell’s Bar. 1964.

This was once called McBeth’s Bar in 1912 until after WW1. Alexander McBeth the proprietor moved here from across the road, where he had a public house from as early as 1891.

Before WW2 George Smith was landlord here, after the war Duncan Smith ran the pub. The last occupier of the premises was a lady called Elizabeth Boyle, the pub was finally demolished in the way of redevelopment when the new motorway was built in the early 1970s.

An Advert for Bells Bar found in Logan’s Theatrical Brochure 1962.

Bells Bar & Lounge. Offers the very best in Wines and Spirits plus an ideal luncheon service to the man in the street or the quick snack for the man in a hurry. Excellent meals served in tasteful surroundings. We cater for theatre parties 30-40 Monday to Thursday. Call now at 247-49 St. George’s Road, Glasgow, C3

THOSE WERE THE DAYS 1960: Maisie, the ‘personality girl’ at Bell’s Bar in Glasgow.

Maisie Malcolm. 1960s.

MAISIE Malcolm was described as “the personality girl behind the lounge bar” by the Evening Times when a reporter visited the newly-renovated Bell’s Bar, in Glasgow’s St George’s Road, shortly before Christmas 1960.

“I don’t know about personality,” Maisie said with a laugh, “but I do know that our clocks run on the correct time.” Ever since a customer had argued with her boss about closing-time one night (the pub’s clock was three minutes ahead of the customer’s watch), Maisie now made sure that she rang the speaking clock – TIM, as it was known back then – each 5pm to ensure that the pub was on the right time.

The lounge featured a fish tank populated by angel fish; the downstairs public bar had a ‘men only’ area, with stools arranged around the bar. A three-course meal could be served, for three shillings and threepence. The whiskies on offer included Lang’s Old Scotch Whisky and Crawford’s. At one point in the interview, Maisie told her boss, Mrs Boyle: “That’s another order for chocolate liqueurs.” The female reporter wondered aloud if this was a “seasonal palliative to soothe the wrath of the little woman waiting at home?” Not really, Maisie explained, but most men were in the habit of taking miniatures home with them – Drambuie, cherry brandy, gin, whisky. Thanks to Russell Leadbetter of the Glasgow Herald.

Bell’s Bar. 1964.

IN THE NEWS 1962…

NEW GARB…

Two years of work-on a £20,000 face-lift.

OLD FRIEND

Good food and service-with personal supervision.

Timed nicely for the Christmas and New Year season, one of Glasgow’s best known “hostelries” – Bell’s of St George’s Road – emerges in dazzling, new festive garb which has taken almost two years to complete.

And, it can be added, one that has cost around £20,000 to achieve – plus a lot of hard work and thinking on the part of the lively mainspring of the establishment, Mrs Elizabeth Boyle.

Mrs Boyle and her co-director, Mr David Wardlaw, with of course she help of experts, have achieved something of a minor miracle of transformation – one  that brings as additional sparkle to the vibrant bustle of life around St George’s Cross.

Advert for Bell’s Bar. 1960s.

This is not just another case of freshening up an old pub, it is a complete rejuvenation by almost complete reconstruction and reorganisation.

But, ingeniously, this has been contrived with the retention of some of the better features of the original establishment.

For in its time – to be a little “Irish” – the old place was ahead of its time.

That, many oldsters insist, was when it was amiably ruled over by that almost legendary Glasgow “mine host” Matthew Reid.

“In fact,” says Mr Wardlaw, “many older folk still refer to it as “Matt Reid’s pub.”

GENIAL HOST

Such was the permanence of the glow cast by that genial host of the old days whose success was due to a simple recipe of personal supervision, good food, drink, and equally good service.

And that, after all, might sum up what the new Bell’s aims to supply to-day.

Towards this end Mrs Boyle, who combines her trade experience with that of running a home made one of her main attacks on the kitchens.

They are now completely renewed and – most important – reorganised to produce good food, efficiently and quickly.

Incidentally, from to-morrow until Hogmanay special Christmas and New Year lunches, with all the trimmings, will be available.

Though Mrs Boyle is concentrating on lunches for the time being she may, in the future, decide to extend the catering side of the business to include evening meals.

“But,” she points out, “we are prepared just now to accept bookings from small parties of up to 50. In fact we intend to make a feature of that kind of thing.”

The upstairs premises are ideally suited for friendly little gatherings – three very attractive bars are cleverly placed to ensure that nobody goes thirsty for long. And space is available for the lounge capacity has been doubled.

SNACK SELECTION

Men in a hurry should know that a wide selection of snacks can be had in the huge public bar on street level.

This bar, by the way, is big enough to handle about 300 – with speedy service for all.

“It’s the largest place in the district,” pointed out Mr Wardlaw. But despite its size air conditioning ensures an inflow of fresh air with the extraction of fumes all the time.

Visually too, Bell’s is now a much more pleasing place. From the granite and ply-glass frontage surmounted by the large “BELL’S” sign – double-purpose, it admits daylight to the farthest corner of a large airy lounge there is a lulling harmony of decor.

Full use has been made of wrought iron, wild cherry, oak, and teak to achieve, with the diffused lighting and decoration, an elegant yet essentially welcoming establishment where the CLOCKS ARE ALL AT THE CORRECT TIME. So here, full marks to the firms involved in this re-emergence, J. and R.D. Johnston, the main contractors; Boyle and Brown, electricians, of St George’s Road, and Cosmos Decorators, of Ashley Street.

