58 Bridge Street, Glasgow. G5 9HU. Tel: 0141 429 4528.
The Laurieston Bar, 1991.
The Laurieston Bar sits on the corner of Bridge Street and Nelson Street.
Alexander Wiseman occupied a public house on this site in 1836. Wiseman also ran a small pub in Carrick Street and Eglinton Street, he also had a wholesale store in Nelson Street. He lived not far from his place of business in Eglinton Street, where he could keep an eye on his small empire.
Robert Graham & Sons (see our book) took over the pub in 1865, The Graham’s ran many pubs in and around the city of Glasgow including 2 in the Gallowgate, 2 in the Saltmarket, Marlborough Street, Graeme Street now Bell Street, Paisley Road, High Street and London Street now London Road which was also used as their headquarter’s. Robert Graham the licensee lived in an exclusive part of the city Monteith Row near the Glasgow Green. Robert Graham & Sons also had a flourishing business as Bread & Biscuit Bakers, Barrowfield Bakery.
The Graham family were wine and spirit merchant’s from as early as 1850s, John Graham traded at 1 New Street, 2 Well Street, Calton and 419 Argyll Street, he lived at 4 Well Street in the Calton.
The Laurieston, 1960s.
The Laurieston is a remarkable example of a near-complete 1960s Bar. As seen from the photograph above the exterior is unpretentious but the lettering above the door has a 60s theme. Internally the public bar has a timber boarded elongated oval bar counter topped with Formica. Above the bar is a well preserved suspended canopy with typical hidden lights. Even the old McGee’s hot pie heater has survived. The gantry has concealed neon lights another period theme.
Interior view of the Laurieston 2009.
One of the reasons the pub had survived the 1960s theme is that the pub remained in the same family from the late 1930s through to the 1970s, which was owned by James Alexander and succeeded by Adam Alexander during the 60 and 70s.
McGhees Oven Fresh Hot Pies at the Laurieston Bar. 2009.
Another well preserved 1960s bar is Morrison’s Bar on Clyde Street.
James Alexander, 1937.
Another well-known Glasgow publican to own the Laurieston was John Clancy.
Do you know anything about this pub? If so please get in touch.