Restaurant review: Alston Bar and Beef, Central Station, Glasgow

Location

Tucked underneath Glasgow Central Station, Alston is named after the main street of Grahamston Village, which was demolished to make way for the station in the mid-1870s. It’s easy to find and as central as you can get.

First impressions

From the blue-lit staircase down to the restaurant to the sleek interior in the low arches, it oozes class.

Service

We’re greeted by a friendly waiter who shows us to the table and recommends some cocktails. A waitress brings the food promptly and with a smile – and is very understanding when I send my steak back as it isn’t quite cooked enough to my liking.

Menu

The menu is as the name suggests – beef, and lots of it. It’s a meat lovers’ paradise. Steak is the speciality and there are plenty of cuts to choose from but there’s a varied menu of mains, from peanut crusted cod to caramelised cauliflower. Starters range from scallops to stuffed peppers and there’s a healthy selection of sides.

Taste

We opt for a fillet with chips, side salad and a sirloin with chips, and spring greens with peas, both with peppercorn sauce. Every bite is delicious. It’s a struggle to finish but when the food is this good it would be a crime to leave anything uneaten.

Ambience

It’s a Saturday night and every table is full – and refilled within moments of diners vacating. We feel relaxed and never rushed.

Price

It’s expensive. Our bill came in at £155 with a bottle of wine and a couple of cocktails – but it’s a treat and ideal if you have something to celebrate.

P.S. If you’re a gin fan, this is a bar for you with Scottish, English and international varieties to choose from.