Restaurant Review

GROSVENOR CAFE, 24 ASHTON LANE, GLASGOW

1 Location

It’s in the popular lane just off Byres Road and so right in the heart of the W est End. Hillhead Subway, just a minute away, is the handiest transport option.

2 First impressions

It’s upstairs above the excellent cinema of the same name and fills a huge area, all under the curved ceiling with nice detailing of the original 1920s architecture.

3 service

W e’d booked tickets for a film so we were looking for service to be brisk. W hen we told our server, he said he’d make sure to keep on top of the kitchen and he was as good as his word. First-rate attentiveness and a cheery manner, too.

4 menu

It’s very much pub food but there’s something for every palate. Fries with cheese and gravy, falafel bites and salmon and haddock fish cakes are among the small-plate starters (three for £13 or five for £20). There’s a good selection of sandwiches, burgers, salads and pizzas, the latter including veggie delight and black pudding and bacon options.

5 taste

The mac and cheese, coated in herby breadcrumbs, was super-cheesy. And the meatball, pepperoni and jalapeno pizza hit the spot nicely.

6 price

It came to £45 for two courses and a couple of rounds of drinks. If you’re going to the cinema, there’s an extra 20% knocked off the bill.

7 ambience

It was really buzzing on a Friday evening and the music was a little on the loud side, but it added to the atmosphere.

8 something special

You definitely won’t leave hungry – the portions are huge!

9 toilets

They’re big and clean. No complaints.

10

verdict

Nothing fancy but we can see why it’s been popular with more than just film fans for years. 16/20