FOR decades the Press Bar was the retreat of journalists often on unsociable hours in an era when the pub was still a community hub.
However, it now looks as though time is to be called on the Albion Street hostelry, a family business for nearly 90 years, with the submission of an application to demolish the premises that had also attracted stars such as Tom Conti and Helen Mirren alongside the hacks, politicians, trade unionists and academics who frequented the bar.
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An application has been lodged with Glasgow City Council and a public notice has been published outlining intent of "complete demolition in a conservation area of existing building and erection of residential development".
Glasgow-based Iceni Projects has, said in its cover letter for the application: "On behalf of our client, Strathcarron Homes Ltd, we have submitted an application for Conservation Area Consent for the total demolition of the Press Bar building at 199 Albion Street, Glasgow.
"An application for Planning Permission in Principle has been submitted alongside the CAC application to redevelop the site for residential development.
The bar was opened in 1928 by Thomas McEntee, and the venue was originally called the Express Bar because of the then Scottish Daily Express offices in the building next door.
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Ownership has been passed down through the McEntee generations, first to Thomas's three sons, Leo, Gerald and Des, then his grandson Vincent, who bought the bar 17 years ago, and is listed on the application as owner, but who declined to comment.
The Press Bar was also a destination for journalists of The Herald and sister paper the Evening Times when their officers were on Albion Street.
After The Herald moved to new premises in 2000, the pub became popular with academics and students at the adjacent University of Strathclyde.
In one public comment in the application, Gary Urquhart said that "this application proposes to remove a precious non residential area of the city centre of Glasgow where there are already dozens of empty residential properties in an area designed for tourism, study and entertainment as described in the various Merchant City Action Plans, Candleriggs Quarter".
The Press Bar cites Scotland's Pubs and Bars website on its Facebook page, which said: "Many famous faces have enjoyed a drink and the ambience of the Press Bar over the years.
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"The bar is also mentioned in Denise Mina’s novel and television series Field of Blood and more recently the television drama Lip Service was filmed on the premises."
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