Dumbarton Road

The Windsor Tavern.

March 27, 2017 by John Gorevan 3 Comments

469 Dumbarton Road, Partick, Glasgow. G11 6EJ. Tel 0141 569 1011.

Exterior view of the Windsor Tavern Dumbarton Road 1991 — Windsor Tavern, 1991.

This well established Partick local was known in the 1890s as the Windsor licensed restaurant. The owner Robert R Davidson was a native of Aberdeen and the son of a well respected member of the trade in the granite city.

The old restaurant had a bar counter close to the entrance, while at the end of the corridor, comfortable dinning rooms well lit and ventilated with a fire burning in the grate, private sitting rooms upholstered could accommodate small parties, the Windsor was an upmarket restaurant and one of the best places to dine in the Partick area.

exterior view of the Windsor Tavern Dumbarton Road 2017 — The smaller Windsor Tavern, 2017.

Mr & Mrs Davidson celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in 1899, they invited friends and family to a reception, supper and dance at the Academy Rooms, Partick, they were entertained by the Royalty Theatre orchestra, the dance was led off by George Davidson brother of the host and miss Davidson. A large number of friends in the licensed trade were also present including William Bowie.

Image of Mr Robert R Davidson 1899 — Mr Robert R Davidson, 1899.

The restaurant and bar was run by William McConachie from 1902 until the end of the First World War. Over the years the pub has expanded taking in adjacent shops, today the pub is still well run and very popular.

exterior view of the Windsor Tavern 1931 — The Windsor, 1931. Thanks to the Mitchell Library.

Update 07/2014…

The present licensee is Louise Train. She took over the pub from Pat Padden in November 2007. Pub still going great guns today.
Keep up the good work. Thanks for the email Stevie Train.

Update 2017…

interior view of the main bar 2017. — The Main Bar, 2017.

interior view of the Windsor Tavern 2017 — interioir view of the Windsor Tavern 2017.

interior view of the Windsor Tavern Dumbarton Road 2017 — Interior view of the Windsor Tavern, 2017.

Wooden plaque of the Windsor Tavern by Crist — Wooden framed Windsor Tavern by Chisy.

Banner for the support of Lest We Forget — Lest We Forget.

The Windsor Tavern give thousands of pounds a year to charities including forgotten Soldiers.

Facts…

Licence Holders.

2007 Louise Train. 2014.

1991 Patrick Padden.

1973-1952 John Vincent Healy.

1948 Wypers Glasgow Ltd.

1937 Mrs Sarah Ann McGinlay.

1919-1902 William McConachie.

1899 Robert R Davidson.

Do you have any memories of the Windsor Tavern? If so please leave a comment.

END.

The Islay Inn.

January 25, 2017 by John Gorevan Leave a Comment

1256-1260 Argyle Street, Glasgow. G3 8TJ. Tel: 0141 334 7774.

Image of the Islay Inn Argyle Street corner of Radnor Street 2007 — The Islay Inn. 2007.

There’s been a pub on this site since 1871 occupied then by Roderick Morrison. It closed down around 1913, however in January 1967 there was a bar here called the Carousel owned by Thomas Blue. Over the years it has been known as the Outside Inn, The Carousel, Fat’s O’Mally’s , Monty’s, The Inn, and the Islay Inn. It has had an Irish, a Welsh and a Scottish theme. The pub is situated at the corner of Argyle Street and Radnor Street.

Image of Mr Roderick Morrison 350 Dumbarton Road 1894 — Mr Roderick Morrison. 1894.

Mr Roderick Morrison was an old member of the Glasgow Trade Defence Association. He was one of the first members to join it and render its directors all the assistance within his power. He joined in 1863, and worked through stormy and peaceful times.

Mr Morrison was born in the Black Isle, Ross-shire. At an early stage in his life he came to Glasgow from the Highlands in mid 1800s to learn the trade. His first premises were situated in King Street at the corner of Princes Street. There he might have remained but for the Union Railway Company. To enable them to carry out their operations for the line running from Bellgrove, over the Gallowgate and Saltmarket Streets and across the Clyde, the new railway people required the property in King Street. He then bade goodbye to the centre of the city and removed westwards.

