HIGH END VENUE

Diner Tec visits Leiper’s Attic

WE decided to head out early into the streets of Glasgow.

I pulled the Buick up outside an old church in the west end and, like the gentlemen I am, opened the car door for the Moll.

“Very chivalrous” she said, “but you’re supposed to get out and open it from the outside not lean across me and give it a shove.”

She looked up at the steeple and said “Church on a Friday night, have you gone all religious, Tec?”

“No my dear, it’s Cottiers Bar and we’re going up there to their restaurant, Leiper’s Attic”.

Up in the attic the restaurant is accessed by a spiral staircase that gives it a castle-like feel.

Inside, the space is very tastefully decorated. A long dining room with a vaulted ceiling, low lit with with lanterns and candles, there is a golden glow that adds to the atmosphere.

The Moll loved it, commenting more than once how beautiful it looked. I had to agree, it looked quite special.

We took the pre-theatre menu which offered three courses for £19.95.

To start the Moll had the smoked venison while I had the caramelised brie. Both came with a lightly dressed but very tasty salad which we agreed was wonderfully fresh and we were off to an excellent start. For the main course I opted for the rump steak with skinny fries. I asked for it medium but when it arrived it was well done with no pink to be seen when I cut into it, only brown.

Had I asked for well done it would have been excellent as I still enjoyed it, but it wasn’t cooked to the order.

A fault yes, but overall it wasn’t spoiling the evening and I’m putting it down to a communication issue somewhere along the line.

The moll opted for the sea bream which was cooked perfectly. Her only complaint was the dish could have done with a potato or two or some other carbohydrate.

On to dessert and I had the chocolate ganache while the lady had the cheese.

The little chocolatey ball, served with a scoop of ice cream was delicious and the cheese looked fine so and I had a nibble of the blue cheese which was surprisingly left on the Moll’s plate.

Downstairs in the theatre a wedding was taking place and the guests were spilling out into the beer garden.

It gave the whole place more of a special feel to it.

Despite a couple of niggles with the main courses the food is undoubtedly of a high standard making the set price pre- theatre deal excellent value.

The a la carte menu also looked to be good value.

Add to that the venue and good quality service then Leiper’s Attic is a cut above many others in the same part of town.

If you want somewhere for a special occasion this would be just the place.