Owner of Glasgow institution The Baby Grand reflects on sad closure and 'the end of an era'

It's the end of an era for Glasgow institution The Baby Grand, after it was announced it will close its doors at the end of this month.

After more than four decades, the piano bar and restaurant will trade for the final time on January 30 before the venue is eventually demolished as part of a dramatic £250 million revamp of Charing Cross.

We sat down with owner Billy McAneney, who opened the buzzing establishment in 1984 alongside Iain MacKenzie and Derrick Sutherland. Billy admitted that the venue "lost its touch" when the area, Elmbank Gardens, lost the HMRC offices, Strathclyde Regional Headquarters as well as both the education and social work departments.

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Speaking of when he took over, Billy said: "Everything was concrete, the walls, the floor, even the roof was concrete - it took us a year to get it working and we opened in October 1984.

"In recent years the whole area has been on its way down, even the Scottish Opera isn't what it was 20 years ago due to cutbacks. All in all, the area has gotten quieter and quieter, slowly but surely.

"It's not what it once was, but nothing ever remains the same."

The area, which Billy described as a "concrete jungle", is set to undergo a £250 million revamp. The project will make space for new homes, student accommodation, hotel space and local services.

The project will see the demolition of The Baby Grand to make way for student accommodation. Speaking to Glasgow Live, Billy's business partner Jamie Allan said this feels "appropriate", "like a wee full stop".

Jamie added: "It was here for 40 years and it was a big part of Glasgow's nightlife but now it's being knocked down, I think it's a nice way for it to end. I'd rather that than someone else take it over and turn it into something completely different".

Billy shared his favourite quote, which describes The Baby Grand "perfectly" - it comes from author of Scotland the Best, Pete Irvine, who once said: "Only real cities have places like this", after paying a visit to the much-loved venue.

Billy added: "The sad thing is there's bars and restaurants popping up all over the city now, but there's not so many places which have been under the same ownership for 41 years - its a Glasgow institution, but an institution that's losing its sharpness because of the area."

The Glasgow businessman has been forced to come to terms with the closure - playfully saying: "I won't cry" over it.

When asked if The Baby Grand will return in a new location, Billy said: "Almost certainly not, but never say never".

The bar and restaurant is most well known for its live music played on a baby grand piano. Pianist Bill Finlayson, 91, has played at The Baby Grand since its opening in 1984. Speaking of the venue, he once said: "When I come in to play, I meet so many nice people. I love it in here, it’s been a big part of my life for all these years. It was such a unique place when it first opened".

Pianist Danny Thomson also takes to the Baby Grand stage at weekends, with the venue going to be sorely missed by both.

Now, Billy is looking at the possibility of Bill and Danny playing elsewhere, saying: "No one will be left behind".

Glaswegians have been left "gutted" following the news, with hundreds sharing their disappointment and fond memories online. Iain Burke wrote: "No where like it over the years ! 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".

Fiona Sutherland added: "So sad to read this. Always had fantastic food and breakfasts there and always a warm welcome. Wish they could pick you up with a big crane and place you somewhere else, not demolish such a lovely place. Wishing you all the very best of luck for the future and thank you for all the lovely times spent there".

And Malcom Ross said: "What an absolute disgrace! Such a lovely venue, and an oasis of calm in the bustling city of Glasgow. One very, very sad day, and an extremely dark day for hospitality in Glasgow."

The team are going "out with a bang", and from now until the end of the January, returning select dishes from their food menu to 1984 prices, and will continue the tradition of regular pianists playing every Friday and Saturday evening.

You can find The Baby Grand at Elmbank Gardens, Glasgow, open 10.30am - 10pm from Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am - 12am Friday, Saturday and 9am - 9pm on Sundays - operating until January 30.

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