
Pub named after Celtic hero to reopen as bar and restaurant
The pub had previously been a hotel and a furniture store before being transformed
NEW LIFE Pub named after Celtic hero to reopen as bar and restaurant
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A PUB formerly named after Celtic legend Billy McNeill is to relaunch as a restaurant and bar.
Cesar's Irish Bar opened five years ago in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, but suddenly closed its doors earlier this month.
Sign up for the Celtic newsletter
Sign up
5
Cesar's Irish Bar was named after Celtic hero Billy McNeill
5
It has closed down and will become a restaurant
5
McNeill's statue outside Celtic Park
Credit: AFP or licensors
5
The Celtic hero captained the legendary Lisbon Lions
Credit: AP:Associated Press
Owners have now confirmed they have ditched any links to the iconic Lisbon Lion captain and will reopen the venue as Bellview.
The pub will now serve food and drinks and will offer a 'sun-trap' beer garden for thirsty punters to enjoy.
No date has been set for the new look pub to open but the owners have promised offers and events are to come as they head towards the relaunch.
A post on social media said: "Something special has arrived.
"Say hello to Bellview, Lanarkshire's brand new go-to spot. A stunning restaurant, bar, and function venue serving up mouth-watering meals, private event vibes, and a drinks selection you'll love.
"Oh and did we mention the sun-trap beer garden? Perfect for chilled pints and summer catch-ups.
"Whether you're after a relaxed dinner, planning a big celebration, or just fancy a proper good night – Bellview's the place to be.
"Doors opening soon with offers, events and sneak peeks on the way."
Locals wished the owners a successful relaunch.
One said: "Can't wait for it to open. The very best of luck for this new venture."
Celtic hero's son reveals that he's standing as a candidate for the Reform Party
Another posted: "Amazing. Can't wait to try it."
The pub had previously been a hotel and a furniture store before being transformed.
The Hoops' greatest ever captain passed away aged 79 in 2019 after battling dementia.
The Parkhead icon won 13 league titles with the club as a player and manager and famously lifted the European Cup in 1967.
McNeill originally earned the title 'Cesar' after going to see the Hollywood film Ocean's Eleven starring Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack in the 1960s.
The name was given to McNeill from actor Cesar Romero, who played a getaway driver, as he was the only Celtic player with a car at the time to drive his Hoops pals around.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland Office leads trade mission in Spain
A total of 16 Scottish female entrepreneurs, led by UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), will arrive in Madrid today. Their mission comes after a report, first covered by The Herald, found that trade in Scotland could increase by more than £10 billion over two years if women-led businesses exported at the same rate as those led by men. The Gender Export Gap Report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found that if women who lead small and medium-sized enterprises exported at the same rate as male-led exporters, it could increase total turnover by between £2.1bn and £6.3bn over one year, with this potentially increasing to over £10bn over a two year period. Scotland Minister Ms McNeill has voiced she wants the UK to be 'a leader' in promoting gender diversity in international trade. Those involved, including the chief executive of Scottish Chamber of Commerce Liz Cameron, will meet with Spanish entrepreneurs, business leaders and politicians to address the Scottish gender export gap and promote Brand Scotland. Taking place through events in Barcelona and Madrid, ministers said the mission will help Scottish firms 'boost exports, inward investment and kickstart economic growth'. During her trip to Spain, Ms McNeill will also discuss future plans for two shipyards in Scotland with the CEO of Navantia UK, a Spanish ship building company which recently took over the British shipbuilder Harland & Wolff. It currently runs operations across four UK sites including Methil and Arnish in Scotland. READ MORE: 'Scottish trade could create billions through women-led businesses' What Keir Starmer's new UK–EU agreement means for Scotland Figures from last year show Spain is the UK's seventh largest trading partner and it is Scotland's 10th with total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) being £64.6 billion. The UK is the number one European destination for Spanish investment (€83 billion stock). On Tuesday in Barcelona, the Minister will also meet the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa to discuss new opportunities for trade and investment for both the UK and Spain. This visit marks the first Brand Scotland trade mission since the signing of a partnership agreement between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office on Friday. The deal, backed by a £100,000 UK Government grant, is focused on showcasing Scottish businesses globally and attracting inward investment. UK Government Scotland Office Ms McNeill said: "I'm very proud to be teaming up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and fantastic Scottish women entrepreneurs on a trailblazing mission to Spain to help kickstart economic growth, create jobs and attract investment to Scotland as part of the UK Government's Plan for Change. "I want the UK to be a leader in promoting gender diversity in international trade and this is a unique opportunity for our women business leaders to build international connections, explore market opportunities, and connect with other female entrepreneurs in one of Scotland's and the UK's largest EU markets. "Through Brand Scotland, we are now giving our country the global platform it deserves." Last year, Scotland's goods exports to Spain reached £0.7 billion, with food and drink leading the way at over £212 million. Most recent figures show that Spain was the number six export destination for Scotch whisky, with sales worth £196 million in 2024. Spain is also among the most valuable destinations for Scottish seafood exports, including a top 20 destination for Scottish salmon exports. Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: "This trade mission marks a bold step forward in advancing Scotland's global trade ambitions. "By connecting some of our most dynamic women entrepreneurs and leaders with key players in Barcelona, we are opening new doors of opportunity, innovation, and growth. "Scotland's businesswomen are global in their outlook, ambitious in their vision, and ready to lead the way in forging deeper connections around the world. 'The collaboration between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scotland Office is a powerful partnership which will boost business growth, increase exports, and champion Scotland as a world-leading trading nation. "This mission expands our market access and ensures the future of our business community is more representative, resilient, and internationally competitive." The mission follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer securing an agreement with the European Union last month which aimed at resetting relations after post-Brexit disruption. The deal includes an extension of EU fishing rights in UK waters until 2038. This 12-year continuation maintains current access arrangements, which were initially set to expire in 2026. The UK Government argues that the move provides stability and certainty for the fishing sector. However, Scottish fishing communities and the Scottish Government have voiced strong opposition. The agreement also includes a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, which aligns UK food safety and animal health standards with those of the EU. This alignment is expected to eliminate most routine border checks on animal and plant products between Great Britain and the EU. It will also permit the export of some previously restricted products, including burgers and sausages, back into the EU market. For Scotland, this is significant, facilitating smoother exports for key sectors such as seafood and agriculture. However, it also means that the UK, including Scotland, must adhere to evolving EU regulations in these areas.


Belfast Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
I could have closed gap to Celtic, insists former Rangers boss Philippe Clement
Clement felt he was working on a long-term project after the board told him to cut the wage bill last summer and develop younger players to fuel future spending. But his reign ended in February after back-to-back home defeats by Queen's Park and St Mirren left them out of the Scottish Cup and 13 points adrift of Celtic in the Premiership. Russell Martin has now been installed as his permanent successor after an interim stint from Barry Ferguson and the financial backdrop has changed following a takeover by an American consortium. 'It's a pity that the story stopped, that the board didn't have the patience or maybe listened too much to some fans,' Clement told BBC Scotland. 'There are other clubs where there is a difficult moment and everybody sticks together because everybody knows the story, how the work is done inside the building, and they continue and they are successful afterwards. 'In three or four windows, we could have closed the gap with a good development of players, but the decision is made and you need to accept it.' Clement pointed out that this time last year he was told the club's spending was not sustainable 'There was not fresh investment in the club, but the money available for the transfers would be the sale of players, so the amount you can get out of that,' he added. 'That was not much at the end, because the squad was with a lot of older players. So people didn't want to pay any more for them. Six players were out of contract, so they left for free.' The Belgian added that the wage bill was cut by 35 per cent in order to rebuild the squad. 'And the idea was, and that was clearly said at the board, that the club needed three, four transfer windows to get at the level of Celtic, because you have to gain money again by bringing young players in, developing them, making them better, selling them and getting money to make the squad better and better in the next two, three years,' he added. Clement believes progress has been made in that sense with the development of the likes of Nico Raskin, Jefte, Hamza Igamane and Clinton Nsiala. 'If they say there's no new investment, I now understand why,' he said. 'Because at the end, some people were already thinking about selling the club and selling their stocks.' Clement claimed Rangers under-achieved domestically but over-achieved in the Europa League and felt some players were not ready for the demands of competing on both fronts. 'I think it's normal in the financial situation the club was, but it's not good enough,' he said. 'But you need patience then to build it or you need to spend money. It's one of the two. Without one of the two, it's an impossible job.' Clement hopes his successor gets that backing. 'I hope that there comes stability, to work in a good way with the players, with the staff, with everybody in the club, to have a consistent story,' he said. 'I think that's a big part that the club has been lacking for years and I hope that the new owners can bring that for the club and for the manager also, for the players.'

The National
16 hours ago
- The National
Clement names five Rangers stars who can make club money
Gers have been criticised for their player trading model over the years, one of the factors in them falling behind Celtic who have sold Kieran Tierney, Jota and Matt O'Riley, among others, for huge sums. It was something Clement bemoaned while manager as the club allowed the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos to see out their deals and move on for nothing, when there may have been chances to cash in earlier. However, the likes of Hamza Igamane and Nicolas Raskin have been attracting transfer interest having shown they can be assets. And the Belgian reckons they're not the only ones - adding Jefte, Clinton Nsiala and Mohamed Diomande to that. "But you also have Jefte, Hamza Igamane, Clinton Nsiala, who will have a better value. Mohamed Diomande is also one of those guys. "The club has worked well the past year in that way. "There are now four or five players with the value to sell and several teams would pay good amounts of money. "The club needs to build with that, or the new owners have to say 'we don't do it that way now because we have enough money'."