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552 Gallowgate, Glasgow.

Fourways, 552 Gallowgate, corner of Abercromby Street. 1970s.

There has been licensed premises on this site since 1838, the small shop was licenced as a grocers and a spirit dealers, owned by Neil McLean and then by Hugh McLean in 1840.

A well known Glasgow wine and spirit merchant James Shirra took over the building in 1843. In 1870 James Shirra was living at 93 Dale Street, Bridgeton, ten years later he was living at 526 Gallowgate near to where the pub sat.

James Shirra continued to serve the locals here until 1888, the pub was then sold to Robert Graham that same year. Robert Graham & Sons was once one of the biggest pub owners in Glasgow having pubs at 131 Broad Street, 552 Gallowgate, 251 Gallowgate, 5 Marlborough Street, 37-45 Saltmarket, 1-3 Saltmarket, 18 Graeme Street (Bell Street), Paisley Road, Bridge Street and Moore Street. Robert Graham also owned Barrowfield Bakery, 7 Bridgeton Cross, and offices at 30 London Street.

Robert resided at Garfield House, Stepps Road, Robert D Graham was bookkeeper at the Bakery at 37 Bridgeton Cross, he resided at 3 Somerville Place with his brother John D Graham. David Graham worked very close to his father at 30 London Street (London Road), Glasgow Cross, he lived at Annesley, Uddingston.

The companies old premises started to fall into ruin and most of them were demolished during the 1920s due to the City Improvement programs.

However this old pub stayed opened until the mid 1970s. During the 1950s the pub was known as the Bankhead Bar, Patrick J McMenamin took over the pub in 1963, he was the last publican to run the pub before it was demolished.

Other names this old favourite local has been known as: Shirra’s, Robert Graham & Sons, Step Inn, Bankhead Bar, and The Fourways.

Party at the Fourways, advert 1975.

To read the full story of Robert Graham & Sons check out our book here.

To read more on the pubs on the Gallowgate read up & Doon the Gallowgate by John Gorevan. A copy can be bought for a few pounds at the Hielan Jessie on the Gallowgate or contact me at[email protected]