It was, incidentally, Clarence Elder of Cosmos, who pained for Mrs Boyle the attractive mural for the smaller upstairs lounge. Unofficially entitled “Treble Chance” it brings a glimpse to the cosy lounge of what one might enjoy if one were lucky enough to win that pot of gold.

Mrs Elizabeth Boyle. 1962.

“MINE hostess with the mostest” – that description could fit Mrs Elizabeth Boyle, the dark-haired, bright-eyed little woman who makes Bell’s ring out such a pleasant message.

But one must add that though Mrs Boyle dispenses the “go” and “know how” to the St George’s Road business she is little in evidence, spending most of her time in her office organising the successful and harmonious running of the place.

Harmony is this sense is more than usually important, she emphasises, adding “I have a very Pleasant staff.”

It is not surprising that Mrs Boyle has such an expert understanding of “the trade” when one remembers she was secretary to that “Grand Old Man” of whisky, Duncan MacLeod, of Skeabost.

“Yes, I was with him from 1938 until 1949,” she said, “and very happy years they were too. He was, as nearly everyone knows a very considerate and generous man.

4000 BOTTLES

“Even after he died,” she added, “I retained a business connection with the MacLeod family until last year.” Many people, particularly Service men, will remember MacLeod of Seabost’s generous “hand-out” of whisky to serving men passing through Glasgow during the Christmas seasons of 1944 and 1945.

To qualify for a bottle the Service men were expected to be Scottish, and they got their whisky for £1. About 4000 bottles were given away at that price. “Quite apart from the price at all,” said Mrs Boyle. “whisky at that time was practically unobtainable, so you can imagine with what delight they came to claim it.

“I can remember the queues outside the Bath Hotel, which Mr MacLeod then owned.” It was Mrs. Boyle who was responsible for organising that exercise in benevolence – that alone should endear her to those men-at-arms of nearly 20 years ago.

Facts…
In the 1960s The Bells Bar / Lounge had a popular resident band called “The Cousins” they played Country & Western style Music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

END.

The Bells Bar.

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575 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 2AS. Closed Down.

Bells Bar. 1991.

In 1892 this old Govan local was called Paterson’s, owned by Mrs Janet Paterson. This lady also owned another public house at 43 Albert Street / Windsor Street, Govan. Albert Street was later changed to Orkney Street.

Manager of the pub for many years was Mr Donald Ross, pictured below.

Thanks to Douglas Ross for sending this image of Mr Donald Ross.

More images of Bells Bar below.

Email stated…

Hi John, I wonder if you could help me or offer me advice on where to look for the relevant info.
My Great Grandfather was Donald Ross who was the manager of the still current Bells Bar around the late 1800’s and/or early 1900’s. Family folkelore tells me that he also ran another pub in Govan, but don’t know which one. Apparently his older brother Robert was also in the trade and could have worked at either of these pubs.
Donald worked for the Wine and Spirit Merchant – Mrs Paterson. Donald died in December 1918 at the age of 54, after an sinus operation went wrong [chloroform] in the ENT Hospital in Elmbank Street, Glasgow.
I suppose I’m just looking for documented evidence of this and wonder where to look, i.e. Mitchell Library.
You are welcome to use this photo on the ‘Bells Bar’ web page together with the fact that Donald was manager. Would you be able to ‘post’ this message on your website in the hope that one of your readers may know something? It would be great to know the years he worked there and the name of the other pub he ran – maybe you can get this from Mrs Paterson’s records as she probably owned the other pub in Govan as well.
Anything you can find out would be greatly appreciated.

Do you know anything about Bell’s Bar or Mr Donald Ross? If so please do get in touch. Cheers.

Mr Donald Ross, manager of Bell’s Bar.

The Late Mr Donald Ross. 1918.

Mr Donald Ross was perhaps the best known member of a well-known and highly respected family of brothers and sisters who at different periods came from the extreme north of Scotland (Caithness-shire) and became located in Govan, identifying themselves in different ways with the trade and life of the burgh.

Mr Ross was associated with his brothers as responsible and trustworthy servants of the Clyde Trust in their cross-river ferry traffic, for a number of years. He later entered the services of Mrs Paterson, wine and spirit merchant, and acted in the responsible capacity of manager for a long terms of years.

He became exceedingly well-known to a large number of townsmen, and by all was held in the highest respect. Mr Ross for a considerable time had not enjoyed robust health, but his death following an operation in a nursing home, came as a shock to most of his wide circle of friends.

Mr Ross was of a rather brusque nature, but few were more kindly, and his genial presence will be much missed by a wide circle. Mr Ross was a member of the Free Church of Scotland, and a brother of Masonic Lodge Govandale, 437, who were represented at the funeral by deputation, and Rev. Mr King, chaplain, conducted service at the grave. Much sympathy was shown to Mrs Ross and family in their bereavement.

Update 2018…

Bells Bar is now Closed Down and look like it will not reopen.

Facts…
In 1899 there were 30 pubs sitting on Govan Road.
Licence Holders.
1990 Bernard Sweeney.
1971 William Little.
1960 John Dunbar.
1919-1892 Janet McNish or Robertson.

Do you have any memories of Bells Bar? If so please leave a comment.

END.