Glasgow has lost many beloved pubs over the years, but locals still fondly remember the nights out they spent in them. Here are five popular boozers from the 1980s that are sure to evoke nostalgia.
The Jedi Bar
The Jedi Bar, better known as Bar Jedi, was Glasgow's first Star Wars themed boozer. It opened in the 80s on North Street in the Charing Cross area, following the city's Buck Rogers' Burger Station, which promised visitors the chance to 'Eat in the 25th century'.
Outside were two huge 'starship' engines, and inside a 20ft Darth Vader Helmet with TV screens showing stars whizzing past, hooked up to game consoles. The bar had a weekly house night on Saturdays called Bughouse, as well as an afternoon jams open stage featuring music, poetry and comedy. It shut its doors in 2002 and was replaced by The Halcyon Bar; today it is known as Chinaski's.
Old College Bar
The Old College Bar, claimed to be the oldest pub in Glasgow when it closed in 2021, was a tough loss for locals. Located on High Street since the early 19th century, it sustained damage in a fire in May 2021 and was demolished shortly afterwards.
A plaque on the front claimed it dated back to the 1570s, but this was said to be a false date put in place to 'boost business'. Nonetheless, it remains a missed drinking joint.
The Iron Horse
The Iron Horse on West Nile Street, first opened in the 1870s and previously known as The Empire, had a 148-year run until it shut in February 2020, just weeks before the Covid pandemic. The bar, frequently visited by the Tartan Army to celebrate Scotland games, was demolished to make way for a £30M hotel development, which was never built.
The Burns Howff
On West Regent Street, The Burns Howff opened on July 28, 1967, and had a 17-year run until closing in 1984. It was among popular music pubs like Archies, Rock Garden and Amphora, and served as a cultural launchpad for Scottish musicians in the 60s, 70s and early 80s. Its legacy lives on through a Facebook group where former regulars share memories.
The Admiral
The original Admiral Bar on Waterloo Street closed in 2023 after plans to turn it into a café. It had operated for over 60 years since opening in 1969. The bar reopened down the road as the Admiral Woods, but as they say, you can never beat the original.
