As hubs of social life, pubs have been woven into the fabric of British culture, serving as gathering spots for generations. Through James Bowden’s photographs, taken in the late 80s, we delve into the history and community spirit of the Southside’s drinking establishments. What we found were stories of protest, preservation of Scotland’s footballing legacy, the centre of a manhunt and more.

Words by Samar Jamal | Photos by James Bowden

These photos were taken by James Bowden, a retired successful painter and decorator, who turned down going to Glasgow School of Art in order to make a 'proper wage’. He remained a frustrated artist and had side projects all his working life – the pub pictures were one of them. He had worked in pubs and became aware of the transient nature of them, and so took these photos in the late 80s – to record them for posterity 'before they were gone.'

Pubs are as integral to the fabric of British culture as a cup of tea. Much like the beloved beverage, pubs are a comforting constant found on every town and city corner. Govanhill is no different, with a smattering of distinct drinking establishments.

"In the early 60s, pubs served as a community hub for men who migrated from Ireland, among other places, to socialise, share stories from back home, and enjoy their limited leisure time. It helped them integrate into a community that wasn’t always welcoming," recalls Govanhill resident Rosie O’Doherty. Rosie is the daughter of Irish publican Eamonn O'Doherty (formal name Edward Patrick), who "bought his first pub and created a ‘home from home’ for Irish men". Over the years he owned three pubs in the Gorbals from the 60s to the 80s.

This conversation with Rosie sparked my curiosity to unearth more about Govanhill’s drinking establishments and their rich history. According to Rose, over time, these pubs have transformed from spaces where women weren’t welcome to, “fancier" establishments without sawdust on the floor or spittoons from men chewing tobacco.

Each pub in Govanhill has its own story to tell. Whether it's the cosy nook where neighbours gather to catch up on the latest news, or the lively venue hosting gigs and fostering local talent, these pubs are more than just places to drink. They have been the community’s living room, stage, and soapbox.

Queen’s Park Cafe & Queen’s Park Bar
The (slightly confusingly named) Queen’s Park Cafe, newly smartened up and adorned in forest green tiles is located near the Queen’s Park gates on Victoria Road and has been serving punters since 1898.

In a book entitled Killing Thatcher, Rory Carroll writes how it was one of the spots, the so-called ‘Brighton bomber’, Patrick Magee briefly used to hide from police in 1985 before he was arrested. Eight months earlier he attempted to assassinate the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher at the Conservative Party Conference. The bomb killed five members of the Conservative party and several others were seriously injured.

On the run, Magee reached Glasgow and his arrival was flagged up when he got off the train from Euston station. Whilst the police didn’t always have direct sight of Magee, they had approximated his location as he made his way to the Southside. Before being arrested at 236 Langside Road he hid in various shops, including Queen’s Park Cafe. Meanwhile locals will recount how he drank in the Queens Park Bar, now the Bell Jar.

Penny Farthing

Before 1982, women were legally prevented from being served alcohol in Britain's pubs without the presence of a male companion. In 1978, women protested that law at the Penny Farthing on Cathcart Road by organising a sit-in. Barman Mr McGhee had refused to serve the women as “there were no toilet facilities for them, and that male customers preferred them not to be there.”

Leader of the protesting group, Mrs Irene Gooheir, said at the time "It must be the last place left in the country where you can't be served just because you are a woman." Eventually, the police were called when around 20 women refused to leave the space. The next morning Mr McGhee relented and said he would serve the women if they returned.

McNeill's Pub

Established in 1965, this pub has long been a haven for live music enthusiasts. Originally named The Madeira, it was purchased by the legendary Celtic footballer, Lisbon Lion, Billy McNeill. This two-storey building has a rich history, having undergone numerous transformations over the decades. Once known as a record shop, it now serves as a vibrant venue that hosts a variety of gigs, poetry nights and club nights in the space upstairs – continuing its legacy as a beloved spot for music lovers.

The Victoria Bar

In July 1867, four men gathered at 3 Eglinton Terrace to establish Scotland's first ever football club; Queen’s Park. This pivotal meeting entrenched the game of football in Scotland for years to come. Today, the site is known as 400-404 Victoria Road, a B listed building with tenements above and The Victoria Bar below. Outside The Victoria Bar, you will find a plaque honouring the site. This location is part of the ‘world's biggest open-air football museum’, Football's Square Mile, marking the most significant areas representing the origins of modern football in Scotland. For the map of all 21 sites, visit footballssquaremile.com

Rose Reilly

The Rose Reilly is another one of the sites on the Football’s Square Mile. This storied establishment occupies the historic site of the Hampden Bar, a beloved watering hole with its origins dating back to 1879. The current pub, named in honour of football legend, Rose Reilly, celebrates the first Scottish player to win a World Cup in 1984 – playing for Italy after the governing body behind Scottish women’s football banned her from representing her own country – forever etching her name in sports history. Housed in a distinguished C-listed building, The Rose Reilly is a vibrant tribute to its namesake, continuing the tradition of serving patrons with a side of football heritage.