Matters prospered with him there, and in 1894 owned several places of business, with his headquarters at 350 Dumbarton Road. Roderick owned another public house at 130 Gloucester Street at the corner of Clarence Street which he rented out to Elizabeth Fraser. Mr Morrison was a member of the Glasgow Celtic Society, the Glasgow Northern Highland Society, which assisted natives of the northern counties who came to the city who were in need of a brotherly helping hand.

He was also a Mason and a member of Lodge Thistle (No. 87), Glasgow, while he had been arched by the Order in Partick. He was fond of all outdoor sports, he was good with a gun and a crack shot. He was also a member of the Partick Licensed Trade Association, in which he acted as Director and to the Glasgow Trade Benevolent Institution. Its a wonder he had time to run his businesses. Roderick Morrison gave up this public house in 1913.

Image of Monty's Bar Argyle Street corner of Radnor Street 1991 — Monty’s. 1991.

Image of the Carousel Bar Argyle Street corner of Radnor Street — The Carousel Bar.

The Carousel on the left hand side with an old bus heading toward the Art Galleries.

IN THE NEWS 1969…

WITH A SONG IN HIS HEART…

A lifetime in the licensed trade, broken only by war service with the 8th Battalion on the Argylls, is behind mine host of the Carousel, Glasgow’s newest drinking rendezvous which opened in January 1969.

image of Mr Thomas Blue owner of the Carousel Argyle Street 1969 — Mr Thomas Blue. 1969.

Situated on the corner of Argyle Street and Radnor Street, close to the Kelvin Hall, it’s a pleasant little place which has been transformed from an ice-cream factory. One of its many good points from the trade point of view, according to genial Tommy Blue, who bought the place in 1968, is the former ice-cream cellar, which is also ideal for storing his drinks.

There are five large flats above The Carousel and the proprietor’s son and his wife and a guard dog stay in the one immediately above the pub. “It’s very handy having him on the spot,” said Mr Blue. “I shall be around throughout the day but I like to have someone handy at night too.”

It has always been Mr Blue’s ambition to have his own place , and he’s always intended calling it The Carousel “That’s my favourite musical,” he explained. “And whenever we have a licensed trade “do” I usually get up and give them a party-piece always something from “Carousel”!

A perfectionist in every sense, Mr Blue endeavors to see that his staff reach his own extremely high standards. And that’s a tall order for he admits to being “One of the old school,” trained in the days when lads went into the trade at early age and worked their way up, learning every little detail about every aspect of the business.

In his first pub the staff had to be on the premises at 8am in order to get the place spotless and ready for the first customer at 11am. “Those days you have a job getting your staff in by 10.45,” he said. I get terribly critical when I go into other pubs and see bad service, but those days managers are put into places after about three months training, and that’s no substitute for experience gained over the years.

The Carousel will be the sort of pub, there’s a public bar and a lounge bar, where every single customer will get quick, cheerful attention, and where you can eat as well as drink.

“I intend providing soups and salads and so on to begin with, at least that’s what I shall do when I can find a chef or a cook,” At first I want to provide these snacks at lunch time, and between 5 and 7.30pm., but if there’s a demand I’ll extend the hours.”

A note for the decor, dominant colours in the lounge are red and black, while the public bar is resplendent in knotted pine panelling, red and black check paper on one wall and the remainder left white. Right now there’s a staff of four which is expected to increase to six very shortly.

Advert for the Outside Inn Argyle Street 1979 — Advert for the Outside Inn. 1979.

This was the opening of the Outside Inn in May 1979. The pub was selling Real Ale, 60/-, 70/-, 80/- on hand pumps.

Belhaven, Old fashioned Strong Ale served from the Barrel.

Malt Whisky quarter gill, Over 180 Malt Whisky on their gantry.

Malt Whisky By the Bottle, We carry a huge range of Premier Malts in our cellar.

