It’s a great place to meet folk and have a good conversation and drinks, I’m happy about that
AGATHERING spot for weekend brunch. A small venue for local musicians. A deliberately different pub from the team that created Saint Luke’s. The Amsterdam has stood out from the crowd since opening in February last year.
Hirsute publican Michael Woods was in buoyant mood when I met him this week: “It’s still a progression, but as a fun, music bar it has exceeded what I expected when we first set up here”.
Competition remains fierce across the city, but Michael is confident that the ‘Dam has added to the collective charm of the Merchant City.
“I wanted this to be a neighbourhood bar. We’re always looking for more people to be coming into the city centre, and we host a lot of events, but there’s also the people who live around here who pop in to see us each week. They understand what I’m trying to achieve here.
“It’s a great place to meet folk and have a good conversation and drinks, I’m very happy about that.”
The venue space downstairs provides a platform for young musicians.
“A lot of Glasgow bands are looking to build a following and graduate to stages like Saint Luke’s, so they start here. We’ve also had bands like Glasvegas come in when they are just looking to play a more intimate show.”
The bar has also become a popular choice for performers looking for post-gig pints, with Tom Walker and Lewis Capaldi among those who have wandered in since they opened.
Food remains an important part of the mix, particularly during the day: Look for loaded fries with honey mustard and crispy onions, shakshuka baked eggs, sourdough pizzas, burgers and breakfast buns, served with rock n roll sensibilities.
• The Amsterdam has announced an all-day event to raise funds for the volunteer fire services combating the Australian bushfire crisis. It will take place on January 26 with Australian beer, gin, food and music. Donations on the door.