23 Milton Street, Glasgow.
The Jungle. 1970s.
The Jungle was one of the most unusual pubs in the city of Glasgow. Mum’s and dad’s would even take their kids to Milton Street to see this public house, it was full of colour with painted animals from the jungle on the outside. I remember passing when I was a wee boy, thinking it was a zoo in the middle of town.
There has been a public house on this site since 1853, owned by spirit merchant Thomas Tulloch, Mr Tulloch only ran the pub for two years and the licence was taken over by renowned wine & spirit merchant Matthew Robin. Mr Robin also owned pubs on Clyde Place, King Street, Tradeston and Stockwell Street now the famous Scotia Bar. Matthew’s son Robin took over the business in 1877, he then opened another pub on Great Hamilton Street now London Road.
To read more on the history of Matthew Robin & Son and the Scotia Check out our book here.
Robert Robin continued in the Milton Street pub until 1905. The name above the door was Matthew Robin & Son. Alexander McIntosh then took over the licence followed by his wife Agnes Morris McIntosh.
During the 1930s John McMillan Kerr was licensee, the pub stayed in the same family until the end of the Second World War.
The Jungle was named by George R Johnstone who took over the pub in 1960, the Jungle became a well known landmark in the city, artists and photographers came from all over the country to take pictures and paint this popular Glasgow Howff. It was demolished in the way of redevelopment in the 1970s.
The Jungle. 1970’s.
Another view of the Jungle. 1970s.
Many thanks to Mr Richard Keltie who took this photo in the summer of 1970. Mr Keltie was working in the hardware department of Dallas’s at the corner of Milton Street and Cowcaddens Street.
Mr Robert Robin.
Licence holders.
1972-1960 George R Johnstone.
1950 George Smith.
1947-1945 Josephine Meldrum Drake Kerr.
1938-1923 John McMillan Kerr.
1919-1906 Agnes Morris McIntosh.
1905 Alexander McIntosh.
1899-1877 Robert Robin.
1875-1856 Matthew Robin.
1855-1853 Thomas Tulloch.
In the early 70’s I remember frequenting the jungle, if my memory is still working, I think they had there own wine Dracula’s blood, can’t be sure of this maybe 80%.
I also remember a stuffed bear in the corner and various reptiles hanging from the ceiling. Can someone verify this or is there any photos on the inside.