Mr Edward Stanton Collins.
The Clutha Bar, 37 Robertson Street, Glasgow.
Mr Edward Stanton Collins. 1893.
There are not many representatives of the trade in Glasgow or indeed in Scotland, who have had the distinction and honour of serving their apprenticeship in the Royal kitchen at Windsor, where the dainty dishes are cooked to set before her most gracious majesty, Queen Victoria. Such was the experience of Mr Edward S Collins, landlord of the Clutha Bar, 37 Robertson Street, Glasgow. Born and educated in the town and was apprenticed in the royal kitchen. After gaining enormous experience with the best in the country, young Edward was determined to learn even more and joined the staff of the Albion Tavern, Aldersgate Street, London, as an improver, where the knowledge he acquired and the experience he gained amply justified the title. Remaining there for a year, he accepted the position of second cook in the famous Junior Carlton Club, where his experience was still further increased, and where he catered for most of the notability of the day.
On leaving the Junior Carlton Club he came north, occupying the responsible position of chef in the New Club in Edinburgh, the duties of which, exacting as they were, as those who know the club will admit, he discharged for three and a half years, in such a manner as to enhance his already established reputation. He was then appointed club master of the Merchants' Club in Leith, where he held the reins of government for three years.
At this time he was fortunate enough to obtain the heart and hand of his wife, and doubled the partnership by acquiring the Clutha Bar, in the conducting of the business of which she so ably assisted him. Mr Collins entered on his proprietorship in October 1892, when he was granted the licence without opposition.
Mr Collins was a keen Freemason, belonging to Lodge Celtic, no. 291, Edinburgh and to St. John's, no. 3 Glasgow.
In 1902 James Miller acquired the business along with partner Mr McPhee and traded under the name of Wilson & McPhee. The premises were refurbished and a new name above the door "The Clarendon Cafe". In 1910 Archibald McNicol was proprietor, he was only allowed to open the premises until 9pm instead of 10pm like all the other licensed premises in Glasgow. Mr McNicol continued to serve the locals here until the end of the First World War, he was succeeded by Victor Alexander French on behalf of Thomas Brown Glasgow Ltd, the establishment closed shortly afterwards.
End.
