Central Bar, Renton

CURRENTLY CLOSED Built in 1893, this pub occupies the ground floor of a two-storey tenement in a somewhat unprepossessing area. Behind the rather run-down frontage is an interesting interior. The unspoilt, panelled public bar has a sweeping semi-circular, panelled counter and a very elaborate ceiling and cornices. The gantry against the side wall houses old spirit casks in each of its four bays: unusually, each one has two taps and is, presumably, divided internally. There is also a free-standing gantry for bottles, glasses etc.

On the left of the pub at the front is an intact jug and bottle compartment. There are old advertising mirrors including a painted and gilded one for Old Oak Tree Whisky above the modern, rough stone fireplace. At the rear there are two sitting rooms (it seems that, originally, there were two more on the right of the pub) with floor to ceiling panelling, but the left one has been opened up to the bar (note the slatted seating). A new lounge is being built at the rear.