A CITY centre pub which has been in the same family for 85 years is to go up for sale.

The Press Bar in Albion Street has been a welcome haven for generations of journalists, university staff and office workers.

It was bought in 1928 by Tom McEntee who was a champion golfer winning many trophies, cups and awards.

When he passed away, it was run by his sons Leo, Gerald and Des, and eventually their children worked behind the circular wooden bar.

Leo's son Vincent McEntee started work in the Press Bar when he was 17 years old and 14 years ago took over ownership. But he has now decided to call time on the pub where countless members of his family have worked over the decades.

Vincent, 52, is not clear what he will do in the future but says it is time to move on to pastures new.

His three children - a teacher, a chartered accountant and a sixth-year school pupil - have no interest in running the business.

As a result, Vincent has decided to put it on the market.

The Press Bar has had strong links to the newspaper business since 1936 when the glass and steel building which surrounds the pub was built for the Daily Express.

When it moved its operation to Manchester in 1974, a workers' co-operative set up the Scottish Daily News and took up residence.

The paper lasted only six months but in 1988, the Evening Times and Glasgow Herald as it was then known moved in and the Press Bar became a regular stopping off point for many staff.

One of the highlights of a lunchtime visit were the "magic pies" which arrived hot from the baker - except on Wednesdays.

The Press Bar's link to the newspaper industry was severed in 2000 when the Herald and Times moved to its current home in Renfield Street.

Vincent admits he will be sad to sell up but believes the time is right for a change.

He said: "The three brothers and their families worked in the bar during the newspaper days but we also got trade from Strathclyde University and the city council."

Bar staff have found people from all over the city travelled to Albion Street to enjoy the special ambience of the Press Bar.

Vincent said: "We have had a great clientele over the years and I have enjoyed mixing with different people every day of the week.

"But I started working in the pub 35 years ago which is why I feel like getting out.

"I will be sad to sell the Press Bar but my family have their own careers.

"I knew I was going to be the last person from my family to own the pub and that it was going to be down to me to let go.

"It was a hard decision but we can only now wait and see what happens in the future."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk