Glasgow West End: Pat's guide to what's best in the West

November has been a fast and interesting month. I've been on some enjoyable outings, celebrated quite a few birthdays, met up with friends and taken in some culture. Now I'm looking forward to Christmas.

Poetry at the Polish Club

Invariably I enjoy a visit to the Polish Club and it's always a pleasure to catch up with the Palka family. I had an opportunity to combine these pleasures when I received an invitation to go along to Martin Stepek's poetry readings.. It was a very emotional event and quite a few tears were shed by the audience as they listened to poetry and stories about Martin's family and their trek from Siberia to Teheran during World War 11.

Basia also read some of her lovely poetry. We met up again a few days later for lunch at Sonny and Vito's and I was interested to hear about Basia's trip to London to the Film Festival, where her daughter Marianna's latest film Restive was showing. I'll definitely be going along to see the movie if it comes to Glasgow. Fingers crossed.

Catching up in Cafes

In these rainy days a trip to the cinema is often the perfect destination and I've been to see quite a few films with John and Ryan. We enjoyed The Adventures of Tintin and also went to see Arthur Christmas, which I found less absorbing. However, we had some lovely Italian food in Dino's in Sauchiehall Street afterwards and Ryan liked the film.

Jim and I went to see Woody Allen's, Midnight in Paris, which makes you feel like booking a trip to this beautiful city. I also went along to see Wuthering Heights with Maggie Graham. The film is bleak and moody with amazing cinematography. It's not cheerful and it certainly rains a lot on those moors.

Maggie and I had a rare blether over lunch in Cafe Hula before we hit the GFT and afterwards we dissected the movie along with a piece of cheesecake in Cafe Cosmo. On the way home we hung about for ages outside the Roger Billcliffe Gallery admiring the fascinating wintry window display and taking photographs on our phones.

Another afternoon Maggie introduced me to the joys of Avenue G, the smart, newish, cafe on Byres Road. The cafe has charming staff , a lively atmosphere and their mackerel pate is delicious. The portion is very generous and served with plenty of oatcakes. More of a lunch than a snack. The coffee was lovely too.

I've not been eating out much this month but I enjoyed a lovely lunch at Stravaigin with Jackie and Rena. The three of us opted for the Turkish flatbread with ground lamb and shared a bowl of chips. Tasty!

Whilst along in Hillhead I popped into Tchai Ovna Tea House to check out some details for a gig for Jim. Tchai Ovna is a great asset to the West End, so bohemian and quirky. There's always a few couples enjoying a game of chess under the canopy and it's a very relaxed venue for gigs.

Parties and Gigs

We had a great time when Jim played (as Jim Byrne & The Blackwoods) with multi-instrumentalist, Dinny, and violinist, Elanor Gunn. The two girls are both amazing musicians and Jim clearly enjoys being surrounded by so much talent. It was a real treat hearing Dinny play her new auto-harp for the first time on The Carter Family's 'I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes' and Elanor's solo SAD . They've been invited back to Tchai Ovna for another gig so will look forward to that. I wrote a wee review about the gig: Jim Byrne and The Blackwoods at Tchai Ovna

You can catch the band on Thursday 1st December at Ivory Black's Fundraiser for community projects in Ghana.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Ali and Sandy Semeonoff at Tchai Ovna also Issi and Davie Wilson. We had great fun at Davie's 60th birthday party a few weeks back, where adding to the pleasure was Kerry home from New Zealand and Marianne down from Aberdeen.

There have been a lot of birthdays recently and my brother Liam came to our hosue for birthday dinner and we also had a wee party for Michael, with a super Chinese carry out from HomeWok. We also had a lovely time with my brother John on his birthday.

I crossed the river to the South Side of the city for another night out at Ivory Hotel, when I went along to Roisin Brady's graduation celebration. Roisin was looking radiant and it was fun catching up with all the Brady - Gallagher connection, also good to see Rosemary Venditozzi.

Bonfire Night and Other Excursions

We've seen quite a lot of the McGreevy's lately as we met up with them on Bonfire Night in Dalmuir Park. It was wonderful watching the firework display and very creepy leaving the park in the dark. So we have lots of photographs of the displays and some very eerie ones of the park. Jim's put some of them up in his November Photo Diary

The following week we went along to the McGreevy's for pizza and to meet their new chocolate labrador Lola. The McKinnons also turned up so we had quite a wee party and everyone was suitably impressed by the new puppy. Alice and Rae were still in dressing up mode in the wake of Hallowe'en so they also entertained us.

