A Dispute About a Hotel Name
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George Hotel
The George Hotel
Oban, Argyll.
Mr John McNeill. 1895. Resembles the villain in a Charlie Chaplin film.
In the centre of the bay, commanding a splendid view stood the George Hotel, a building which had been licensed for a long number of years. It was tenanted by Mr John McNeill, a model landlord, who, with his long experience and knowledge of Gaelic as well as English.
Mr John McNeill was born in Tobermory, where he was educated, showing a liking for his studies. On leaving school he came to Paisley and was apprenticed by Mr Neil McLean to learn the trade of Baking.
On completing his apprenticeship, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employer, Mr McNeill thought he would like to see the world, so joining the Anchor Line service in the old ‘Europa’. Curious enough, on her first voyage after he left her, the Captain and first and third mates were washed off the bridge and drowned.
Wishing to see more of the world and better his position, he joined the S.S Alps, belonging to Messrs. Langlands & Wilson of Glasgow. In her he traded to the South American ports, and took the position of assistant steward. Again changing for the better, he joined the crew of the City Line, in whose steamers he sailed for three years.
Leaving the foreign trade, though not the ‘Life on the ocean wave’, he came nearer home and accepted the position of cook, the position he had held in the City Line, in MacBraynes’ Highland boats, where he remained for seven years. Thinking he had sailed long enough, and that a life ashore might suit him, Mr McNeill took the George Hotel, Oban, and at once, with characteristic energy, set to work to improve the premises and bring them up-to-date.
His cellars, built as an addition, are kept in a way that would do credit to establishments of much greater pretentious. He also added, as who was better able to do so?, a kitchen and a handsome new bar. The hotel accommodates twenty sleepers, just a nice number to obtain the personal attention and care to the genial landlord and his comely wife, who ably assisted him in the conduct of the hotel.
Mr McNeill was a zealous Freemason of Lodge No. 413, “Athole” Glasgow, a keen sportsman, fond of the gun and rod, hard-working, upright, and industrious.
The Dragon Bar
Buchanan Street, Glasgow. G2. Closed Down.
This was part of the George Hotel now completely renovated and is used by numerous businesses.
The George Hotel was situated between two great railway stations, Queen Street and Buchanan Street, and at the head of Buchanan Street the aristocratic thoroughfare of the second city, the George Hotel, occupies a premier position among the prominent family and commercial hotels of the west.
The George Hotel has been established for a number of year, although not under that name. In the past like many similar establishments, the hotel has had a varied career. The proprietor in 1892 was a gentleman called Angus MacKay, one of the most experienced hotel keepers in Scotland. Mr MacKay although still a young man, had one of the best hotel records in the country. The hotel gained a good reputation for it’s good service and the quality of it’s food and drink.
When Angus was twenty years of age he was a partner with Mr Forsyth, of the Cobden; then the Victoria, West George Street, has been conducted by him for over thirteen years. The Victoria was one of the most popular hotels in the west of Scotland. Mr MacKay’s name was associated with the two George’s, the one in Edinburgh, the other in Glasgow. Under his management both of these concerns flourished, the tariff at each being moderate, considering the high standard kept.
The hotel had grand dining-rooms, coffee and drawing rooms, and private sitting-rooms with spacious and well furnished commercial, smoking and billiard rooms. There was sixty well aired bedrooms in the property all fitted with modern conveniences. The cooking was of high-standard, the cellars well stocked with the choicest wines and well matured whisky. The George Bar formed a prominent feature of the establishment. It was on the ground floor and very spacious, the stranger was very surprised by the size of the bar. Mr MacKay prides himself on the internal arrangements of the hotel.
The Buchanan Hotel had three Stars. One of the dining rooms was called the Stage Door, it had a cocktail lounge Bar which opened 24 hours a day for guests.
Do you remember this old pub? If so please leave a comment.
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