Built in 1877 as a halfway house for Duke Street Prison, the hotel is the last surviving building linked to the former jail.
Glasgow’s historic Cathedral House Hotel, home to Michelin-recognised Celentano’s, has been put up for sale after seven years under its current owners.(Image: Instagram/Cathedral House Hotel)
One of Glasgow’s most historic and allegedly haunted hotels has been put on the market, with its owners confirming the decision after seven years at the helm.
Cathedral House Hotel, the Scottish baronial-style landmark dating back to 1896, has long been a fixture of the city’s East End. The building is also home to Celentano’s, an acclaimed Italian restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide.
The announcement was made in a statement posted by the hotel’s operators, Shane and Laura McKenzie, who revealed they had decided to sell, Glasgow Live reports.
They wrote: “Big News! After seven incredible years of growing and nurturing Cathedral House, we are excited to announce that we have made the decision to put it on the market.
“It’s been a truly amazing experience, and we are deeply grateful to all the customers, suppliers and team members who have been part of this journey.
“From day one when we took a run-down building to welcoming Celentano’s on board four years ago, it has been a journey full of hard work, growth, and amazing memories. We are excited for what comes next.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The couple purchased the listed building in 2018 before carrying out a major renovation the following year. At the time, they admitted to finding the hotel’s reputation for paranormal activity amusing.
Shane joked that despite living on site for over a year, he had never encountered a ghost, but added they welcomed the interest from paranormal enthusiasts who often came to visit.
Cathedral House’s history stretches back to the late 19th century. Originally constructed in 1877 as a halfway house for nearby Duke Street Prison, the hotel remains the closest surviving building linked to the now-demolished jail, of which only part of the boundary wall survives.
Later, the property was taken over by Glasgow Cathedral and used for Sunday school teaching and choir practice, before eventually becoming a hotel.
In recent years, its profile has been further elevated thanks to Celentano’s. Opened in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Dean and Anna Parker, the restaurant has earned glowing reviews and was awarded a coveted Bib Gourmand by Michelin inspectors.
The guide praised the “consummately seasoned Italian dishes” and singled out the “terrific beef fat potato strati” as a highlight.
The Parkers have confirmed that Celentano’s will continue to operate as normal, unaffected by the sale, with trading guaranteed until at least December 2025. The team behind the restaurant has been contacted for further comment.
For Shane and Laura McKenzie, the decision to sell marks the end of a transformative chapter.
Over seven years they turned a rundown and little-used building into a thriving boutique hotel and dining destination, restoring the property while maintaining its historic character.
Those interested in acquiring Cathedral House are invited to contact the owners directly or approach property firm CDLH, which is handling enquiries. Potential buyers can request further details by emailing peter.darroch@cdlh.co.uk