Renfield Street, Glasgow.
Oshr Bar & Restaurant. 2007.
Renfield Street, Glasgow.
Oshr Bar & Restaurant. 2007.
59-61 Renfield Street, Glasgow. G2 1LP.Tel: 01413339725.
The Maltman. 1991.
The Maltman in Renfield Street was Glasgow’s first none smoking pub in the 1980s. It was ironic that this bar was closed due to fire damage in the 1990s.
This was once owned by John Maclachlan of the well known firm of George & John Maclachlan, Castle Chambers and Castle Brewery Maryhill.
Interior view of the Maltman.
7 Renfield Street, Glasgow.
Fouquets. 1991.
70 Renfield Street, Glasgow. G2 1NQ. Tel: 0141 332 1842.
I remember this bar was like a labyrinth, you walked into Wyper’s Bar in Renfield Street and came out in a different pub in West Regent Street called the Drummonds Bar.
There has been a licensed premises here since 1865. Many publicans have come and gone, but such names that stick out were well-known licensees’ Thomas McVey, John Young White, John Campbell.
MR THOMAS McVEY.
Mr Thomas McVey took over this pub in 1882. Thomas was born in Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow. On leaving school he entered a lawyer’s office, but he was destined to sail. As a wee boy he used to watch all the ships on the Clyde sailing to foreign lands and thought one day that will be me. He left the lawyer’s office and went to sea where he remained for four years, during which time he met with those catastrophes peculiar to the “toilers of the sea,” being twice almost shipwrecked off the Cape of Good Hope. Nothing daunted, he still clung to his ambition till the ship he sailed in was sold, and then once more returned to Glasgow, but not to be canonised as a lawyer.
Thomas then went to America, when, after spending over five months in New York, which he did not find agreeable to his palate, he again sought his native city and entered the service of Thomas Brownlie, a spirit merchant in Argyle Street, with whom he remained for nine years, seven of which he acted as manager. He then went into business for himself and purchased 70 Renfield Street, a pub which was very successful. McVey’s Bar was famous all over the city for it’s Welsh rarebits. There was a large smoking room in the premises where the daily newspaper were kept. Shortly after taking over the pub, Mr McVey got married to the daughter of another Glasgow spirit merchant John Gallagher who for many years represented Messrs Thomas Train & Co.
Thomas was a member of the Trades Benevolent Institution and of the Clydesdale Merchants’ Society.
In 1902 Mr Thomas McVey sold the business to John Young Whyte.
JOHN YOUNG WHYTE.
Mr Whyte immediately gutted out the pub and renovated it to such a standard that it was one of the finest pubs in Renfield Street. The length of the new bar was 52 feet and was of oblong shape. The gantry was of beautiful design which lay against the south wall of the pub. The ceiling and walls were painted in pure white, which gave the effect of making the premises exceedingly bright in appearance. New electric lighting was installed for the first time and at night made the place stand out. The new name for Mr John Y Whyte’s pub was the “Cecil.”
All the principal newspapers and other periodicals were kept on the premises for the convenience of the customers. The pub was noted for it’s Welsh rarebit and other refreshments. Previous patrons of McVey’s had no fear in the catering of the new premises. Prior to taking over “The Cecil,” Mr Whyte was for more than twelve years working under Mr John Scouler of “The Horse Shoe Bar,” Drury Street, Glasgow.
John Y Whyte also owned the famous “Snaffle Bit,” Howard Street. Mr Whyte sold “The Cecil” in Renfield Street to John Campbell in 1930.
JOHN CAMPBELL.
Mr John Campbell was a native of Ireland, he was born in County Tyrone in 1881. He made Glasgow his adopted home in his early years. After a thorough training behind the counter, he ambitiously set forth to plan his own destiny, and at a comparatively early age he purchased “Wyper’s Bar,” which was then in Sauchiehall Street and years later the transference took place to the Renfield Street site.
For many years Mr Campbell was a Director of the Glasgow and District Licensed Trade Defence Association. His intimate knowledge of the Trade matters was highly appreciated by his colleagues, and he remained an honoured member of the Board of Directors right up until his death in 1944. He also gave valuable service as a member of the Association’s Finance Committee.
Apart from the Trade Mr Campbell had a wide variety of interests and his activities included the position of a Director of the White City and of the Tarbet Hotel. Mr Campbell was a great friend of Scots comedian Will Fyffe, and for twenty years were next door neighbours in West Graham Street. John was also great friends of many stage artists and was popular and well-known figure in sporting circles. His funeral was held in St Aloysius Church, Garnethill, he was buried at St Kentigern’s Cemetery in 1944.
In the NEWS 1967…
52 YEARS IN WYPER’S.
Fifty-Two-Years’ Association with the licensed trade, all of it with the one establishment, is the record of Mr Douglas Scobie, who has just retired as manager of Wyper’s restaurant, Renfield Street, Glasgow.
