Oran Mor, Glasgow West End
Telephone: 0141 357 6200
731 - 735 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 9QX.
ÒranMór has brought unprecedented entertainment and excitement to Glasgow's West End. It offers an extensive programme of entertainment with regular Club Nights in the Venue, Charity Events and Balls in the wonderful Auditorium and is a main participating venue for the many festivals Glasgow plays host to.
It has introduced to the West End one of the most enjoyable activities I've come across in a long time - lunchtime theatre. A Play, a Pie and a Pint has become a firm favourite with its varied and critically acclaimed plays produced by David MacLennan..
There is nothing more enjoyable than watching actors such as Robbie Coltrane and Dave Anderson perform then catch a glimpse of them later when they hook up later with their playwright buddies in the Whisky Bar. This is a regular haunt for the West End literati and acting community and the likes of Peter MacDougall, William McIlvanney and David Hayman are frequent visitors as is that multi-talented genius Alasdair Gray.
Alasdair can still be found at work at Òran Mór paint brush in hand. The magnificient ceiling mural in the Auditorium is his work; the crowning glory of Òran Mór it is as impressive as any work to be found in Glasgow's art galleries. I am told that Colin Beattie, the owner of Òran Mór starts each day by visiting the Auditorium to look up at the ceiling. Perhaps this approach explains the continued success with each new development at the venue.
The Auditorium has swiftly become one of the favourite choices for West End weddings. Whilst the latest development The Private Dining Room provides a perfect setting for smaller more intimate affairs.
There is a choice of restaurants with The Conservatory, a casual dining area serving fine Scottish produce and The Brasserie, the perfect place to enjoy a special celebration or to impress.
On a warm summer's day there is a real buzz around the top of Byres Road with crowds sitting outside enjoying a drink as they look over towards the Botanics, or view the less fortunate shoppers bustling around on Byres Road.
Òran Mór has made a dramatic difference to this part of the West End and created not only a very attractive site where previously there lay a derelict church. It has created a venue which can attract major talents and offer entertainment to all ages and tastes. It has also been the venue of choice for a number of important charity events including the Tsunami Appeal and Rony Bridges of Òran Mór together with David Hayman has been instrumental in establishing the Hikkaduwa - The Òran Mór Great Melody Childrens' Farm
For many Westenders it's become just a way of life - a place where you can pick up breakfast from 9.00 a.m. - a bacon roll and coffee for only £1.75. Go clubbing with your friends, enjoy lunch, entertainment or arrange that family wedding.
Contact details:
Telephone: 0141 357 6200
731 - 735 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 9QX.
Photographs by Jim Byrne
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