West, Glasgow
The microbrewery WEST, situated on Glasgow Green, is a unique success story. WEST, founded by German immigrant Petra Wetzel in 2006, is one of the original brewery-cum-restaurants and a must for lovers of fine beer and food. Their lager, St Mungo’s, named after the city’s patron saint, is brewed in accordance with strict Bavarian Beer Purity Laws introduced in 1516. Petra’s motto for WEST – “Scottish heart, German head” – tells you what to expect. The food has Celtic passion combined with Teutonic care and efficiency. 0141 550 0135
Price: ££
Where: West Brewery, Templeton Building, Glasgow Green, G40 1AW
Tel: 0141 550 0135
Brian Maule at Chardon D’or, Glasgow
This restaurant oozes class, serves up amazing food and, if you’re lucky, you’ll even meet Brian himself.
Price: £££
Where: Brian Maule at Chardon D’Or, 176 West Regent Street, Glasgow, G2 4RL
Tel: 0141 248 3801
Dragon I, Glasgow
Dragon I, You’ll find more places in Glasgow to have a quick bite to eat than you can shake a stick at – should you want to stick-shake. But tried and tested is always a good way to go. And Dragon I has been tried, tested and never found wanting for many a long year. Teatimes are when this eatery really comes to life, as it’s opposite the ever-busy Theatre Royal. The pre-theatre menu comes in at a pretty reasonable £14.95 for two courses or £17.95 for three. Crispy pancakes, pork ribs and shredded breast of duck are among the starters and chicken in a mango sauce and seasonal veg on pak choi amongst the mains. The staff know what they’re doing so you won’t miss your night out!
Price: ££
Where: 311-313 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3PT
Tel: 0141 332 7728
Panevino, Finnieston
We’re sure this little Italian in hipster-trendy Finnieston has its quiet times – but we must just have missed them! No wonder it’s always thriving. The service is absolutely spot-on, be it for a lunchtime snack or a bit of a fancier evening meal. Hearty Italian staples and fabby small plates, as well as a great cocktail menu before a show at the nearby SSE Hydro.
Price: ££
Where: Panevino, 1075 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8LZ
Tel: 0141 221 1136
Guidi’s, Airdrie
This family-owned restaurant has been feeding the people of Monklands authentic Italian food for nearly 35 years. The deceptively large restaurant has a wealth of private booths for couples and families to have their own space and there is also a bright and spacious conservatory popular with diners. There is no shortage of menu options, with something for all tastes. Throw in an extensive wine list, free parking, a separate bar and a bustling takeaway and deli, and it’s easy to see why people come from near and far to visit Guidis.
Price: ££
Where: Trattoria Guidi, 122 Deedes St, Airdrie, ML6 9AF
Tel: 01236 755 321
Horseshoe Bar, Glasgow
Tucked away down a wee lane away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, The Horseshoe is an old classic – and an iconic piece of Glasgow culture. Established in 1884 by cavalry captain John Scouller, the Horseshoe was soon recognised as the premier example of a Victorian gin palace. It hasn’t changed much in the 130 years since. In the early 1900s it was taken over by John Young Whyte who made the major change of extending the bar which was then recognised as being the longest continuous bar in the UK, at 104ft 3 ins, and still holds its place in The Guinness Book of Records. The charm of The Horsehoe has attracted many famous faces over the years, including comedian Billy Connolly and bands such as Del Amitri and Deacon Blue. As well as great pub grub and Scottish beers, there’s the upstairs lounge which started off as a low-key cabaret for the likes of Frank Carson and is now the karaoke capital of Scotland. Travis used to sing there before they hit the charts and Atomic Kitten had a shot on the mic during a Glasgow stop. Overall, a great, traditional pub.
Price: £
Where: The Horseshoe Bar, 17-19 Drury Street, Glasgow, G2 5AE
Tel: 0141 248 6368
Smith’s, Uddingston
This small, perfectly-formed restaurant, opened in 1999, is a favourite with patrons from Lanarkshire and beyond. Cosy and comfortable, it serves real Scottish food with French flair, from sumptuous Stornoway black pudding to nectarious Nutella panna cotta. And the fixed-price menu of two courses for just £17.50 ensures it’s busy every night.
Price: ££
Where: Smiths, 199 Main Street, Uddingston, G71 7BP
Tel: 01698 818 444
Cail Bruich, Glasgow
Serving modern Scottish cuisine with French cooking techniques, the restaurant uses fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Since opening in 2006 it has gained a solid reputation and a string of awards, including AA rosettes and a place on the Michelin guide. The taster menu is a real experience!
Price: £££
Where: Cail Bruich, 725 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 8QX
Tel: 0141 334 6265
Scone Spy Recommends…
Billingtons of Lenzie
“I’ve heard good things about the ice cream. Sourced from a dairy farm in Fintry, it’s given an on-the-spot makeover that ends with a lip-smacking slurp-fest mixed up in front of you on the cold stone.
“I dive into the glass, overflowing with chocolatey goodness.
“The scone is a wonderfully mis-shaped fruit-laden monster. It’s as light and crumbly as the fruit slice is dense and moist.”
Where: Kirkintilloch rd, G66 4LQ
Cottonrake
“The décor is simple, yet effective. Bare brick, rivets, varnished wood. The limited seating area consists of nothing more than wooden benches and old school stools.
“But there’s no need for fancy furniture here. It’s the food that’s the main attraction. Served with lashings of clotted cream and jam, the home-baked scones really do take the biscuit. Or scone.
“Firm yet so soft and fluffy inside that a butter knife slides right through it. Amazing.”
Where: 497 Great Western Rd, G12 8HL
Riverhill
“It’s no bigger than a living room and sandwiched between two travel agents in a busy city centre street, blink and you’ll miss it.
“I opt for the chicken club roll, so packed with chunky cheese, chicken and bacon that it has been tied together with a piece of string.
“Could I squeeze in a scone? Of course! It’s more than enough for one, but so delicious I manage to devour every last crumb.”
Where: Gordon Street, G1 3PU
Oven Overton Farm
“The farm, near Crossford, has long been popular thanks to its regular car boot sales, farmers’ market and well-stocked shop.
“The Oven at Overton Farm is a bright, airy and spacious wooden building that’s spotless, but homely.
“The cheese scone seemed only to have a hint of cheese – but the cheddary goodness lingered long after I’d gone on my way.”
Where: Carluke, ML8 5QF
Want to explore more of Scotland? Head to our Scottish Gems section.
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