That first pint in your local watering hole is a memory that stays with most of us forever.
While you might not remember the rest of the night, you’re likely to recall the first drink you bought for yourself - and the venue you enjoyed it in. Sadly, memories sometimes outlive buildings.
We asked Glasgow Live readers where they enjoyed their first pint, and after looking through the responses noticed just how many Glasgow pubs have been lost to history.
Take a look through some of the most mentioned long-lost pubs, which are firmly ingrained in locals' memories - and let us know if we missed your favourite Glasgow venue.
The Kind Man
A no nonsense venue, this Pollokshaws Road pub played host to many of our readers' first drink.
Joseph McIntyre commented: “Loved the Kind Man. It was our go to in the 70s.”
Rosaline Bennett agreed: “Wasn’t my first drink, but had great times at the Kind Man’s on Pollokshaws Road with the Howling Gaels providing the music. Anyone else remember those times?”
Some may remember it as Strathie’s, but either way - a great choice for that ever important first legal drink.
To view our main photo gallery of lost pubs that served us our first drink please click here
The Iron Horse
The Iron Horse, which opened in 1872, announced its closure in 2020.
Previously known as the Empire Bar, the venue served theatre-goers heading to the Glasgow Empire Theatre until its closure in 1963.
Bob Harris told us about his first drink: “15 year old me got into the Iron Horse, soon to be demolished. Then on to the Apollo to see some great bands.
“Deep Purple, King Crimson, 1972 was a great year.”
Geordie Mac had similar memories: “Downstairs in the Iron Horse on a Friday was a brilliant night.”
Sylvesters
It’s no surprise that many had their first drink in Sylvesters, as the pub introduced family Tuesdays in the early 80s. Adults weren’t allowed in from 8am to 8pm without a child, and the venue earned a reputation for a gathering space.
Margaret Smith recalled her time in the pub: “Sylvesters in Ingram Street I think, burnt down in the 90s I think. Pernod and lemonade, very sophisticated.
“We were only 15 and 16 went on to the dancing afterwards, yikes.”
Margo Watson had similar memories: “Sylvesters was my first pub in town, loved it - happy memories.”
A development company was denied permission to transform the plot into homes in the early 00s.
Sparkles
Over the years this Sauchiehall Street venue has changed names many times, though most of our readers remember it as Sparkles.
Anne Harrison recalled her time at the pub: “Sparkles, Sauchiehall Street. Was the only place I could get served and after that was Sylvesters.”
Catherine Macaley was in agreement: “We loved Sparkles, used to go on a Saturday night. They always played the gang bang song, hilarious.”
Sparkles is long gone, though the building hasn’t been lost - and is open as the Priory Bar today.
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The Bushes Bar
This Tollcross venue was a hidden gem, with many Glaswegians unaware the pub existed even though it had been there for over a hundred years.
Sadly, the historic boozer was left to rot after it closed in 2007.
Andy Murray recalled his first pint there: “The Bushes Bar, now demolished, used to sit on the corner of Easterhill Street and Causewayside Street.”
The Rooster
The Rooster was massively popular in the 70s, though was eventually bought over by the neighbouring bank to extend their premises.
Many of our readers enjoyed their first drink here, such as Alison Parker who said: “The Rooster, think it was Ingram Street - best nights of my life were had in this pub.”
Annmarie Burns commented: “The Rooster bar in Glassford Street. My older brother took me, I was 16, I had a vodka and orange.”
Mitre Bar
This old favourite first opened in 1927, and became a popular haunt for locals.
The Brunswick Street fixture closed in the 90s, before it was eventually demolished.
Lawrie Meechan remembered her first pint here: “Mitre Bar, which is closed now - the last time I saw the bar it was in the Transport Museum.
In 2010 the pub, along with original fittings, was revived for the museum's recreation of seven shop units that occupied the city in the early 20th century.
The Amphora
Another Sauchiehall Street venue that served under many different names. First opening as the Amphora in 1961 by the Cairn family, who continue to run businesses in the west of Scotland.
Whether remembered as Pythagoras, Maxaluna, or Edward’s - many first beverages were had under its roof.
Sarah Mitchell told us: “The Amphora in Sauchiehall Street. An underage hippie paradise.”
Linda Carroll recalled her time at the Amphora: “Great bands in there - had a ginger beer and lime, didn’t drink then. How things have changed.”
The Pandora
Known by some as Calders Lounge, and others as the Pandora - this Victoria Road venue has since become the Locavore Grocery.
Those lucky enough to remember Pandora in its heyday will recall the Five Flies Lounge, which offered up a meal of bacon and baked potatoes for only 50p.
Diana Maloney recalled her first Glasgow drink: “Moved to Glasgow when I was 18. First pub was the Pandora, in Victoria Road on the south side.
“Was in the lounge bar to be precise, called the Five Flies.”
Maureen Devine fondly looked back at the pub: “I loved the Pandora. Nicest staff and crowd ever.”
Take a look at our collection of images below for a stroll down memory lane through Glasgow's favourite lost pubs.
