Horse Shoe Bar alterations

As undertaken by the owners -

Mitchells and Butler

THE    PIE

The pie has been a traditional lunchtime snack / meal with thousands of Glasgow patrons of The Horseshoe Bar in Drury Street for some considerable number of years. It's the natural choice with a pint.

This is where we'll post any material and building changes made to The Horseshoe which we feel affect the paying regulars enjoyment of this old Glasgow establishment

or contravene the Listed Building regulations

June 2008

In spite of having one of the most notable and well known frontages in Glasgow, Mitchells and Butlers the owners took out the stained glass panels behind the plain windows and left them with just the ordinary glass. Why ?  Well we've no idea but we wrote to them to find out and here is the reply -

July 2008

Dear Mr Hunter,

As you know, we value the Horseshoe Bar, the popularity of the pub and the pride its regulars take in its heritage and tradition.

Our building surveyors believe the stained glass to which you refer was placed in position about 24 years ago to satisfy the licensing requirement that existed in Glasgow at that time, which was intended to reduce the visibility into the interiors of public houses. The glass was of relatively low quality and was not antique nor did it have any architectural or historical merit. Since then legislation has changed and we took the decision to ensure anyone passing the Horseshoe bar would be able to see the beautiful interior more readily and we hope that they will feel more interested in visiting us.

The stained glass from 1984 was designed to be detachable to enable cleaning and was easily removed without damage to the frame or window. The remaining clear glass was already in situ. The privacy of our customers is still retained as the clear glass is some six foot above the pavement level. On that basis, we have no plans to reinstate it.

However two very old pieces of stained glass bearing the Union Flags have been retained in the window along with the original antique light fittings which have been refurbished and repositioned.

I am sure you have noticed the works we have now completed which are more sensitive to the building including the redecoration of the ceiling which is based on the original paint colour plus the refurbishment of the mahogany bar and the repositioning of the antique bric-a-brac which was previously hidden away behind the air conditioning vents. Obsolete electrical fittings and equipment have also been removed and less obtrusive replacements installed where appropriate.

I appreciate your concerns and I can assure you that the Company and I have no intention of completing any works at the Horseshoe Bar that are not sensitive to the building as we recognise the unique and traditional feel of business.

Thaks again for writing to me.

Yours sincerely,

Philip Lewis

Retail Business Manager

Mitchells & Butlers

August 2008

Comments from the pub floor -

"It's like drinking in a goldfish bowl" - "They've spoiled the front of the pub" - "Now we can watch the smokers standing outside" - "It's ***** bright "

We believe these panels are still in existence - and could be easily replaced to revert back to the original character of the entrance.

September 2008

The panels have been moved down south - Petty response to our request for reinstating them possibly ??

September 2008

The Horseshoe Bar status changed from a Grade B to a Grade A Listed Building - now then, where's the stained glass - shouldn't it be replaced to comply with the grading which was made whilst it was in place. Have Mitchells and Butlers removed the glass contrary to the Grade A Listed Building warrant ?