'Iconic' Glasgow bar to close as building demolished after four decades

A historic Glasgow lounge bar and restaurant is to close ahead of the building being demolished for student accommodation.

The Baby Grand will close its doors for the final time on January 30, after four decades in business.

The Charing Cross venue first opened in 1984 and is known for bringing live music to the city centre every Friday and Saturday.

Owner Billy McAneney shared the news on social media, stating that the decision had been made by “those in power”.

Posting on Facebook, he said: “Those in power have decided it’s time for demolishing and renewal, so we are getting knocked down.”

“We have had a ball, especially myself and Gerry McGhee, my business partner of the last ten years,” he added.

One customer commented on the post, saying they were “gutted” and urging the owners to open another venue if they could.

In the post, Mr McAneney said it was unlikely that the Baby Grand would reappear on a new site but did not completely rule it out.

“When I look back over those 40 years, my favourite quote comes from Pete Irvine, author of Scotland the Best, who said of The Baby Grand: ‘Only real cities have places like this’,” he said.

“Will The Baby Grand reappear on a new site? Almost certainly not, but never say never. Regardless, we are going to go out with a bang.”

Another fan commented, saying there was “nowhere like it” and adding: “What an iconic destination.”

“Was there on day one, and nowhere could match it. Sad news, best wishes to all the staff over the years and of course, Danny on the Baby Grand Piano,” they said.

Another said: “A Glasgow institution. I walked past every day from 1985 to 1991 going to and from high school as I got the train in from Easterhouse to Charing Cross then walked up to Lynedoch St. Look forward to dining with you at the end of this month.”

After announcing the closure, the owners announced they would set select dishes to the same prices they had in 1984 to say thank you to loyal customers.