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Mary Irvine: A Convivial Night at ‘The Drake’

Every couple of months my family meet up in Glasgow to share an evening meal. My oldest grandson lives and works in Glasgow, my youngest in Glenboig, my son and daughter-in-law live in Balloch so it’s difficult finding a night when all can be present. In consequence such meetings are very precious. You may be thinking ‘Fine. So what?’ Ah, having agreed a night we then have to decide on a venue that suits everyone.

We need somewhere that:

a) caters for a gluten-free diet
b) caters for plainly cooked chicken, chips and baked beans
c) caters for the more discerning palette and
d) is dog friendly.

This time judicious internet searching came up with ‘The Drake’*

It was a Monday night so we didn’t expect the place to be mobbed but we did book.  The table was in the window area and was large enough to move dishes around- always a bonus! The menu was VERY extensive – check it out – and met all the requirements of the awkward squad. The chicken ‘n’ chips man even went for the soup followed by the fish and chips and enjoyed both.

I had the chicken, cranberry & root vegetable terrine to start, slavering delicious, and super food salad – minus the bulgur wheat (Yes, I’m the boring one! And it’s NOT a fad – it’s for health reasons!) IT was a huge plateful. In fact all the portions were so generous none of us could manage a pudding. The polite word ‘stuffed’ comes to mind.

 The young man responsible for the serving was efficient and friendly without being effusive, attentive but not obsequious.

So, to price. Four starters, five mains, two rounds of drinks, one liquor coffee and one espresso, all for £109. Fantastic value and I have no hesitation in recommending this venue. We’d certainly go there again. Think next time I’ll skip the starter so I have room for a pud. Oh, and there was no problem finding places nearby to park – another bonus…

Mary Irvine, 9 August, 2016

The Drake Bar,
1 Lynedoch St, Kelvingrove,
Glasgow G3 6EF
Phone: 0141 332 7363
[email protected]

thedrakebar.co.uk/

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