A “Traditional” Bar with comfortable surroundings. Traditionally served Beers and Quality Whiskies.

Image of the Islay Inn sign — The Islay Inn sign.

Do you have any memories of this popular West End pub? If so please leave a comment.

The Dolphin

January 8, 2017 by John Gorevan Leave a Comment

157 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow. G11 6PT. Tel: 0141 576 0175.

Image of the Dolphin bar Dumbarton Road 1950s — The Dolphin Bar.

The Dolphin. 1991.

This is one of the oldest family run pubs in the city of Glasgow. The Farrell family have been trading as publicans since 1888. To read more on the history of this popular west end bar you will have to wait until Glasgow Pubs and Publicans Volume 2 comes out.

The Dolphin. 2005.

It is said that the Dolphin Bar got it’s name from the local choir which was called the Dolphin.

Image of the Dolphin Choir 1976 — The Dolphin Choir dare unknown.

In the NEWS 1976…

Posing for a photograph was obviously a solemn occasion in the days when this picture was taken… judging from the faces!

It shows members of the now defunct Dolphin Choir from Partick, Glasgow, on their annual day’s outing to Helensburgh. The picture belongs to Mr Peter O’Byrne (50), of 23 Goldberry Avenue, Scotstounhill, whose grandfather, also Peter, was a member of the singing group and is shown circled.

Mr. O’Byrne wins a bottle of whisky.

STARCHED

The exact date of the photograph is not known but Mr. O’Byrne thinks it was probably taken about the latter part of the last century. The starched looking ensemble made their way to and from Helensburgh by horse and cart.

The only thing that’s missing from the scene is the moustached photographer with his black cape and flash tray held aloft… but no doubt he’s there. The photo has stood the test of years in Mr. O’Byrne’s attic, said Mr O’Byrne, “They don’t make them like they used to.”

Do you have any memories of the Dolphin bar? If so please leave a comment.

END.

The Ettrick

January 2, 2017 by John Gorevan 3 Comments

317-319 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow. G60 5JQ. Tel: 0141 334 5878.

The Ettrick. 2006.

There were two Ettrick Bars, in Partick. The first establishment at 317-319 Dumbarton Road and the second at 517 Dumbarton Road at the corner of Crawford Street.

On this page I will record the history of The Ettrick Bars starting with 317-319 Dumbarton Road, then 517-519 Dumbarton Road.

There’s been a pub on this site since the 1863. The first licensee was spirit merchant Robert Miller who was living at 302 Windsor Place, Partick. The pub was originally called “The Gun.” Robert Miller continued to serve the locals until 1879. The business was then taken over by wine & spirit merchant Hugh Aitken.

Mr Aitken then changed the name of the pub to “The Criterion.” He was living at 15 Downie Place, Crow Road before moving to 25 Hayburn Terrace, Partick. In 1885 Robert was trading at 319 Dumbarton Road and 75 Merkland Street, Partick.

The Ettrick, 317-319 Dumbarton Road. 2005.

Hugh Aitken continued as licensee until 1912, by this time he was living with his wife and family at 575 Dumbarton Road. The next spirit merchant to take over the business was well known and respected publican William Craib. Mr Craib also had a public house at 7 Taylor Street, Townhead. He was residing then at 47 Rottenrow not far from his new pub.

William started his career in 1905 and was granted a public house licence for premises in Taylor Street, Townhead. He was residing then at 47 Rottenrow not far from his new pub.

During the First World War William fought in the Army, he was one of the lucky ones to return and carried on in the licensed trade. During his period in the forces his uncle took control of the business. On his return he went on to be an agent for Arthur Booth Ltd, wholesale wine and spirit merchants. In 1926 he took over another pub at 21 Westmuir Street, Parkhead, in the east end of the city.

After the First World War, William Craib was paying an annual rent of £135 for the premises on Dumbarton Road. His son Charles took over a public house at 618 Dalmarnock Road in 1925.

