New Glasgow bar highlights history of the Saltmarket
The bar has taken over the former Whistler on the Green site
Last updated 6th Nov 2026
A new pub and speakeasy inspired by Glasgow history has announced its arrival in the city with a Bonfire Night projection display on the McLennan Arch.
The landmark at the entrance to Glasgow Green from Saltmarket was named after the Victorian Bailie who inspired the bar.
McLennan’s opened its doors on the former Whistler on the Green site on November 5, named for Bailie James McLennan J.P., a Glasgow businessman, civic figure, and philanthropist, who became a partner in wholesale wine and spirit merchants Alexander Bryce & Co in 1875.
In 1884 he was elected Deacon Convener, one of the most prestigious civic roles in Glasgow’s merchant society.
"So many incredible stories"
In later life, as a Bailie and Justice of the Peace, he worked to preserve Glasgow's heritage and architecture, with his best-known legacy being the arch that bears his name.
On the bar’s opening night, McLennan’s handwritten signature, now the logo of the establishment, was projected onto the monument.
The venue is two in one, acting as a pub playing Clyde 1 throughout the day between 9am and 6pm, then from 6pm to midnight the speakeasy opens.
McLennan’s holds one of Glasgow’s rare old licences, allowing it to serve drinks with food from 9am, seven days a week.
After dark, the venue will draw on the Victorian era of the Saltmarket, and the ‘Close of Miracles’, a warren of closes and wynds.
"The perfect way to begin"
The drinks on offer will pay homage to the time, with one named The Sober Hangman, telling of the 1899 Act passed to stop Glasgow's executioners working drunk.
The Dynamitards takes its name from the bombers who rocked Glasgow in 1883, with each drink having non alcoholic options too.
Group Bars Manager at Merchant Pubs & Bars Ewan Angus said: “It's been so exciting to create McLennan's from the ground up.
“I loved researching James McLennan and the old Saltmarket.
"I can't wait"
“There are so many incredible stories, and every drink on the menu has one behind it.
“Seeing his name lit up on the Arch last night, right outside our front door, was the perfect way to begin.
“I can't wait to share all our new creations with Glasgow.
“Pick your poison. Or don't."
The opening night projection was created by Double Take Projections, run by brothers Steven and David McConnachie, who have worked on projects at the SEC Armadillo, Forth Rail Bridge, Edinburgh Castle, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and York Minster.
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