I met a few guisers out in the West End, including a very impressive Poison Ivy, Cat Woman and Bat Man. Complete with batmobile! That's dedication.

We enjoyed another pleasant social occasion at the Ubiquitous Chip with Steph, Ciaran and Paul; the Sunday Night Gang hadn't had a get together for a long time so it was great to hear all their news. Jim will be on Ciaran's show on Celtic Music Radio in February, in the run up to the launch of his new album at Brel on 25th.

I'm enjoying my creative writing course at Glasgow University, where I am on a very steep learning curve. The best thing about the course is reading all the work produced by the other students. There's no shortage of talent nor imagination.

I love being back at the University and spending time in the library and popping into The Hunterian to see the fabulous exhibitions. . Currently you can see: Colour, Rhythm and Form, J.D. Fergusson also The Art of the Poster. Both run until 8th January.

Shopping in The West End

I made a start to my Christmas Shopping when I popped into La Coco in Merkland Street. The shop is looking wonderful with fabulous bags, necklaces, earrings, scarves and allsorts of knick knacks and gifts.

I also picked up a few gifts in Nancy Smillie's, which is quite difficult as I see so many things I would like for myself. The shop will be opened until 7.30 p.m. every Thursday until Christmas. Enjoy browsing for gifts with a complementary glass of wine. Nancy Smillie Jewellery Studio will open to 8 p.m. 1st December.

I bought an fantastic designer beret in for a present in Just For You - an excellent destination if you are after a special frock for Christmas. Also in Cresswell Lane, there is a lovely new kitchen shop: De Courcy's Kitchens. Also some great furniture deals for Christmas at. Feather and Black

Across Byres Road in Ruthven Lane, one shop worth thinking about if you are seeking some unique vintage or retro is Circa Vintage in Ruthven Lane. They have some fabulous cashmere cardigans, beautiful party dresses, cosy coats and an amazing range of costume jewellery.

Handbags and Gladrags also have a great selection of glitter, lace and velvet at knock down prices - so no excuse for not looking sensational this festive season.

Jasmine in Hyndland also have a fabulous selection of cardigans, tops, trousers and party tops. I bought a gorgeous crimson top there but have worn it already. Too nice to keep for Christmas.

And if you want to give someone a special treat at New Year then it's worth checking out Hogmanay Hampers based in Glasgow/s West End.

There's lots of entertainment on offer for the festive season and I am looking forward to Scrooge at Cottiers. There's a great selection of pantos in town and our restaurants have plenty of enticing christmas menus for you to choose from.

New on the site

There's masses of new stuff up on the website incuding:

• The Nancy Smillie Shop this Christmas
• Diary of a Mature Student
• Roy Beers Dining and Drinking in Glasgow
• The Leningrad Albums
• Christina's Film Crits
• What's on in Glasgow: Books and Talks
• Woodlands Community Garden
• What's On in Glasgow This Christmas
• Glasgow Restaurants Christmas Menus and New Year Parties
• Music Reviews Glasgow
• Feather and Black - what's new for Christmas
• Homanay Hampers

Also check out our What's on in Glasgow and chat on our Discussion Forum

Things seem to be moving along at a frantic pace and I've hardly caught my breath since Autumn arrived. I've started an exciting new venture and been catching up with lots of people, going on trips and spending a lot of time with the kids as there have been so many school holidays.

I was disappointed to miss a lot of great gigs in September, when I was housebound with a nasty virus so I missed some of Jim's gigs including events that I had been looking forward to such as Folk On The Boat, Live@Troon and Linlithgow Folk Festival.

However, I've been making up for it ever since and was fully recovered in time to see Jim Byrne and The Blackwoods (Dinny and Dr Tim Drysdale), play at the opening of a new West End live music venue, The Roxy 171. Jim was delighted to have Dochan MacMillan of The Ballachullish Hellhounds join him on banjo and it's always a treat to catch Chris Rodger, another act on the bill.

We had another great night up in Milngavie when The Blackwoods were the headline act at Parkin's Place.

Last month we found ourselves venturing much further than Milngavie and Jim and I took the train to York. He had been asked to do a web development presentation for an organisation there and as neither of us had ever visited the city before, we decided to have a wee break. We had high expectations as it is such a popular tourist destination and we were certainly not disappointed. What a wonderful place.

