February, 2004

Glasgow's only Michelin-starred restaurant Amaryllis has closed and Gordon Ramsay has departed One Devonshire - I didn't even manage along to sample the fare Perhaps Amaryllis never had the same ring to it or its image didn't quite fit - who knows? but it's a shame that it's now gone. Never mind! - plenty of classy old favourites and interesting new arrivals providing that fine dining experience, like:

• The Chip - always great for a celebration and up market lunch
• Gordon Yuill's - one of my favourites with a focus on the fare and the customer.
• The Buttery - Auchentoshan Spirit of Glasgow Award Winner
• Arisaig - for some Scottish Fare with flair
• The Dining Room - way up there with the best
• The Lansdowne - great for parties and chilling out

I could go on - and on and I do in our Eating Out Section.

Valentine's Eating Out

• Otago are all set to make you swoon with their delightful Valentine Menu
• At Brel- you can have wine and a song and a special Valentine's Menu to join in the The City of Love Celebrations
• Cottier's are also participating in this festival for lovers and some of the romantic among you may want to trot along to Hyndland.

If you want to stay in and just cuddle up then I notice that Mellis, the Cheesemonger's have a Valentine's Day cheese on offer! I assume not a strong smelling variety.

Lot's of good advice to be found on the topic of eating out and coffee drinking in our Discussion Forum. Why not add your tuppenceworth?

Booly Mardy's in Vinnicombe Street is very convenient to pop into for a lovely cocktail (their list is endless and enticing) - their snacks and small plates are also super.

West End Restaurants are Sparkling - December, 2003

Gordon Yuill's, 2 Byres Road

A wonderful, winter wonderland - sophisticatedly charming and delicious food. Gordon Yuill's exclusive focus on his West End restaurant is very evident. I had a great night out on 18th - very recommendable!

Arisaig

Now offering their

Traditional Scottish Food - with a modern twist

in the West End (5/9 Byres Road) ,and building on their success in the Merchant City, have extended their empire in the area with Spirit of Islay - a "Scottish Whisky Bar" now operating at 27 Hyndland Street. (You can find out more about this in Roy Beer's Festive Update, which includes new pubs in town.

Ashton Lane, Hogmanay Celebrations

Brel, Vodka Vodka and Jinty McGuinty's again join forces in celebrating the New Year with the Ashton Lane Street Party".

Alternatively,(or in combination) you can celebrate Hogmanay across the street at The Lane, The Loft and Cul de Sac. Tickets available from bar staff at these venues.

Christmas Fare

Lots of very inventive Christmas fare on offer in the coffee bars with liquers and lashings of cream to entice the Christmas Shoppers.
If the topic of Glasgow West End coffee shops interests you, you might want to join in the passionate debate on this subject in our discussion forum.

Between the Slices

Latest coffee shop - on Great Western Road, beside Kelvinbridge Post Office, opposite Bar Oz. Very cosy little coffee shop with lovely staff, papers to read and interesting sandwiches.

Awards, awards!! - 30th November, 2003

Glenfiddoch Spirit of Scotland Awards

Congratulations to Fi Buchanan on winning the award in the food category with her great deli Heart Buchanan. A great place to go when you deserve a special treat

Auchentoshan Spirit of Glasgow Awards

Great to see The Buttery picking up another award, on top of the accolade bestowed by AA as Restaurant of the Year it has now been identified as Glasgow's top place for fine dining. The West End Restaurant scene did not miss out with Ronnie Clydesdale proprietor of the Chip, recognised for 'lifetime achievement' in the restaurant trade and The Ashoka in Ashton Lane awarded the 'people's choice' for eating out.

The Grosvenor - two new restaurants

Ashton Lane now has its Cinema back thanks to the g1 group, who have refurbished the Grosvenor to very high standards and introduced two new dining choices. The Loft and the Lane. The Loft, is massive and impressive and some fascinating architecture has been uncovered during the refurbishment programme.

The restaurant will offer burgers, pizza, pasta and a selection of tapas style dishes, while downstairs in the Lane you can have a drink or indulge in a coffee and pastry (before or after the show).
Beats waiting outside in the rain or being diverted into Jinty's and missing the show.

November,2003

Fanny Trollopes

We had a great night out at Fanny Trollopes (what a name) in Finnieston with the Wilsons' and chums at Issi's 50th. Very friendly atmosphere and great food. In fact, not a complaint and the chief guest looked radiant.

Curry Karaoke!

Lots of congratulations in order for Charan Gill, MBE at The Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards. Described by Roy Beers as 'the definitive curry king'. Charan Gill and his partner Gurmail Dhillon have dominated the curry business in Glasgow with their very successful Harlequin Group, which includes the well known Ashoka chain. The Ashoka in Argyle Street was the first place I ever had a curry - way back in the 80s. It's still a great place and a firm favourite with curry devotees.

I am very intrigued by one of Harlequin's newer ventures - Scotland's first (and only) Curry Karaoke Club at Stobcross Road (nr SECC). Sounds bizarre but wonderful.

