Home » Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene » Mary Irvine blogging about A Goodbye Lunch

Mary Irvine blogging about A Goodbye Lunch

My oldest grandson, Ryan, (twenty-five) has been planning to spend a year working in Australia. His Aussie girlfriend, from Sydney, had returned to find a flat and get a job. Ryan set about getting all the paperwork, including the important twelve month work permit. All respect to the Australian embassy for their super-efficiency in offering help and advice with relevant documents being produced with a minimum of fuss.

The time passed so quickly. Ryan was selling all his possessions. My suspicions arose. Was he actually planning on ‘things’ working out and his staying on? My opinion was if the life out there was more pleasing, he had a job he enjoyed, if he was happy then he’d be a fool to return to the UK where there seems to be little opportunity for the young no matter how hard they work.

Back to the saga. The last full day before the actual departure we arranged to have lunch together. We walked from his flat in Partick to Hyndland Road to eat in what used to be ‘Rio’s’ (cheers all round – an esoteric allusion!). There was a twenty minute wait so we moved along to Cafezique/‘Hargan’s Dairy’ which was also full. A few steps further we came across a ‘new’ establishment ‘Gather’ – only opened a few weeks when we went. What a gem! The menu drew us in and we were not disappointed from then on. There were people in the bar area – a very pleasant, comfortable area. We were welcomed and led to the restaurant area, bright, tastefully decorated and with a relaxed atmosphere. First impressions were good (and Ryan is nothing if not honest in his opinions – he works in hospitality.)

Gather, 70-72 Hyndland St, Glasgow G11 5PT

Drinks were bought. I had a fresh orange. After some discussion with the waiter Ryan decided on a glass of white wine. We were left to peruse the menu at our leisure. We decided to opt for the 2 course option. I had a starter and main, Ryan had a main and sweet, with another (different) glass of wine. Everything was freshly prepared and well presented. The service was spot on. Nothing negative on this occasion so I would have no hesitation in recommending a visit to this delightful addition to Glasgow’s eateries. So pleased we came across this place, by accident, as it made our final meal together before he took off for Oz a pleasant experience.

Gather on Facebook

Mary Irvine, May, 2018

This section: Eating and drinking Glasgow West End, Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene