457 Sauchiehall Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow. G2 3LG. Tel: 0141 352 7970.
The Hall. 2005.
The Hall Tel: as above.
The Hall. 2008.
457 Sauchiehall Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow. G2 3LG. Tel: 0141 352 7970.
The Hall. 2005.
The Hall Tel: as above.
The Hall. 2008.
1578-82 Paisley Road West, Glasgow.
The Old Half-Way House. 1960s.
The old Half Way House was demolished around 1964. Manager of the premises before it was demolished was Mr Carmine di Giacomo.
The Old Half-Way House Inn. 1893.
The Half-Way House Village had a peculiarly interesting history and one of the most interesting buildings in it, the “Old Half-Way House Inn.” The village is half way between Paisley and Glasgow, and is hedged in by some of the best scenic splendors that can be seen in the West of Scotland. Crookston Castle is in the immediate neighbourhood, and the grim tradition that have been handed down from generation after generation have given the fictionist abundant material out of which he has woven romance. There is hardly a village in Scotland that can boast of so old an hostelry as the Old Half-Way House Inn. A stone in the front wall of the original house bears the date of 1608.
Some of the older inhabitants related many stories that make the blood pulsate quicker in the veins of the listener. It recalls to one’s mind the times when pedestrians were robbed and mail-coaches ransacked, in fact, it brings one back to the twilight of northern civilization. Many alterations have been made in the building, but substantially it remains what it was a hundred years ago. It was one of the best equipped and appointed inns that can be met with, and there is no lack of custom, no matter how unpropitious the time. On the ground floor alone there were eight apartments, while upstairs were five more. Attached to the house there was a large garden and a number of outside buildings.
One of the stories that one heard related of this ancient house, because it has the merit of being true. The incident occurred back at the beginning of the 1800s. It was on a dismal night in the December of 1800, two individuals entered the Old Half-Way House Inn and ordered refreshments. They were sweethearts, and when the refreshment’s were partaken of, the gentleman said in a jocular way to the woman, “You must stand this after me escorting you so far on the road.” “Certainly,” said the maid, and produced at the same time a guinea-note, which were in circulation at the time. The gentleman before handing it to the host scribbled his name on the back. When the change was returned, the man sat down a shilling in payment for the refreshments, and remarked that he was only joking about the money, and the girl, at the request of her sweetheart, was handed back the paper note. The girl was on her way to serve at one of the neighbouring farms, and her sweetheart had come all the way from Glasgow to convoy here there. After escorting his sweetheart to her new situation he returned to the Half-Way House Inn, and indulged in a fresh glass of liquor. While partaking of the beverage two men, excited and suspicious-looking, appeared at the bar. They presented a quinea-note for drinks. The sweetheart who had gone to the farm had that quinea-note in her possession when they parted, besides his autograph on the back. He recognised the note while standing at the bar, and at once insisted on the doors being closed. This request was immediately conceded to him, and a number of labourer’s arrived on the scene. There was the usual bustle and the two men were arrested and within a very short time the body of the girl was discovered within half a mile of the inn. In due course the men were tried and convicted, and their remains, while some alterations were being made in that grim churchyard in Jail Square for the bodies of murderers and other criminals, were entombed and identified. The foregoing is only one story of the many associated with the Old inn. Mrs Hunter the proprietor in 1893, was admirably adapted to carry on the extensive business that is done at the inn. The traditions of the Old Half-Way House Inn will not be allowed to suffer while she is in occupancy. She took a deep interest in the legendary lore of the district and can narrate a story with pith and power. Of a genial, kindly disposition, she is held in the highest esteem in the district.
Ibrox is half a mile from Glasgow and another mile brings the pedestrian to the Old Half-Way House Inn. There was two inns in the district, but the Old Half-Way House claims the largest patronage. A little behind the present house there is the original one, which bears the date of 1608.
239 North Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow. G3.
Halcyon. 2003.
Over the last few years this pub has tried to attract customers from the very busy Ritz Bar next door and has failed. It has now closed down, it was formerly known as the Jed Bar a Star Wars themed bar, the pub was flooded a few times before it closed it’s door.
1344 Duke Street, Glasgow. G31 5QG.
Hiccups. 1991.
also see Duke of Touraine Tollcross Road.
This popular bar and restaurant was originally opened as the Duke of Touraine.
Advert for the Duke. 1970.
What the News said in 1970…
I paid my first visit to the Parkhead district last week – to call on the Matteo family, whose Duke of Touraine restaurant was officially opened yesterday by actor John Cairney.
I really didn’t know quite what to expect as I eyed the drab buildings en route. What I found was something akin to an oasis in a desert. Tucked away among the industrial buildings, the workyards, and the tenements there is an absolutely charming licensed restaurant run by an equally charming family – father, mother, two sons, and two daughters.
They’ve all got their own jobs to do they work with a team spirit to be admired. “The Duke of Touraine” is a new name to be seen at 1342 Duke Street, but the Matteo family certainly aren’t new to the area, or to the catering trade, for that matter. Father Robert Matteo bought the premises about eight years ago for his sons to run. At that time consisted of a snack bar and a bakery. “But,” says elder son Tony, “that wasn’t our line, so we turned the bakery into a small licensed restaurant.”
Duke of Touraine advert. 1976.
Until its recent transformation it was known as Le Bon Appetit. The place proved so popular obvious that expansion was the only answer to their problems. So the family bought a fruit shop next door to the restaurant, and about six months ago work started on an ambitious face-lift and general change-around.
The fruit shop was to become a cosy little function suite, and the snack bar and restaurant a lovely olde worlde restaurant where winers and diners can enjoy a cabaret act and dance away to their hearts content. The new name of the place might puzzle folk somewhat. “Well, we wanted something old and connected with the district.” Tony explained. “So we consulted the curator of the Old Glasgow Museum, who suggested this title.
“It is an old French one belonging to the Duke of Hamilton. Apparently it was given to one of his ancestors – the fourth Duke of Hamilton – in 1423. “At one time the Douglas family owned Upper Lanarkshire, including the land on which the restaurant stands.” The Duke of Hamilton gave his permission for a portrait of his ancestors to be used on the menu.
The Matteo family. 1970.
Left to right Robert, Linda, Mrs Maria Matteo, Gloria and Tony.
A “soft light and sweet music” atmosphere plus striking decor by Anthony Sabatini and Oscar Cantani, make this a very desirable place to visit. There are other attractions too – like the two lovely Matteo daughters, Linda and Gloria, who take on the role of waitresses. Then there’s their mother Maria, who is in charge behind the bar, and younger son Robert who helps Tony on the administration side of things.
It’s one big happy family and they’re all out to provide a homely sophisticated atmosphere for Glasgow’s diners.
Advert. 1971.
Maestro Frank Ray, the new restaurant manager preparing one of his specialities for Tom & Jack (Alexander Brothers). Frank Ray, the restaurant manager, joined the company recently. Frank, who has worked in top-class restaurants throughout the city for many years, is called the Maestro.
Enjoy the warm & friendly surroundings of this exquisite restaurant.
Dinner – Dance
every Thursday, Friday and Saturday
to the, Ricky Taylor Trio
under the personal supervision of the proprietors, Tony and Robert Matteo.
Advert. 1975.
The Matteo family have one aim – they want to find out what sort of entertainment their customers want. This week they will be providing two “experimental evenings.” – Wednesday will be ceilidh night, with Scottish entertainment and Scottish food on the menus; and on Thursday they’re going Italian with Italian food and music.
Generally, however, they will be sticking to their nightly dinner-dance idea – 25s during the week and 30s on Saturdays. The a la carte menu is a real mouth-waterer, and chef Jim Bow and the commis chef Allan Keane have their work cut out to provide all the delicious meals listed. The out-of-the-ordinary dish is just as evident as the more-common one. For example, how do you fancy starting off with Escargots Bourguignonne – snails served in garlic butter flavoured with red wine?
Linda Matteo serves dinner at the restaurant. 1970.
The News in February 1979…
One of the best-known and most popular restaurants in the eastend of Glasgow is up for sale… at offers of around £70,000. It is the Duke of Touraine at Parkhead Cross.
The Duke was given to Robert Matteo and his brother Tony 17 years ago by their father. At that time it was a snack bar and bakery, but over the years the Matteo brothers, with the help of their father and mother and sisters, built it into one of the few gourmet restaurants in the eastend of Glasgow, or any-where in the city for that matter.