The Grosvenor

On the tip of everyone's tongue is talk of the imminent re-opening of The Grosvenor - now part of the G1 Group. Rumour has it that it will equal the fabulous style of the Corinthian and it looks promising from the outside, which fits in remarkably well with the Ashton Lane architecture.
It's a hot topic on our Discussion Forum.
......watch this space!

Christmas Dining

Still time to book your Christmas Meal. Browse the menus of your favourite West End Restaurants on this site.

September, 2003

Competition

Whistler's Mother are offering a meal for two with wine in the Competition marking the close of the Whistler Exhibition at the Hunterian.

TriBeCa

Lots of activity in the restaurant scene in the West End, particularly around the Partick Cross area. No sooner have TriBeCa, on Dumbarton Road, began to impress with their great breakfasts and funky style (a la New York), when they introduce (from 10th October) evening meals.
David Macdonald's creativity and commitment are much in evidence and this venture looks as though it is set to pay off.

Arisaig

Yet another interesting addition in that neck of the woods (bottom of Byres Road) is Arisaig, the popular Merchant City Restaurant, which has ventured into the West End. Their menu looks very interesting with traditional Scottish fare imaginatively prepared.

Booly Mardy's

The change of name from the original 'Bloody Mary's' has sparked much discussion. This could engender a whole new approach to marketing. Anyway don't know too much about this new enterprise as yet other than it appears to be very busy most of the time with a sophisticated clientele glamming up Vinicombe Street. Certainly, Roy Beer's our resident expert on the licenced trade makes it sound very enticing. I fancied lunch there with Anne last week but think we went along a bit too early and were confronted by workmen in a serious mode. Obviously, some plans still afoot. Not another name change I hope.

The Cook's Room

This emigre from the South Side - seems to be plying a brisk trade in the old Nick Nairn's posh restaurant.

Jellyhill

The addition of Jellyhill to cafe culture in the West End has been a bonus for those folk in Hyndland, where the cafe/bar has had a great first summer. Gordon Mackay and gang have certainly added something to the neighbourhood.

The Wee Curry Shop

Could be considered by some too wee to meet the high demand for its excellent curries and is proving to be a very welcome addition to Ashton Lane.

The Ashoka, Elderslie Street

Whilst on the subject of curries, I should mention a lovely visit, which we enjoyed to the Ashoka when my sister was home from Canada. Siroosh Bavarsagh, Jnr. is doing a great job in this restaurant - great food, delightful staff (Azalia our waitress was wonderful), and the portions immense.

The Cult of the Maitre D'

Siroosh should not be overlooked in the latest media focus on Glasgow's wonderful Matre D's - some may say almost as important to the success of a restaurant as the chef! I was pleased to see that Ciaron Gourlay of Stravaigin2 has been given recognition (by the Sunday Herald) for his aptitude in this art. He is a natural and has the knack of making you feel that he was just waiting for you coming along for lunch.

June, 12th, 2003

Where does time go? Lots of activity on the West End Restaurant Scene. More news on The Wee Curry Shop (opened from 3 p.m.) in Ashton Lane. Also the relocated Dierfiuracha, now known as The Sisters - which has moved out to Crow Road to larger premises. Never fear the Gaelic traditions still holds good with plenty of good Scottish Fare on offer. Good luck Pauline and Jacqueline. Tel: 0141 434 1179.

Changes are also afoot in Vinicombe Street, off Byres Road - Chandigrah has disappeared and in its place we have 'Bloody Mary' - offering casual dining.

The Tapas Bar in Bank Street is doing a roaring trade and the owners are all set with a new enterprise planned at Loch Lomond's Lomond Shores. Handy for a snack after shopping at Jenner's.

Bar Milano

The most exciting venture nearer home - at the bottom of Byres Road - is the opening of Bar Milano. Roy Beer's our licenced trade expert has just sent me a riveting report on this new restaurant - he describes it as 'understated but elegant' and predicts great success with Toni Almiento, "a man with vast experience of managing the best Italian restaurants in Glasgow" at the helm. Roy also reveals the owner to be Mr Mario Romao - " a truly legendary name in club and restaurant circuits". I can't wait to try out and Bar Milano; it's arrived just in time to add to the West End Festival - Dining Experience.

The Hunterian Cafe

From next week you'll also be able to try out the new cafe at The Hunterian Art Gallery and catch The Whistler Exhibition .

March, 22nd, 2003

Mother's Day

I ran into Brian McDade and Stephen from the Lansdowne the other day and enjoyed a glass of wine with them in Whistler's Mothers - they were both in fine fettle and delighted with the growing number of patrons at the Lansdowne. A good choice for Mother's Day brunch, lunch or dinner.

