53-59 Miller Street, Glasgow. G1.
The Virginian Tavern was opened in the summer of 1974 by Tony Queen and Pat Harkins.
A touch of the New Orleans had been introduced to Glasgow with the opening of the Virginian in Miller Street. The joint enterprise was the brains of Tony Queen, who had sold most of his bookmaking interests and Pat Harkins a master chef and publican who had travelled the world.
It was from the restaurants of New Orleans that the Virginian took its inspiration. Pat Harkins collected a range of recipes from that city so that Glasgow could have a taste of Creole cuisine. Creole cuisine is a combination of the best French/Spanish/Italian cooking traditions and there is also a fair mixture of the native American Indian influence.
The Virginian had two lounges a restaurant and a dance floor.
In the 1990s this once famous pub diner was called Pacers.
Included in this photograph are Tony Queen, Pat Harkins, A McAuley, Pig & Whistle, C Sweeney, Arlington Bar, J Murray, Dunn & Moore, W Martin, Calypso Bar, J Bailie manager of the Virginian, Mr Smyth, the Anvil and T Doherty, Dunn & Moore. 1974.
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Virginian advert 1979.
I remember going her with my Mum and Gran probably at some point in the 1970’s. My Gran worked in the hardware section in Arnott Simpsons on Argyle Street and I think we would meet her for lunch. Staying in Miller Street now and I wondered whereabouts it was. I am sure I can get a photo of that doorway as it is pretty distinctive.
My husband managed it for years in collaboration with Mr Sood n Mr Sharma and collectively brought it back to life with they’re ladies nights all inclusive welcoming the likes of May I Robert Miller
You’ll remember Alex Cowan then?
I worked in it for years in the cellar and most of the girls that worked ther came from Carntyne. Ina in kitchen from Mary hill We Susan worked in the restaurant bar. I could go on for ever. I live in Canada now but every year I come home
I go out with victor and his son Maneesh and Sood boy. Robert has came few time
But yep I worked there 1984 till around 96. Fantastic bunch people