The Golden Age of Travel
Handysides and Henderson was at its prime, building its own ships, transporting hundreds of thousands of people and goods across the world, and even launching the first merchant vessel to cross the Suez Canal. In 1906, a seven-storey white Carrara marble building (our new home) was built on St Vincent Place, just off George Square, as the bespoke offices of what was now known as the Anchor Line Shipping Company. It was designed by James Miller, the man behind the 1905 extension to Glasgow Central railway station, the Union Bank and many other prominent buildings in Glasgow and London.
Image: Anchor Line Ship
The demise of the Anchor Line Building
The next few decades were eventful ones, where the First World War saw half of Anchor Line’s ships sunk by enemy forces, and the company changed hands, names and routes across the globe. In 1965, the company was bought by Moor Line and the Anchor Line Building closed its doors.
2018 – The arrival of Native Glasgow
In celebration of the Anchor Line Building’s past we’ve kept many of its original features and plenty of the luxury ocean liner décor that filled these headquarters over 100 years ago. When you stay with us, you’ll see it throughout the building, from the reception and restaurants to your very own apartment. Glazed tiles, terrazzo flooring, cruise ship inspired carpets, wood panelled walls and fireplaces – it’s all there. All alongside the hotel-style perks you’d expect from brilliantly serviced apartments, like a 24-hour reception, concierge and breakfast.
Image: Native Glasgow
You’ll also find tons of original artwork from Anchor Line’s heyday in The Anchor Line restaurant downstairs.
Image: Memorabilia in The Anchor Line restaurant
Oh, and when you can finally bring yourself to step outside your new pied-à-terre, don’t miss the irresistibly Instagrammable nautical emblems adorning the façade – seaweed, shells and sailors, all freshly glazed after hiding behind decades of dust and grime. You’ll want to collect them all.
So, there we are – a little introduction to our brand new Glasgow aparthotel. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do.