I've also heard that The Sisters at Jordanhill Station in Crow Road is very pleasant. Good luck to Jacqueline and Pauline (the sisters) who previously ran the very popular Dierfiurcha in Ashton Lane. It's been replaced by the Wee Curry Shop - must find out a bit more about this establishment - I think it must be a spin off from the eaterie of the same name nearer town.

Should you be keen to celebrate by both drinking and eating Roy Beer's new page on the Pub Scene in the West End offers an extensive choice.

March, 2003

Mothers Day offer at Brel

A free large glass of Concha y Toro house wine to anyone dining in Brel on Mothers Day who can prove that they are in fact, or have at some stage been, a mother!!!

Over the past couple of weeks I've tried out two great new additions to the Eating Out Scene in Glasgow's West End. I went with Eleanor and chums: Joan 'n Jackie, plus Rena and Linda to celebrate Eleanor's birthday at The Dining Room. I can highly reommend it - we had a brilliant time, wonderful food, great service and absolutely no complaints. Bliss, actually - Jim Kerr's reputation as a chef can only strengthen. The Dining Room is a very smart and welcome addition - a touch of class that didn't break the bank. I hope to be back before too long - maybe try out their new pre-theatre soon.

I also caught a coffee with Julie at Jelly Hill, several people have contacted me about this new coffee shop, soon to be licenced, on Hyndland road. It proved to be everything it had been cracked up to be - very nice staff, Janice and daughter Adele, home after living in Portugal for many years, provided service with a smile and had a little time to chat. The coffee was good and we shared a lovely piece of homemade lemon cake. - I can see Jelly Hill doing very well - I liked the wee table at the top of the stairs.

Being a big fan of all that is Venetian, after our recent trip there, I am very keen to pop through to Edinburgh and try out Cafe Florian in the New Town's Howard Hotel. The original was closed for refurbishment when we were there in January but The Scotsman, Friday 28th February, reported that: "crockery, cutlery and even staff" have been shipped in from the original. How captivating is that? Apparently a Titian is now hanging in the city as well - there will be no holding Jim back.

February, 2003

Little Italy - Jamie does it again!

First of all let me say that congratulations are in order once more - Jamie Clarke, who came in first in first in the UK finals of Delifrance Sandwich Making Competition - achieved second place in their European Sandwich Challenge. You'll soon be able to sample Jamie's great sandwich Delizia Latina at Little Italy

In the meantime you can have a peep at Jamie's ingredients: 2 slices speck, 3 blushed tomatoes, Pecorino Sardo, Sweet Chilli Jam, Fresh basil, Baby Gem Lettuce, Chilli, Garlic and Tresse oignon bread - mind you - I think it's the secret is in the preparation and presentation. You're a star Jamie.
The cup is on view at Little Italy - hope they get their late licence.

Valentine's Day - Suggestions for Celebrations

Well if you are planning to celebrate Valentine's Day

you should consider popping into Brel. Not only have they got a special Valentine Day's Menu but there is also a special entertainment programme on offer as part of the City of Love Festival.

The Lansdowne have a great new a la carte menu or if you are a 'strapped for cash romantic' you can celebrate by trying out their special lunches. http://www.lansdownebar.co.uk

I feel that I can also say with confidence that Heart Buchanan will be cooking up something special for the 14th - so if you fancy staying at home give them a ring - 0141 334 7626 - and they will be happy to reserve some treats for you.

New Places

Looks like I'm going to get an opportunity to try out one of the latest arrivals to restaurant land in the West End - we'll be celebrating Eleanor's February birthday at the 'Dining Room'.

I also need to check out the new tea room in Hyndland. I know that the name has got 'Jelly' in it but can't remember just what it is called - anyway lots of good reports.

December, 2002

Festive Dining

I've been compiling information on this topic and you can sneak a peep at some of the fabulous Christmas Menus available in local restaurants. Get booked now before it is too late.

The Chip - whatever next in Ashton Lane

The following news from the Ubiquitous Chip:

"Congratulations to Chrissie and Frank - November 5th saw a sparkling occasion in the Chip when two regular customers held their wedding ceremony as well as their reception in the courtyard of Ubiquitous Chip. While we have hosted many receptions of all shapes and sizes, we were delighted to have our first actual wedding service. University Chaplain, Reverend Fiona Buchan, officiated and a great time was had by all."

Stravaigin and Stravaigin 2

Ciaran Gourley informs me that both restaurants are doing well in the industry awards ceremonies.

In "The Scottish Licenced Trade News Awards, 2002", held in The Glasgow Hilton in October, Stravaigin was voted as "Highly Commended" in The Wine Award and also received "Highly Commended" in The Best Restaurant Category.

Stravaigin has a history of success in these prestigious awards having received The Best Restaurant Award in 1999 and "Highly Commended" in 2000.

Following in the footsteps of Stravaigin, Stravaigin 2 is starting a collection of it's own awards. In "The Auchintoshan Spirit of Glasgow Awards" organised by The Glasgow Restauranteur Association, held in The City Chambers in November, Stravaigin 2 was recognised as "Highly Commended"