Three days can't do it justice but we managed to take in quite a lot and particularly enjoyed a bus tour, which let us get our bearings and seeing all the main attractions. We hopped off and on quite a few times and wandered along the narrow lanes. We also spent a lot of time at Yorkminster, which is just incredible. It was lovely browsing in the shops and markets and there was a great buzz as the York Food and Drink Festival was on. I loved some of the shops and Mulberry Hall is, without doubt, the most beautiful china shop I've ever set foot in. We had a very civilized lunch in their colosally twee tea room.

We also landed very lucky with our hotel, Hedley House, we had booked a double room but were given a nice wee suite. Great for the price and very handy for the centre.

A couple of weeks later we had another out of town excursion, this time with the entire Byrne Clan, twenty one of us, including ten children. We took Caitlin and Ryan along and we all had a great time at Tower Farm in Cocksburnpath. It was a good opportunity to visit more places that we had never been before and we enjoyed a trip into Eyemouth and Jim and I also drove down to Seahouses in Northumberland so a very interesting week-end.

Back in the West End

I have been out and about quite a bit in the West End. I've had Ryan a lot because of the school holidays and we went along together to check out the newly refurbished Hunterian Museum. It is looking splendid. I've always been fascinated by the ancient Roman stones from the Antonine Wall. In particular I get excited about those found in Old Kilpatrick. The displays are fantastic and I agree with Charlotte Higgins that it is very refreshing and effective to have no added interactive displays or other gimmicks. Mind you, Ryan, was less keen on the ancient monuments but delighted with William Hunter’s anatomical and pathological specimens. In particular he was very taken by a hand with a hideous tumour.

The University is proving to be a much more regular haunt than usual as I am back there once again at a Creative Writing Course. I am completely out of my comfort zone but enjoying it very much and it's a privilege to be back in the environment.

I blame John Dingwall for my impulsive application as he spoke so enthusiastically about the course which he completed last year, when we met a few months back. I met John again recently in Tinderbox and he reassured me that he was also a bit mesmerised at the outset, so I will remain in positive mode. :)

West End Shops

I've enjoyed quite a few jaunts along Great Western Road for a wander around the West End Shops. Nancy Smillie's is looking particularly attractive as they gear up for Christmas and something I really appreciate about her shops is that some of the designers of the goods also work on the premises. The jewellery ranges are amazing and Genna Miller is one of a few young designers whose unique ranges you will find both at the Jewellery Studio at Kelvinbridge and in the Nancy Smillie Shop, Cresswell Lane. I couldn't resist some beautiful purple glass globe earrings designed by Owen, and they didn't break the bank.

Whilst in Cresswell Lane I took a trip upstairs in De Courcy's and enjoyed a wee chat with Allan at Not Now Cato, vintage and retro shop. Business is picking up now the students are back and stylish youngsters are flocking to the shop. Also some well known cool dudes such as recent customer Phil Jupitus.

Across the passageway Justine at Just for You is ensuring that fashionable women on a budget can go to the ball. When I was there one lady was trying on an incredible black ball gown and looking a million dollars. Definitely worth checking out this shop if you are looking for an ultra stylish bargain.

Made in the Shade is probably one of the most attractive shops in Glasgow with a super range of quirky designs. Definitely the place to go if you are looking for something that bit different.

I caught up with the usual suspects, Joan, Jackie, Eleanor, Rena and Maggie in Ashton Lane, when we went along for Sunday Lunch at The Chip a few weeks back. The food there is invariably delicious and the atmosphere is great. We happily blethered the afternoon away.

I also enjoyed lunch with Lindsay Hendry at Velvet Elvis a couple of weeks back and a coffee with Amanda Hope at Stravaigin 2. It's always interesting to hear about all the developments at the different West End restaurants so I enjoyed learning about the goings on at Criterion and also Stravaigin's latest venture with their resurrection of The Cleikum Club. I didn't manage along to the inaugural event but hopefully I'll make the next event.

Down in the city centre Frances and I had afternoon tea in Stewart's Victorian Tea Room in Glassford Street. The sandwiches, scones and cakes were scrumptious and their chandelier is amazing. A perfect setting for an extended chinwag.

Ryan, John and I have also had a few wee dining out experiences. We invariably enjoy Dino's in Sauchiehall Street, Cafe Cosmo at the GFT and Ryan and I also had a leisurely afternoon coffee, well he had an iced drink, in Ecco 808, Il Cafe in Crow Road. He thought his ship had come in as we found two Pokemon Books in St Margaret's Hospice Charity Shop next door.

