City pub boss bids to turn office into boutique hotel

THE boss of some of Glasgow’s best known pubs is hoping to open a new city centre hotel.

Robert Mullen, who has worked full-time in the catering industry in the city since 1986, has successfully managed and owned Rab Ha’s, McPhabbs, The Universal and the Griffin on Bath Street.

He now hopes to turn an office in a former townhouse which was built between 1822 and 1825 into an upmarket boutique hotel.

Mr Mullen and his wife would own and operate the 12 bedroom hotel across from the famous Alexander Green Thomson’s Free Church on St Vincent Street.

A report to city council planners says: “They have a passion for the catering/hotelier industry and have always aspired to operate their very own hotel and eaterie.

“The applicant is dedicated completely to the task of running the proposed hotel and take their responsibilities very seriously.

“The proposal will add to the amenity of the city for visitors by providing high quality accommodation to complement the existing provision in the city centre.

“Most of the buildings around the immediate area are occupied predominantly by offices, resulting in much of the pedestrian footfall occurring during the working hours of Monday to Friday.

“Our proposal will help further populate this area of the city during the evenings and weekends and subsequently help with the area’s regeneration.”

The report says there have only been minor changes to the building over the years and as a result it still boasts its classic architectural style, retaining the historic grandeur of St Vincent Street.

It adds: “The property is a category B-listed building.

“It was first built as a house and converted to an office.

“By changing it into a hotel, bar and restaurant the public will be able to engage once again with its historic qualities.”