ON AWARDS NIGHT THAT PROMISES TO BE THE GREATEST
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Isle of Jura country, out over to the Kintyre peninsula.
The discovery of Lussa Gin, distilled in a shack up the hill by a trio of women, only made the place seem all the more special, a clear refreshing alternative on islands dominated by whisky.
Pub Spy said: “There’s a pool table and photos of countless trad music sessions, as well as huge murals painted in the 70s – one depicting a rambunctious bevvy session in the bar with a mermaid having her bum felt. Even on the islands, times have changed and mermaids, or mermen, are hopefully safe from wandering hands.” As rough as a fisherman’s complexion, this careworn wee joint at the top of the ferry slipway on Islay offers little by way of fancy interiors.
But the food was the best Pub Spy tasted on the island, the craic was 90 and the landlady holding court at the bar was a treat not
Glasgow One of the newer arrivals on the so-called Finnieston Strip, the part of Glasgow’s west end nobody would be seen dead in 10 years ago but is now one of the most desirable few blocks for a night out anywhere in Scotland.
The Crescent is a classylooking joint, with low lighting over booths up the back for those late-night conversations.
It’s also right across the road from The Grove, one of the best traditional bars in the west end.
Pub Spy said: “The Crescent has stripped-back vintage signage outside, like many of its neighbours. Pub Spy can’t be sure if this is the bona-fide re-emergence of a so-called ‘ghost-sign’ or one that’s been painstakingly contrived or even touched up. There are many of these in Finnieston now.” Islay listed on any menu. Pub Spy said: “There’s a raggedy charm about this cosy boozer, the sort of vibe that patronising city visitors might describe as quaint.
“Think along the lines of the bar in classic flicks like Local Hero or American Werewolf In London and you’re coming close.” Glasgow help this brilliantly quirky pub on the southside. Pub Spy said: “Our server, a friendly Frenchman, talked us through the alcohol-free beer options (Brewdog’s hoppy Nanny State worked with the steak) and explained how, on Social Spin Wednesdays, punters can bring their own vinyl.” Drag-queen bingo, piles of vinyl records, brilliant food and a vintners out the front.
The G1 Group ran this Shawlands unit before and couldn’t make a success of it.
The fact that their Waverley Tea Rooms now lies mothballed round the corner ironically serves to
Sunday Mail
Inverness A Highland rooftop bar done up like a shack in mid-America fashioned from reclaimed industrial wood might sound like a disastrous idea given the lack of rooftop bar nights we have in this country.
Not so. The Black Isle Bar has shelter spots and heaters, with trees, fresh herbs and plants growing. It also sells some of the best pizza Pub Spy has tasted and has brilliant independent craft beer.
Pub Spy said: “The vibe reminded us of a stay at Hostelling International on Union Square in San Francisco. A night drinking under the late summer light at this brilliant bar felt like a million miles from home.” And this one just in. Pub Spy’s only just encountered the incredible transformation in what was one of Glasgow’s most famous pubs, Baird’s Bar. While Baird’s was a historical treasure trove marking Irish immigration in the east end of Glasgow and the football team the immigrants created, it lost its licence after outbreaks of violence. The replacement in the reviving Barras area is a stunning example of what can be done when a building is stripped back to its bare bones. Look out for the review in next week’s Sunday Mail.