Before the out-break of the Second World War his firm was now trading as William Craib & Company, Scotch Whisky Merchant, then having office in 154 St. Vincent Street. In 1941 William Craib was living at Matheran, 27-29 Sherbrooke Avenue, a beautiful Villa in an exclusive area in Pollokshields.

William Craib passed away in the 1940’s and still worked ever day until his death, going between his offices at St. Vincent Street, Westmuir Street and Dumbarton Road.

In 1950 Archibald T Kirkland was an attorney for William Craib’s public houses at 21 Westmuir Street and 317-319 Dumbarton Road (Craib’s Bar). He was also a trustee for pubs at 618 Dalmarnock Road (Craib’s Bar), and 1512 Maryhill Road (The Punch Bowl).

In 1960 Archibald T Kirkland was licence, he also ran pubs at 21 and 89 Westmuir Street, 618 Dalmarnock Road, and 1512 Maryhill Road.

In 1967 until the 1970s David Houston acquired the licence as one of the trustees of the late William Craib for both premises, Dumbarton Road and Westmuir Street. The Westmuir Street premises were demolished shortly afterwards. David Houston was also licensee for pubs at 530 Victoria Road, 618 Dalmarnock Road and 89-97 Westmuir Street.

In 1991 Colin Beattie was the owner of the Criterion Bar. Mr Beattie went on to own many properties all over the city including public houses, “The Old College Bar,” High Street, Oran Mor, Byres Road / Great Western Road.

In recent years this old pub has been refurnished and had a few name changes, after the Ettrick it was known as Heisenberg’s and now 2019 “The Tenement.”

In 1960 Archibald was licensee for Craib’s, 317-319 Dumbarton Road, Partick, 21 and 89 Westmuir Street, Parkhead, 618 Dalmarnock Road in the east end of the city, and 1512 Maryhill Road.

Criterion Bar, 317-319 Dumbarton Road. 1991.

This was the site of the old Criterion Bar up to the 1990s when it was refurbished and renamed The Ettrick.

The Ettrick, 317-319 Dumbarton Road.

In recent years this old pub has been refurnished and had a few name changes, after the Ettrick it was known as Heisenberg’s and now 2019 “The Tenement.”

Heisenberg’s. 2014. Thanks to Michelle O’Connell.

The Tenement. 2018.

Now its the history of the Ettrick Bar, 517-519 Dumbarton Road at the junction of Crawford Street, Partick. Demolished.

The old Ettrick Bar at the corner of Crawford Street and Dumbarton Road. 1931. Thanks to the Mitchell Library.

The first licensee for this old pub was spirit merchant William Boag who acquired a licence to sell wines, spirits and beer in 1869. William was living with his wife and family at 5 Crawford Place, Partick. Mr Boag continued as licensee until 1879 when his son John N Boag took over the public house. John also lived at 5 Crawford Place, Partick.

John N Boag moved house a few times during his time in the licensed trade from Crawford Place, to 2 Edelweiss Terrace, Partick, Scotstoun Villa, Scotstoun, Hamilton Terrace, Partick. In 1883 John was trading from 517-519 Dumbarton Road, “The Ettrick”; 421-423 Dumbarton Road “The Railway Vaults” on the site of the old Hayburn Vaults, and 157 St. George’s Road.

John N Boag. 1893.

To be for over a decade, the Treasurer and afterwards Secretary of the Wine, Beer, and Spirit Trade Association in one’s district, and still a comparatively young man, is no mean record. John and like his father have held licensed premises in Partick for over a generation. He had done so much for the trade in Scotland in his term in the Licensed Trade Association.

John was an enthusiastic volunteer and a capital shot, in a long connection with this important branch of Her Majesty’s service. He was a representative football man, he, in his younger days, did good service in the field for the Partick and Partick Thistle Clubs, which he represented on the Scottish Football Committee, and had the honour of being the first President of the Scottish Football Alliance.

Apart from football John was a supporter of all athletic sports. His premises were situated across the road from the car terminus and so convenient to the beautiful grounds of the West of Scotland Cricket Club, and the favourite rendezvous of cricketers as well as football enthusiasts.