We picked up another great bargain when we bought a beautiful antique wardrobe in Partick, in the second hand furniture shop in Vine Street. It's looking very fine in John's bedroom.

Yesterday I took a run into Cafe Cherubini, which is also looking very smart. It was fun catching up with Mark di Lucca and some plans could be brewing for a musical event with Jim Byrne and The Blackwoods. I'll keep you posted.

I always enjoy a run along to Kelvinbridge and I had a laugh with Mark and Jim at Galletly and Tubbs and caught up on all their latest news. Still some bargains to be had in their sale. I stocked up on some deli products at Roots and Fruits and then had a wee chat with Claire at Flounce

There's lots of stuff in my diary for the next couple of weeks: we're looking forward to seeing Kerry Wilson, home from New Zealand and also celebrating Davie's birthday. I'm planning to get along to the Polish Club to hear Basia Palka and Martin Stepek - Poetry at the Polish Club this Sunday and I'm off down to Balloch on Friday to visit Lucillia Weir and then dine with Les Gals at Eleanor's in the evening. Thank heavens for the Berocca!

I've been busy adding new information to the site, including, events at Glasgay 2011 on until 12th November. Hallowe'en Events in Glasgow and

I've got lots of stuff in my diary and hope to catch: The Moonshiners playing in Cardross and Jim Byrne and The Blackwoods who will be at The Vagabond Club on 18th November. And Also watch out for double bill with Mark Geary and Mick Hargan at Cottiers on 30th October and last chance ever to see From The Cradle to The Grave

There's lots of new stuff up on the site:

• Say No To Plastic, Vintage and Craft Sale, OranMor
• Piano Festival Glasgow
• Woodlands Community Garden
• Ramageddon - New Exhibition at Recoat Gallery
• Fiona Cuthill and Stevie Lawrence CD Launch - A Cruel Kindness
• Glasgow Lectures on Culture

Also check out: Glasgow Gig Guide and What's On in Glasgow

It's been a very busy month or so but we've been having a great time, particularly with the kids being on holiday from school. We've had lots of interesting days out - travelling the length and breadth of the country from the Borders to the Highlands, Loch Lomond and Portobello to name a few of our destinations. We've enjoyed some big hikes including to Loch Humphrey, at the top of the Kilpatricks. Quite some time since I've been up there but well worth the effort for the amazing views.

We've managed to see a lot of friends, entertaining and being entertained. It was especially enjoyable having Sabine visit Glasgow from her home in Cologne and we managed to spend a bit of time with her. We went a lovely run up to Glencoe, a place you just cannot tire of, even on a rainy day.

We also had a shorter trip to the beautiful Trossachs and then took her for a drive round at the huts at Carbeth. Afterwards we drove over to Lennoxtown to sample the lovely fare on offer at The Swan Inn, highly recommended, then finished the day off back in the West End at Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire.

Busy time at the allotment

I also met Sabine one sunny day for a coffee; we sat outside Heart Buchanan and then she accompanied me to the allotment. Our spuds, corn, shallots, spinach, runner beans and berries have been flourishing but no luck with the lettuce this year.

Just as well I have Gordon Manning, one of our champion plotters right next door - keeping me supplied with salad stuff, beautiful cornflowers and sweet peas.

Apart from Sabine, I've had a few other visitors to the allotment. Ann came along with Scarlett and Ewan, who were delighted to dig up some potatoes and take them home for dinner along with bunches of marigolds for their mum. They were a great help!

Mind you, not just as hardworking as Maggie Graham, who is a dervish once she gets a trowel in her hand. It was lovely to catch up with her as we invariably combine putting the world to rights with a good giggle.

John and Ryan came along one day and we had a finger lickin' barbecue then Caitlin and Ryan had fun making a slug and snail house. We've had a lot of outings during the school holidays including a super day out when we were guests of Lucillia Weir on the Maid of the Loch. It was a glorious afternoon and we felt very privileged to be the sole diners at a wee table she had all set out on the deck. A picnic to remember. Afterwards we drove round to Balloch Park and not contented with having a paddle in the loch, John, Ryan and Caitlin just decided to have a dook with their clothes on!!!

