The Horse Shoe, Glasgow

One of Glasgow’s best known pubs thanks to its historic interior. Originally built in 1870 the pub was given its present name 1884 by the owner of the time who had a fondness of horses and named all his pubs with an equine theme. The pub underwent a couple of refits after opening, the last being in 1901 which left the pub pretty much with the layout we see today however the mosaic floor is a 1980’s addition and for some inexplicable reason, the current owners, Mitchell & Butler, saw fit to replace the old patterned windows at the front with plain glass in 2007. Despite this, the pub has retained its place on the CAMRA Inventory of Historic Interiors. Internally, the pub is dominated by the large central island bar (horse shoe shaped naturally), claimed to be the longest continuous bar in the UK (104ft 3in) although my understanding (and more importantly that of the Guinness Book of Records) gives this distinction to the Falcon in Clapham (125 feet). Of note are the spirit barrels on the bar gantry with dual dispensing taps although these have been largely for decoration since they were last used in the 1930’s. The décor also includes some wonderful personalized mirrors at the rear above an unusual horseshoe shaped fireplaces. A padded bench also caught my eye with its ornate headboard containing a calling bell. Also look out for the 3 tiled plaques on the wall representing Spring, Summer and Autumn (Winter has unfortunatey disappeared). On the beer front, there were 4 ales available, Brains Rev James, Caledonian Deuchars and 2 from Harviestoun, Bitter & Twisted and Natural Blond. Not the best selection in town but very reasonably priced (the Natural Blond set me back £2.40). Food was also similarly bargain basement with main courses starting at £3 and the most expensive dishes around £8. Such prices tend to attract and the place was certainly lively and vibrant despite my visit being in what should have been a quiet period. At peak times I would imagine it being quite uncomfortable. Being so well known it does have a tourist element and souvenir t-shirts mounted on the wall do look a bit tacky. The front section had a couple of incongruous fruit/games machines that would perhaps be better suited to being a little more discreet as it distracts from the first impressions as you walk in. There is a modern upstairs bar which I didn’t spot at the time but I get the impression that it doesn’t particularly enhance the pub’s more worthy attributes. In short, it is a must visit if you haven’t been before but once the initial appeal has gone, it remains a more functional pub good for a couple of pints if passing by.