Plan to demolish city pub to make way for housing
FOR decades the Press Bar was the retreat of journalists often working unsociable hours in an era when the pub was a community hub.
However, it now looks as though time is to be called on the Albion Street hostelry, a family business for nearly 90 years, with the submission of plans to demolish the premises that attracted stars such as Tom Conti and Helen Mirren alongside hacks, politicians, trade unionists and academics.
An application has been lodged with Glasgow City Council and a public notice has been published outlining intent of “complete demolition in a conservation area of existing building and erection of residential development”.
Glasgow-based Iceni Projects said in a cover letter for the plans: “On behalf of our client, Strathcarron Homes Ltd, we have submitted an application for conservation area consent for the total demo- lition of the Press Bar building at 199 Albion Street, Glasgow.”
An application for planning permission in principle has been submitted with the application to redevelop the site for residential.
The bar was opened in 1928 by Thomas McEntee and was originally called the Express Bar because of the then Scottish Daily Express offices in the building next door.
Ownership has been passed down through the McEntee generations, first to Thomas’s three sons, Leo, Gerald and Des, then his grandson Vincent, who bought the bar 17 years ago, and is listed on the application as owner. He declined to comment.
The Press Bar was also a destination for journalists of The Herald and sister paper the Evening Times when their officers were on Albion Street.
After The Herald moved to new premises in 2000, the pub became popular with academics and students at the adjacent University of Strathclyde.
In a public comment on the plans, Gary Urquhart said the aim is to remove a non-residential building in a city centre area with dozens of empty residential properties.
The Press Bar cites Scotland’s Pubs and Bars website on its Facebook page, which said: “Many famous faces have enjoyed a drink in the Press Bar.”
The bar is mentioned in Denise Mina’s novel and TV series Field of Blood and the TV drama Lip Service was filmed there.