At a presentation ceremony in his honour in the restaurant last week, he was congratulated by Mr Peter Scot, sales director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries Ltd., owners of the restaurant, on his remarkable achievement.
On behalf of the director of Tennent Caledonian, Mr Scott presented Mr Scobie with a wallet of notes. Mr Scobie, who started with Wyper’s at the age of 15, managed the premises for more than 30 years, becoming one of the best known personalities in the retail licensed trade in Glasgow. He was a director of Wyper’s until the restaurant was taken over by J and R Tennent (now incorporated in Tennent Caledonian Breweries) in the 1950’s, but he agreed to continue as manager under the new regime.
As Mr Scott said, Mr Scobie saw changes of ownership, changes of representatives, changes of prices by the hundreds, and changes of staff.
Mr Scott remarked that although it was sad to say goodbye to one who has served for more than 50 years and who was held in the highest esteem by everyone in the trade, a pleasant aspect was that Mr Scobie was fit and well. He trusted that Mr and Mrs Scobie would enjoy a long and happy retirement. Mr Scobie, who also received a presentation from the staff at a later ceremony, has been succeeded as manager by Mr George Young.
Wyper’s public bar and off sales. 1963. Thanks to the Mitchell Library.
An interior view of the premises, the official opening of the new restaurant.
Mr Victor M Healy, catering manager at the Four A Snack Bar and Lounge Restaurant, which opened recently by Messrs Wyper’s (Glasgow). Ltd, licensed restaurateurs.
Alterations have been completed in Wyper’s Restaurant. The image above shows the new dining lounge and bar, private cubicles surround the room.
Wyper’s Bar, 55 Sauchiehall Street. Thanks to Mitchell Library.
In 1868 James Cook, wine and spirit merchant, was running a pub in Sauchiehall Street, he also had pubs at 346 St Vincent Street, 152 Woodlands Road, 150 Woodlands Road. It wasn’t until 1884 that wine and spirit merchant John Wyper, acquired a licence, John was the senior partner in the firm of (John Wyper & Son), James Wyper was his son, they also had premises at 514 Gallowgate, and lived at 17 Knowe Terrace, Pollokshields, and stores at 47 East Market Street, John’s house was at Bellfield, Albert Drive, Pollokshields.
At their peak in 1899 John Wyper & Son had no less than 10 public houses in Glasgow including: 55 Sauchiehall Street, 48 Dale Street / 54 Reid Street, 514 Gallowgate / 51 East Market Street, 64 Main Street, Bridgeton, 39 Shuttle Street, 104 Dalmarnock Road / 3 Old Dalmarnock Road, 63 Muslin Street, 588a Gallowgate / 1 Henrietta Street, 121 London Road, also wholesale wine and spirit merchants, at 78 East Market Street, and stores 47 East Market.
In 1893 the manager was George Thomson. Mr Thomson was born in the mining district of Bellshill, he started out as a grocer to which he served his time. In 1880 he joined the staff at 358 Argyle Street, a pub owned by wine merchant Mr John Waugh. George stayed at this bar for 18 months. He then turned to the study of mining engineering and worked for Young’s Paraffin Light and Oil Company where his engineering skills came to good use. After this he entered into the employment of Mr Wyper at 55 Sauchiehall Street.
This pub also connects to Drummond’s Bar , many will remember this bar as “The Dial Inn” on West Regent Street.
Do you have any memories of this popular bar, restaurant? If so please leave a comment.
END.
173 Renfield Street, Glasgow.
Bristol Bar. 1963.
The Bristol Bar was situated at the corner of Renfield Street and Cowcaddens Street. The Evening Times Main Office now stands in it’s place.
In 1875 the licensee was a gentleman called John Deas.
In 1894 Patrick McAnulty owned this well established pub, he also owned a pub on Dalmarnock Road, many will remember this old pub as Terry’s Bar.
During the First World War Thomas Lawrence McCarthy was landlord.
In the 1930s William R Benson was running the Bristol Bar along with Benson’s Bar on Keppochill Road.
In 1958 William Berrie Gow was the new owner of the Bristol Bar, he also had Lauder’s, Sauchiehall Street, The Albany Bar, Dalmarnock Road and the Charing Cross Bar, North Street. He also ran the George Bar, Kent Road, Jock’s Lodge, Ardrossan and the Albert Hotel, Alexandria of which Mrs Gow managed.
…………………..
William B Gow. 1963. Jack Gow. 1967.
One of the first premises of which he was proprietor was the Dumbuck Hotel, Dumbarton. During the war he was chief air raid warden in that area and played some considerable part in the rescue and other operations following the Clydebank air raids.
Mr Gow was a director of the Dumbarton Football Club for 15 years including 5 years as chairman.
Apart from his interest in pubs he entered into the wholesale business and became managing director of a number of companies owning licensed establishments throughout the country including the Coach & Horses, Aberdeen Ltd., Modern Licenses Ltd., Edinlay Modern Licenses Ltd., Cowie Taverns Ltd., and the Muirhead Inns Ltd. These companies were subsequently sold and other businesses were taken on including MacDonald Caterers Ltd, he opened the Orchard Park Hotel, Giffnock which he had converted from a nursing home.
