TheGlasgowStory 

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Members of the Gizzi family outside the Clyde Cafe in Main Street, Bridgeton, in the 1930s. Italian immigrants established a cafe culture in Glasgow, providing an alcohol-free alternative to pubs. Despite this, cafes were regarded by some as dens of iniquity and corruptors of youth. The custom of opening on Sundays was abhorred by strict Presbyterians.

Italian cafes hold fond memories for many Glaswegians, as recorded by Adam McNaughtan in his song The Glasgow that I used to know: And where is the chip shop that I knew sae well? The wee corner cafe, where they used tae sell Hot peas and brey and Macallums and pokes. An ye knew they were tallies the minute they spoke - "Dae ye wanta da raspberry ower yer ice-a-cream?"

Reference: Glasgow City Archives, Photographic Series

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning

Keywords:
cafes, children, Clyde Cafe, fish and chips, folk songs, Gizzi family, ice cream, immigrants, Italians, Sunday trading, The Glasgow that I used to know

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