Hielan Jessie
378 Gallowgate
What is it? Historically the B-listed pub which occupies this Gallowgate corner was known as The Regal Bar. That was until 1986 when William Gold became the new landlord after an extensive refurbishment. This family-owned business (still run by William’s son Billy Gold to this day) wanted to create a community pub with no TV, jukebox or amusement machines, which back then was unheard of. This place was and still is about coming in and feeling welcomed and taken care of by the team.
Verdict: I’ve been spending a lot of time around the Gallowgate over the past five years, first with an agency I ran on East Campbell Street and now with my own pub directly across from the Ballroom. I have fallen in love with the area and the invisible forcefield that once existed at High Street leading east is slowly being broken down with more and more people experiencing the exciting things happening in this part of town. While this is partly due to St Luke’s and the BAaD centre we can’t forget the pubs and people of this area that have been flying the flag for decades. Billy and his team are dedicated to creating a community pub that the area can be proud of.
Drink: A fine selection of beer, wines and spirits with one of the best pints of Big Juicy (Tennent’s) you will taste.
Interesting fact: Billy is fascinated by Gallowgate’s history, particularly the pub’s namesake. Hielan Jessie was Jessie Brown, wife of Sergeant Brown of the 17th Highland Regiment. When fighting in India during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the regiment became trapped in their fort. When the soldiers started to retreat Jessie heard the noise of bagpipes, which let her know that another Scottish regiment was nearby and she urged the troops to fight on. The 78th Regiment appeared and the survivors in the fort were saved. Unfortunately Jessie lost her husband in the battle but was remembered as a heroine of the Victorian period. Billy from the Jessie along with his father decided to call the pub after her after learning that Glasgow’s first barracks were built in 1795 directly across the road from the pub. Jessie Brown is said to have spent her last years running a bar on the Gallowgate where she was known as Hielan Jessie. For a more detailed history of the watering holes of this part of the city, search out the work of John Gorevan an author and regular of The Heilan Jessie, who has written a book named Up & Doon The Gallowgate documenting the history of pubs that have came and gone along this historic stretch of Glasgow.
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