86 West Nile Street, Glasgow. G1 2QH. Tel: 0141 353 3414.
Bonds, 1991.
There been a pub on this site since 1833. It was then called Charles Cruickshank’s Wine & Spirit Vaults. Alexander Cruickshank took over in 1840 also having premises in Buchanan Street, 94 West Nile Street and wine cellars at St. Georges Court. The Cruickshank’s continued in these premises until 1873.
James Jardine then took over the premises, apart from being a spirit merchant Mr Jardine was a tobacconist selling the finest tobacco and cigars in the city. Jardine was still here in 1885.
In 1888 licensee James Cook took over the pub paying a fortune of £500 for the business. Cook was already established as a publican having a pub in Sauchiehall Street called the Red Lion. Mr Cook also named this pub the Red Lion, he also owned a pub in Cambuslang and Woodlands Road.
Alexander Vallance, 1891.
In the 1890s the licence was transferred to former captain of the Rangers Football Club Alexander Vallance paying an annul rent of £175. There was only one brand of ale stocked in the Red Lion, Aitken’s Pale ale, however the pub was very busy and one could always get their rarebits at any time of the day.
Etch of the Red Lion, 1888.
Other names this bar has been known as J & R Tennent, and the Brew House.
UPDATE 2007…
After many name changes the pub is now called Adrian’s Bar, I wonder how long it will stay open, as in the last few years the pub has closed down a many times.
Adrian’s Bar. 2007.
This bar is always closing down and reopening in a different name. This time it’s called the Courtyard. 2008.
The Courtyard. 2008.
The Courtyard, 2008.
Facts…
Other Licence Holders.
1991 Andrew Norris for Bass Inns.
1973-1969 William Whyte for Tennent Caledonian Breweries.
Do you remember this old pub? If so please leave a comment.