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Sloans started life as a coffee house in Morrisons Court, named
after prominent Glasgow man Baillie John Morrison, in 1797.
Twice a week, a stagecoach would leave Morrisons Court bound for
Edinburgh. The journey lasted five hours and, for a fare of 9s, each
passenger was allowed to take one canvas travelling bag.
The courtyard was the scene of many famous
cock-fighting contests, the sport of the day.
Once called the Arcade Café, David Sloan bought the Café at the turn
of the 20th Century transforming the renamed Sloans Arcade Café
into an opulent venue containing a lounge bar, several dining rooms,
a cocktail bar and even an aquarium.
The Grand Ballroom was the jewel in Sloans’ crown featuring a
magnificent vaulted ceiling, period marble fireplace and intricate
stained-glass windows.
Many original features remain to this day in the Grade A listed
building. These includes the ceramic tiled entrance, grand mahogany
staircase, rich woodwork, rare acid-etched glass and ceilings heavily
decorated with plaster mouldings, which have been newly-restored
complete with gilt-edging and detail.
Traditionally, couples would choose their engagement rings
in the adjacent Argyll Arcade before celebrating in Sloans,
often holding their engagement party and wedding reception
in the Grand Ballroom.
An institution of Glasgow’s social-scene for many years, Sloans
would frequently host wedding receptions, parties and events.
For a guided tour of Sloans please feel free to come into the bar or pre-arrange by phoning us on 0141 221 8886.
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