Galas, fairs and fun

We've been to countless gala days and fairs. There was quite a wee gang of us at Hillview with my brother John, including my other brother Danny, my John and Ryan. I caused a bit of a stoochie when I lost my mobile phone. I had left it down on a stall and someone bought it for £1.50. Fortunately, the stall keeper remembered the customer and after a wee scurry about we tracked them down.

We also had a lot of fun when we went along to see the Zumba display that Gail organised at Wilkinson's in Clydebank. I've never seen this before and was astonished at the energy of Eilidh Jones. The kids also joined in with some gusto.

The Gala in Old Kilpatrick was fun as well, although, not really much of an it was a great opportunity to see friends and relatives from the Village. It was particularly good to meet Joanne, Ellie and Brandon and we had a great time watching five year old Brandon run rings round the teenagers on the football pitch.

There were also plenty of familiar faces at Ann Morgan's housewarming party down in Finnieston. Sharon and Johnny were in great form as was Willie and it turned into quite a musical extravaganza. I'm sure Ann will enjoy living in Finnieston, which has reinvented itself as a place with a bit of a buzz about it with all its quirky little shops and restaurants.

There's been quite a variation in the world of music lately. We had a super time at the Merchant City Festival, where Jim and Graham played on one of the outdoor stages. Louise is her dad's number one fan and Sabine caught us both in deep concentration - just the way your audience should be.

After the gig we enjoyed a wee bit of culture watching Hamlet being performed in the Ramshorn Cemetery and the street markets were also very attractive and enticing.

Edinburgh

We had an enjoyable outing to the East when Jim played with Tim Drysdale (another member of The Blackwoods) at The Phoenix Bar as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We went through a bit early to catch some of the atmosphere and enjoyed a bite to eat at the Olive Branch Bistro before the gig.

We headed back in that direction again when Jim played with his brother Peter and his nephews at 'Busking on The Beach' at Portobello. It was the most beautiful day so great fun playing on the beach and catching up with all the Byrnes.

Back in the West End

John, Ryan and I have enjoyed some sunny days in the Botanics and Dowanhill Park. We've had lovely pizzas in Little Italy and we went to a marvellous party at the McGreevys. Or as Val calls them the McGroovys.

I met Stephanie for coffee and a catch up in Jellyhill in Hyndland and had a delicious dinner when I visited Jackie with 'Les Gals', Eleanor and Joan, along in Hillhead.

Roy Beers and I had a particularly delicious meal at The Butchershop Bar and Grill. We both opted for the crab as a starter and agreed that it was absolutely delightful. Roy had a pasta dish for his main, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and I had a baby burger, with a definite homemade taste. Very, very nice restaurant.

On the way home I popped into Handbags and Gladrags and had a blether with Michael. He had also been to this restaurant recently and pronounced it one of his 'favourite places'.

I had a wander through Partick and picked up a couple of small gifts and some lovely cards in La Coco in Merkland Street then walked home through Hyndland. Stopping off for a wee browse in Jasmine. A particularly attractive shop.

Another day I had a jaunt along to Kelvinbridge and had a chat with Arthur in The Coachouse Trust Shop and Gallery. I popped a photograph of my brother and father into Wiltons for framing and then walked along to check out what was new in Nancy Smiillie's Jewellery Studio. Their selection is just stunning and they have recently added a lovely line in children's jewellery.

Whilst in the neighbourhood I took the opportunity of visiting The Hunterian Gallery and very much enjoyed their exhibition on emblems. Anything that includes Johnny Depp is all right with me. :)

I enjoyed a jaunt up to Milngavie to see Jim Byrne and The Blackwoods play at Parkin's Place on Saturday, good to see Dinny and nice of Frances, the Donald's and other fans to come along. It was a super night so thanks to Joe Murray and his gang of talented musicians.

We're now looking forward to a very busy week-end with Jim playing at Folk on the Boat, Live@Troon and the Linlithgow Folk Festival. I've been laid up for the past couple of days with a chest infection so hope it lifts as I don't want to miss all the fun.

Lot of new stuff on the site

Feather and Black, Quality Beds and Bedroom Furniture - with New Autumn Range and Season's Discounts.

Ian Mitchell's 'Glasgow Square Mile of Science
Play, Pie and Pint, Autumn Season
Helen Rose's Hillwalking Diary: The Baltic
Exhibition by Alison Cowan at Christo's
The Swan Inn - review
Nancy Smillie's New Stock
Glasgow Doors Open Day, 2011

Plus lots more What's New, What's On and Glasgow Weddings