Wintersgills, Glasgow

The interior of Wintergill’s was refitted in 1936 and this three roomed pub retains its original gantry, long panelled bar counter and ply panelling on the walls and attracts a mainly older clientele.

It is situated in the base of a late 19th century four-storey tenement. The lino floored main bar has a ten bay gantry with an Art Deco top section on bays one and nine and a clock (age) on the 5th bay. The top section has mirrored panels in all but two bays, and in the lower part are a cupboard & drawer in bay ten, and only four bays have fridges replacing shelving. On the wall above the gantry are a ‘Lorimer & Clark’s Pale Ales’ and a ‘Stones Best Bitter’ mirrors.

The ply panelled tapered counter is the 1936 one situated on a plinth but has a modern top. The plan shows the bar counter is curved on the left but the present small section is straight indicating it is a modern replacement. The 1938 plan shows there was a ‘carrying out dept.’ on the front left on the public bar which no longer exists so maybe the new piece of bar counter dates from when it was removed? 1930s panelling to half-height all around the public bar, which continues down the staircase to the gents in the basement. Four columns with decorative capitals hold up the high ceiling, which has an ornate cornice.

Separated by a part glazed screen, the sitting room at the rear of the public bar remains but has few old fittings and acts as a dining room.

In 1938 the property on the left was added and the plans show a half circle bar was installed. The left hand room has a half circle bar counter but (says MF) a careful study of the plans and the room and it is clear it is a modern replacement and moved slightly towards the back of the room – but the mouldings in the ceiling above it indicates it may be in the same position? No other old fittings here.

Rudolph Kenna’s ‘The Glasgow Pub’ says in 1939 the basement housed an Art Deco cocktail bar, but nothing of this survives now.