Mr Boag continued at 517-519 Dumbarton Road until 1889, however he was still trading at the Railway Tavern, 421-423 Dumbarton Road, Partick.

The Ettrick Bar, 517 Dumbarton Road corner of Crawford Street. 1950s.

The next licensee was wine and spirit merchant, Daniel McMenemy.

Mr McMenemy acquired the certificate in 1890 for the premises at 517-519 Dumbarton Road and Crawford Street he was also licensee for premises at 267 South Wellington Street at the corner of 389-401 Cumberland Street, this old pub later became known as E Smyth. Daniel was living with his wife and children at 27 South Apsley Place, by 1908 he was living at 9 Carmichael Place, Langside. Daniel McMenemy continued in this public house until 1910. He passed away in 1911.

The business was sold to Thomas W Hogg. In 1919 Mr Hogg was paying an annual rent of £120. Thomas T Hogg continued as licensee through two world wars and include running his business through the 1950s. Thomas W Hogg was a member of the exclusive Kareless Klub.

Members of the Glasgow Kareless Klub, this image was taken at Perth on the occasion of their annual outing. The Klub was over fifty years of age when this image was taken in 1930. Included in the image:- left to right (back row)- Mr J. S. Kerr, Mr George Carrick, Mr Thomas W. Lang (the new president); Major W. B. Johnston, Mr Charles W. Mayger, Mr Joseph Robb, and Thomas W. Hogg. Front row – Mr J. Vallance, Mr John Warnock; Mr John Eadie, Mr James M. Maitland (the president), Mr J. M. Forrester (secretary), Mr George Thomson, and Mr Harry Macdonald.

In 1957 Mr Henry Stirling Lymburn acquired the licence. Many will still remember Lymburn’s Bars in the city, which included 431 St. George’s Road, 2 Sauchiehall Street at the corner of Buchanan Street.

The Ettrick Bar, 519 Dumbarton Road, after reconstruction in 1956.

Henry S Lymburn had the premises reconstructed as part of Glasgow’s growing number of Brighter Bars in the city. The reconstruction consisted of both interior and exterior. The use of Italian marble gave the frontage a brand new look. The interior had a main bar and a new cocktail bar, the main bar had a mural depicting shipping scenes. Above the cocktail bar in the lounge was a decorative mural, and on the either side of the bar were decorative plants. The manager of the pub was Mr T Blue. Many trade personalities attended the opening ceremony, which was performed by Lt.-Col. James H. Porter, D.S.O., Newcastle Breweries, Ltd. Henry S Lymburn continued here until 1960.

From 1961 till well into the 1970s, James Campbell Corrance was landlord here, he also owned the Possil Bar, Possil Road. The Ettrick Bar was demolished shortly afterword’s.

Do you remember this old pub? If so please leave a comment.

END.

Two Ways

November 11, 2016 by John Gorevan 5 Comments

1004 Argyle Street, Glasgow. G3 8LU. Tel: 0141 243 2170.

The Two Ways. 1991.

To read the full history of the Two Ways click here.

The Two Way. 2007.

Two Ways. 2007.

The Two Ways was the first pub in the R C Nesbitt TV Series. The pub was filmed at least the external shots for every episode of the original 90’s run of series, but it is not in Govan, it is in Finnieston at the top end of Argyle Street.

Etch of Buchanan Scott & Co. 1888.

Update 28th May 2009.

I was passing Argyle Street today and noticed that the Two Ways was being renovated it was completely stripped bare right down to the original brick work. What was more interesting was the name of the premises, “Finnieston Station Bar and Lounge.” The lettering was well preserved as it was painted directly onto the stone-work.

The name was in great condition and was probably last seen over 100 years ago. I was so exited that I immediately got my camera out to record this event as it will be covered over shortly when the workmen are finished. Will the pub be reopened after this work is finished, I hope so. I will keep you updated on the progress of this very old Glasgow Public House.