For 8 years he served as chairman of the Sandyford Ward Committee of the Glasgow and District Licensed Trade Defence Association. He became a director of that Association in 1945 and served as both junior and senior vice-president before being elected president in 1954, a position he held with distinction for 6 years.
In 1948 he was elected to the Managing Committee of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, became in turn junior and senior vice-president, serving in that office for 2 years. In 1962 he was appointed Honorary President of that Association in recognition of his outstanding services.
He was one of the three Scottish members of the Licensed Non-Residential Catering Wages Board from 1952 and was at the time of his death the only surviving member of the original Board. He also represented the Scottish Licensed Trade Association on the National Consultative Council of the Retail Licensed Trade, the National Trade Development Association and the Scottish Consultative Group Licensed Trade, he also served on the council of the Scottish Licensed Trade Veto Defence Fund.
William B Gow died 25th July 1963.
William’s son Jack took over the running of his concerns, Jack worked with his father in the Bristol Bar before taking on the management of the various pubs the Gow family owned. Jack was a Hutchy Grammar boy, as was his father before him. They didn’t always see eye to eye on things but Mrs Gow usually managed to effect a compromise.
The Bristol bar was developed into a bar and catering business and was a popular rendezvous with sportsmen and members of the motor trade.
Jack Gow went on to own Montford House, Curtis Ave, and like his father Jack was heavily involved in the Scottish Licensed Trade.
Interior view of the Bristol Bar with William B Gow and his son Jack. 1951.
See other photographs of W B Gow. Lemon Tree., District Bar
Here are some principal personalities who attended the smoker dinner held at Belmont House, Glasgow, by the Cowcaddens Ward of the Glasgow Association in 1962. Left to right: Mr G Ramster, Glasgow Association Office; Mr H Doherty, Symposium Bar, Cowcaddens Street; Mr N Jones, Cross Keys, St. Peter’s Street; Mr J Dougan, Dougan’s Bar, Springburn Road; Mr R Lemon, Lemon Tree, Parliamentary Road (Ward Convener); Mr W J Bennet, Port Dundas Road; Mr W B Gow, Bristol Bar, Cowcaddens; Mr J Lanagan, Maitland Street; Mr T F Flynn who succeeded Mr Gow as president of the Glasgow Association; Mr D McNiven, Argyle Arms, Kennedy Street; and Mr W J McDowall, Secretary, Glasgow Association.
END.
81 Renfield Street, Glasgow. G2 2DL. Tel: 0141 332 6151.
Cafe Cini. 1991.
21/8/62
To read more on the history of this pub, please check back for my second book.
This pub opened for the first time in 21st August 1962. The first licensee was a lady called
During the pubs history many will remember names as The Picador, Scrupples, The Targets Bar 1978, during the 1980s it was known as McArthur Park.
The Picador. 1963
McArthur Park 1980s.
Many will also remember this trendy pub as Targets.
In the NEWS 1978…
Targets Bar 1978.
Glasgow’s latest lounge bar is scoring a direct hit with all its customers.
That’s not really surprising, since it’s called Targets Bar.
It’s not hard to see where Targets Bar gets its name. Beside the front entrance door in Renfield Street is a huge rifle target, guaranteed to stop most passers-by.
DESIGN
And the interior is just as unusual… one wall has another huge rifle target on it. In charge of Targets’ decor was Mr Eric Cadenhead, whose company are architects and interior designers.
It was he who decided on the target theme for the new lounge bar and he chose the modern and extremely attractive colour scheme of reds and mauve. As well as selling “normal” drinks Targets also serve cocktails with exotic names like Tequila Sunrise, Moscow Mule and believe it or not, Believe It Or Not, a mixture of Vodka, Apricot Brandy and Grand Marnier.
Targets Bar advert 1978.
At the moment there is no live music in Targets, but there is background music to help soothe those ragged nerves you’ve cultivated during a day’s hard slog at work. Bar snacks are available at lunchtimes.
The subdued lighting lends itself to a sophisticated atmosphere. But because of its position, almost opposite two cinemas, it is also a great place to pop into for a pre-movie tipple.
Targets Bar is open six days a week from 11-2.30 p.m. and from 5-11 at night.
Up-To-Date News…2005.
This city centre pub has 21 years remaining on the lease. An asking price of offers over £39,000. September 2005.
Up-To-Date News…2012.
This popular bar is now called The Bay Horse, 2012.
The Bay Horse. 2012.
The Bay Horse gets bigger taking in the premises next door and a new paint job. 2013.
The Raven. 2014.
Before these premises became Licensed Premises it was known as the Canadian Fur Co, Ltd.
The Canadian Fur Co Ltd. 1935.
Do you remember this well-known Pub? If so please leave a comment.
END.