La Cala

234-38 Meadowpark Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow.

La Cala. 1991.

Opened in 1969 La Cala was the most up-to-date licensed premises in the district. La Cala, which means a Haven was the venture of young Tom Heenan and his mother. The big regret at the opening was that Tom’s father, who died the previous year, was unable to see the realisation of his son’s dream.

Situated near the corner of Meadowpark Street and Alexandra Parade La Cala had a public bar with seating for about 30 and a total capacity of 175, a lounge bar with alcove seating accommodation for 150 guests. In the lounge stripwood lampshades like lanterns shed a rosy glow upon the cherry wood panelling, the carpet matched the woodwork in fawn and brown colour.

Young Tom Heenan was not old enough to hold the licence, this did not stop him in his dreams of becoming a Glasgow Publican, he employed Pat Conlan as manager and licensee in the meantime.

Tom eventually got his licence for the La Cala in 1970.

Exterior of the new La Cala 1969.

Interior view 1969.

left to right Mr H McCormack, West of Scotland manager for Usher’s brewery, Mr & Mrs John Taggart, Big John’s Bar and the Royal Restaurant, Coatbridge, D G MacKay, Scottish sales amanger for Usher’s brewery, Mrs Heenan and young Tom Heenan.

This image was taken in 1972 on the occasion of the Ind Coope reception. Mr B G Frost, free trade sales director, Tetley’s met some of the Ind Coope customers at a reception at the Ind Coope offices in Clyde Street. Mr Frost (second from the right) is seen with Messrs Miller Reid, Reid’s Bar; James Elliot, Pop Inn; T Heenan, La Cala; R Meiklem, Montgomerie Arms in East Kilbride and W Langham, catering manager, British Rail (Scotland.)