John Cairney has staged many of his one-man shows in the Duke and others regulars were poet- Jimmy Black and Hector Nicol and Mr. Abie. Robert bought out his brother several years ago, but now he has put the restaurant on the open market. “My father died at Christmas. He was a great help in running the restaurant, but even before that I’d been thinking of selling up.” said Robert.
“I’m getting on for 35 years of age, and I hardly know my children, Roberto 13 and Antonella 10. For years I seem to have been working seven days a week and very often 16 hours a day.
Duke advert 1979.
One of the best-known and most popular restaurants in the East Enf of Glasgow is up for SALE… at offers of around £70,000. It is the Duke of Touraine at Parkhead Cross.
The Duke was given to Robert Matteo and his brother Tony 17 years ago by their father.
At that time it was a snack bar and bakery, but over the years the Matteo brothers, with the help of their father mother and sister, built it into one of the few gourmet restaurants in the East End of Glasgow, or any-where in the city for that matter.
John Cairney has staged many of his one-man shows in the Duke and others regulars were poet Jimmy Black and comedians Andy Cameron, Hector Nicol and Mr Abie.
Robert bought out his brother several years ago, but now he has put the restaurant on the open market.
“My father died at Christmas. He was a great help in running the restaurant but even before that I’d been thinking of selling up,” said Robert.
I’m getting on for 35 years of age and I hardly know my children, Roberto (13) and Antonella (10). For years I seem to have been working seven days a week and very often 16 hours a day.
Antlers advert. 1984.
Mr Robert Matteo. 1984.
Robert has now opened the Duke of Touraine in Ingram Street then Sylvester’s next door the the Duke.
IN THE NEWS 1962…
Diggin for information on the Matteo family I stumbled across a restaurateur who was fined £100 by the Glasgow Courts for stealing electricity. Mr Michael Matteo a restaurateur of Westmuir Street and Duke Street was caught using electric power from a neighbouring property to run in his restaurant.
The Gallery. 2005.
One again this place has a new name, now called The Thistle Tavern. 2008.
The Thistle Tavern. 2008.
The Thistle Tavern. 2008.
Robert Matteo takes over Ingram Street Premises.
Also see Tony Matteo’s premises Ocean’s.
END.
11 Hecla Avenue, Glasgow. G15 8NA. Tel: 0141 944 6759.
The Hecla. 1991.
Now called the Butty. 2007.
Glasgow Road, Half Way.
R Harvie’s Horse Shoe Tavern.
The Horse Shoe Tavern had an established date of 1804, it succeeded an ancient hostelry giving the place it’s name of Half Way House also known as the Auld Hoose. It was opposite here that the Glasgow to Paisley steam carriage exploded in 1807, the charred remains of the carriage were kept at one time in the Kelvingrove Museum.
The locals bragged that Queen Mary rested and took lunch in here on her way to Crookston Castle. What is certain is that the Harvie family owned this old tavern for generations.
This old building sat on the highway to Paisley and was half way between Glasgow and Paisley. Part of the old tavern was utilised as a smiddy, where many a lucky horse shoe was turned, the smith acting in the double capacity of horse-shoer and Boniface. This was as far back as the time of the great grandfather of Miss Elizabeth Harvie, who was proprietor in the early 1900s. The lease bearing the date 1800 was granted by Lord Blantyre and was for the term of 99 years.
Next to the old tavern, Robert Harvie, Elizabeth’s father, built a two storey house over the smith’s shop as a dwelling house for his son John Harvie, who carried on a large and successful dairy business, supplying most of his products and milk to Govan. Mr Robert Harvie had licensed premises at Williamsburgh, Hawkhead, Paisley and while attending strictly to his own business, he and his brother David efficiently assisted their sister Elizabeth in the management of the Horse Shoe Tavern.
In 1881 Robert Harvie the proprietor of the tavern was living with his large family, he lost his wife at an early age. His dwelling house was large enough to sleep all this children, Elizabeth, 24, John was a joiner aged 27, Robert a blacksmith, 18, James a clerk, 16, William was still at school, 14, David was also at school, 12. Roberts other daughter Mary Stewart was also living in the house with her husband also a blacksmith and their children Walter and Jessie. Robert employed a domestic servant Maggie Martin and a boarder James Broadley a general labourer, he was an old Irish gentleman of 74 years.
The old tavern was demolished in 1901 and a new tenement of houses was erected in it’s place.
Do you know anything about this old Tavern? If so please get in touch.
END.