Merchant Pubs & Bars has taken on the Glasgow city centre unit that was for many years occupied by The 13th Note, and will shortly reopen it, fully refurbished, as Anderson’s – ‘a reimagined traditional pub and cultural meeting place’.
After a long run as a bastion of Glasgow’s independent music scene, the shutters came down on The 13thNote – in a two floor unit on the corner of King St and Osborne St – after a fraught few summer months in 2023, during which the pub fell foul of both environmental health authorities and staff union Unite.
Following a 2024 industrial tribunal successfully pursued by some of the venue’s redundant staff, Unite suggested that those workers might soon take on the unit’s lease and run it as a ‘unionised bar’, but the shutters stayed stubbornly down, and the local ecosystem of hospitality businesses mourned the footfall that the Note had once attracted to the area.
So there is likely to be some rejoicing that Merchant Pubs & Bars have taken charge and very firmly put the unit’s past behind it.
Due to launch on 10 July, Anderson’s is said to takes inspiration from the great pubs that shaped Glasgow – ‘places full of warmth, wit, character and conversation’ – and aspires to become a modern Glasgow institution in its own right.
Merchant Pubs & Bars’ Courtney Flynn said: “Glasgow has always had incredible pubs, places with real soul, personality and a sense of belonging.
“With Anderson’s, we wanted to create something that feels instantly familiar but genuinely exciting at the same time.
“We truly believe Anderson’s has the potential to become a modern Glasgow institution.”
And why ‘Anderson’s’? Flynn explained that name comes from a historical Glasgow tavern proprietor, Mrs Anderson, remembered in the late 19th century as ‘a most genial host’ who was celebrated by patrons for her generous hospitality.
Anderson’s core offer is to be ‘exceptional comfort food without pretension’, coming from a kitchen led by Merchant Pubs & Bar’s first-female head chef, Inesa Dirginciute, former head chef at Michelin-starred London restaurant Angler.
Dirginciute approach is said to combine ‘serious culinary pedigree with a deep appreciation for the dishes people genuinely love to eat’. Her ambition at Anderson’s is to create good food while remaining rooted in the spirit of a proper Glasgow pub.
To that end, her kitchen will produce elevated versions of nostalgic Glasgow pub staples, all made entirely from scratch – guests can expect pie, chips & beans; mince & tatties; ham, egg & chips; haggis, neeps & tatties; and spag bol, alongside playful takes on classics such as crispy pancakes with beef massaman filling, smokie fishcakes and macaroni pie made with Isle of Mull cheese.
Dirginciute said: “Moving to Glasgow to lead the kitchen at Anderson’s felt like an incredible opportunity to create something special.
“The menu is rooted in comfort and nostalgia, but every dish is approached with the same care and attention you would expect in a Michelin-starred kitchen.
“We’re taking the food people grew up loving and elevating it through technique, quality ingredients and flavour, while still keeping it approachable, fun and recognisably Glasgow.”
Behind the bar, Anderson’s boldly promises to pour what could become the ‘finest pint of Tennent’s in Glasgow’, serving tank-fresh, unpasteurised Tennent’s delivered weekly by truck directly from Wellpark Brewery – a mere mile down the road.
Alongside this signature Tennent’s offering, Anderson’s cocktail and drinks programme will draw heavily on Glasgow nostalgia and culture, with creations including the Vimto Bramble, Barr Cola Lang Clyde and Tunnock’s Tea Cake Old Fashioned.
During its refurbishment, the venue has brought in celebrated local artists including Rogue One, Gerard Burns, Stuart Kerr and Ross Muir, whose work throughout the space draws inspiration from classic Glasgow pub culture and city life.
Their pieces have been integrated into the interiors helping create a space that ‘feels deeply rooted in Glasgow while distinctly modern’. Guests will also be able to purchase selected artwork directly from the pub if desired.
The interior, created by Stuco Design, pays tribute to Glasgow’s iconic pubs and the surrounding Saltmarket area, reimagined for a contemporary audience.
Owner of Stuco Design, Stuart Kerr, said: “Our inspiration came from the great old Glasgow pubs and the character that makes them feel so enduring. We wanted Anderson’s to capture that warmth and authenticity while elevating it through craftsmanship and thoughtful contemporary detailing.
“We’ve incorporated reclaimed architectural salvage, stained glass elements and restored original wood features discovered within the building, alongside references to the Saltmarket’s rich history and culture. The result is a space that feels deeply connected to Glasgow’s past but completely relevant for the city today.”
While the ground floor level has been designed to feel welcoming, bright and inviting, the basement space has been redesignated as ‘the Institute’, described as a cultural and creative space inspired by the site’s historical roots.
The plan there is to host grassroots live music, podcast recording sessions, cultural events and creative collaborations.
