The Changing Face of Glasgow's Pubs

Like everything else on the planet, Glasgow's pubs, or public houses, have changed over the years. They have changed to keep up with new architectural styles and social trends. But the unrelenting march of progress hasn't always been kind to the city's watering-holes.

Of the pubs that have some longevity, their exterior generally doesn't look as good as it once did. The modern facade lacks that wonderful mix of carved wood, stained and painted glass, and acid-etched or cut glass decoration on their windows, all decorative elements designed to impress and pull in potential customers.

This look at how Glasgow's pubs have changed over time focusses on the exterior of the pub, the bit facing the street. We will compare old black and white photos, most dating to the 1930s, with modern street views, courtesy of Google. The stark difference between the old and the new will let you see what has happened to some of Glasgow's old pubs. Most are still pubs, although greatly altered, and a few are no longer pubs, with a shop or some other retail concern occupying the space where once men drank beer.

Some pub facades just look different to how they used to be in the old days, but most don't look as good. In a few cases what was once an attractive frontage has been either ripped out or buried under a coat of harling, the Star Bar being a good example of that.

Like most things, there are exceptions, and along the way we will discover at least one pub whose modern exterior is way better than the bland decor of an Art Deco period that saw an abundance of straight lines and not a great deal else.

Grab yourself a beer, and let's get started.