The Esquire House Visited
Photos
Local Area
Visited this pub in Anniesland, Glasgow after a Partick Thistle game at Firhill, walking the forth and clyde canal from Firhill to Anniesland. Geographically, the pub is nestled along the bustling Great Western Road, with the Forth and Clyde Canal meandering nearby. Originally a humble farm on the Jordanhill estate back in the day, it evolved from rural pastures to a residential hotspot in the 19th century as Glasgow expanded rapidly. History: ancient stone tools have been unearthed in local gravels, hinting at prehistoric folk whilst nearby Kilbowie boasts a Stone Age solar temple – think ancient Scots aligning stones for solstices. In terms of local Folklore, Anniesland isn't teeming with loch monsters or fairy circles, but dip into Glasgow's broader myths – ghosts in old monasteries and Celtic legends abound. Architecturally then Anniesland Court, Scotland's tallest listed building at 22 storeys, was built in 1968 as a brutalist beauty that towers over the area like a giant concrete sentinel, watching over the small shops and railway station below.
The Pub
The Esquire House is a nod to 'esquire' meaning a gentleman of rank, perhaps evoking images of refined tipples rather than rowdy brawls. The name's origins aren't etched in stone, but it fits the bill for a spot built by the Reid family, esteemed publicans of Glasgow's west end, back in the day. This modern brick beast at 1487 Great Western Road was an existing pub snapped up by JD Wetherspoon. Inside, it's spacious with tall windows letting in daylight (handy for spotting your mates), TV screens for sports, Wi-Fi for doom-scrolling, and even a licensed outdoor area for when the Scottish sun dares to show up. Open from 8am to midnight daily, it's family-friendly till 9pm, with step-free access and baby-changing facilities. It's got a community vibe, complete with quiz nights and a reputation for catering to locals, though from the outside it might look a tad soulless – but hey, don't judge a pub by its facade, talking of which there is great art deco old cinema directly across the road that has now been turned into flats. Pub was rammed with staff on the ball.
Football Team
The nearest football team would be Partick Thistle, based at Firhill Stadium, just a short jaunt away in Maryhill (about 2 miles). Founded in 1876, they've bounced around the leagues like a ball in a pinball machine, currently in the Scottish Championship, known for their red-and-yellow stripes and a mascot named Kingsley – a bizarre, angular creature that looks like it was designed by Picasso after a few drams. Fun fact: The pub's original owner, Millar Reid, was once chairman of Partick Thistle, so you're basically drinking in football history here. They've got a loyal fanbase, famous for underdog spirit and the occasional upset – much like finding a free table on a Friday night. One more piece of Jags history tied to the place: The Esquire House is where Partick Thistle had their pre-match meal before the 1971 Scottish League Cup Final, in which they famously beat Celtic 4–1.
Travel
Walked here on way back from Partick Thistle game and then the first 16 bus home.
Beers
Oakham Citra at £2.76 a pint. Nice beer. Oakham Ales was founded in 1993 in Oakham, Rutland, but relocated to Peterborough in 1998 and operates out of the Brewery Tap—celebrated as one of the largest brewpubs in Europe. Oakham was among the very first UK craft breweries to embrace imported West Coast US hops in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Launched in 2009, Oakham Citra (4.2% ABV in cask format) holds legendary status as the first beer brewed in the UK exclusively using 100% American Citra hops. After discovering the experimental hop variety in the US, Oakham’s head brewer secured a shipment and created what became a two-time CAMRA Champion Golden Beer of Britain winner. Tasting Notes; Very pale gold and intensely aromatic with grapefruit, lychee, gooseberry, and tropical fruit notes, finishing light, crisp, and cleanly bitter. Food Pairings; Spicy Dishes, Seafood and Italian Tomato and basil pasta or classic Margherita pizza. Alongside Citra, their famous flagship pale ales include JHB (Jeffrey Hudson Bitters) and Green Devil IPA (a punchier, double-hopped variant of Citra).