The Clachan Public House

The Clachan Public House

Public House, built in 1898, designer unknown. Constructed in red brick with extensive pale cream limestone dressings, grey granite facing to the lower part of the ground floor facades, and a copper-sheathed roof to the angle turret.

Exterior

The building occupies a corner site and displays an exuberant 'Free Renaissance' style across three storeys with an attic. The main west elevation comprises three bays. At ground floor level, a central entrance features paired glazed doors set between granite pilasters with stylized Ionic capitals. To the left stands a large window over a sloping granite dado. To the right, a former angled entrance lobby contains mosaic decoration to the threshold spelling out the pub's name and tiled decoration to the wall. All ground floor glazing appears to be of modern date and is plain, with two or three-pane overlights to the doors and windows with narrow glazing bars. A fascia band at first floor level is set between moulded consoles.

The first floor west elevation includes a single window over the central entrance, with six-light mullioned windows either side, all flanked by stylized Ionic capitals. Heavy keystones are positioned over the centres of the side windows, set against panels of acanthus decoration that form aprons to the second floor side windows. These consist of paired arched casement windows with keystones, set between pilasters, with a pair of carved heads set against a foliate background in the spandrels above. The similar but single central window has lozenge decoration to the apron. A balustrade runs along the parapet; a mansard roof rises to the attic, with a pair of dormer windows flanking a projecting oval window with keystone, flanking scrolls and pediment.

At the north-west corner stands an arched entrance doorway set between pilasters, with the pub name in affixed metal letters against acanthus leaf decoration above and the date 1898 over. Above rises a projecting corner turret in French Renaissance style, with acanthus leaf decoration to the oriel base, triple rectangular windows set between pilasters at second floor level, and triple windows at the top level beneath a dentil cornice. The turret is crowned with a domed roof and tall finial.

The north elevation is similar to the west, but includes a two-storey bay at the east end with triple doors set beneath a framed inscription panel bearing the pub's name; a part-concealed mosaic to the threshold displays the pub's name inside the door.

Interior

The ground floor retains numerous original fittings. A mahogany bar counter and elaborate back bar with cut glass mirror enrichment occupy the centre. A raised snug is located at the rear. Cast iron columns support the centre of a coffered ceiling covered with raised decoration. Stairs to the first floor feature square moulded balusters.

The first floor front room retains its original chimneypiece, panelled dado and raised decoration to the ceiling. The upper floors, formerly the publican's accommodation, retain numerous original fittings including a staircase, joinery and fireplaces.

Historical Context

The Clachan is a good example of a Late Victorian 'Gin Palace', retaining its principal bar fixtures. Its elaborate decoration reflects its West End location and the heated competition between rival pubs for custom during this period. The name 'clachan' is Gaelic for hamlet.