May 2012 • Issue 82
Repertoire
It’s good to be back
Paul Bright interview Hotel Indigo, Edinburgh Time for a gin?
I
am extremely excited to welcome you to the relaunch issue of Repertoire. After 10 years we have revamped the logo, and our design. We hope you like it. It has been great getting out and about to see some new venues and the people behind them. You will see Emma and I on the front cover from our day in The Finnieston’s newly opened beer garden. They kindly treated us to a glass of champagne. So thanks Graham! The lovely sunny weather we had at the end of March inspired us to visit Kelvingrove park and ask you all what your favourite summer drink is, see if you can spot yourself on pages 24 and 25. I also caught up with Paul Bright who owns Slouch on Bath Street, Glasgow. You can read our interview on pages 16 and 17. Check out our news pages which will fill you in on what’s new on the pub and club front. I hope you enjoy this issue and if you have any news or events you would like to see included email me at the address below. You can also follow all Repertoire’s activities online at www.facebook.com/ repertoiremagazine Take it easy,
04 . . . . . . Whats new on the social scene. 09 . . . . . . Bartenders Choice: Their take on a summer drink. 11 . . . . . . Time for a gin? 16 . . . . . . Paul Bright: Interview. 18 . . . . . . Bar Browser: Hotel Indigo, Edinburgh.
Repertoire Lynn Kelly Editor lynn@mediaworldltd.com
22 . . . . . . Fashion: You dont have to be cold to be cool. 24 . . . . . . Voxpop: In the park. 28 . . . . . . Top picks in town.
Published by Media World Ltd. Upper Floor, Finnieston House, 1 The Stables Yard, 1103 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8ND T. 0141 221 6965
Publisher: Susan Young Editor: Lynn Kelly Contributors: Jason Caddy Advertising Executives: The publishers, authors and printers Martin Cassidy, cannot accept liability for errors/ Emma MacDonald omissions. Any artwork will be accepted at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No Administration: part of this publication may be reproduced Cheryl Cook
in any form without the written consent of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made to the publisher. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers.
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News
Ice cream weather Ice cream lovers no longer need to set off to Largs to visit Nardini’s, as the new cafe on Byres Road has finally arrived! The décor looks lovely, and follows the 1920’s vibe of the café in Largs. They also sell sandwiches, and have a sit-in menu if you would prefer to take a pew. The ice cream flavours range from classic vanilla and mint to special flavours including crème egg. However hang onto your wallets…you could spend a fortune!
Apple gets naked Cider has always been popular in the summer months and if you enjoy experimenting with the different flavours out there then keep your eyes peeled for Kopparberg’s Naked Apple. Since Kopparberg Pear cider launched, owners of Cider of Sweden have become renowned for their growing portfolio of flavours which includes Mixed Fruit, Apple, Elderflower and Lime, and Strawberry and Lime. Their newest addition, Naked Apple is stripped away of all other fruits (except apple!) and promises to appeal to those who are looking for a clean crisp taste.
Rev it up! A new draught energy drink called Rev, is popping up in bars and clubs thoughout Glasgow. It is definitely a fresher, cheaper alternative, and tastes better than some more established brands. Rev is already available in Glasgow clubs including Sugarcube, Campus, Bamboo, Buff Club, Boho, The Shed, and O’Couture.
New beer garden for The Finnieston If you have ever visited the Hidden Lane in Finnieston you will understand the attraction of discovering a hidden gem off the beaten track. Now the Finnieston bar of the same name has a wee hidden gem of its own, following the opening of a brand new beer garden. Complete with decking, benches and parasols, the area is a perfect suntrap, which promises to host some epic summer barbecues!
Bus journeys just became sweeter! Mr Kipling has launched a new campaign which will see bus shelters in Glasgow dispensing 500 Angel slices a day from specially converted poster sites. Not only will the posters be dispensing the cakes, but they will also emit the scent of Angel Slices using scent sprays. Whatever next? It certainly seemed to cheer up a lot of commuters last month and I am guessing there will be a lot less disgruntled people queuing for the bus! 4
French Bistro comes to Glasgow France meets Glasgow at a new restaurant called La Bistro Beaumartin on Hope Street. Formerly Mio sandwich shop, this French Bistro is open Monday to Saturday and offers a lunch and evening menu in the restaurant, and wine and cheese platters in the lounge. Prices range from £14.50 for set a lunch or pre-theatre, and £16 for a bottle of house wine.
Be chilled returns to T in the Park!
Charity event all in the name of sport! The Grill on the Corner on Bothwell street, will be hosting a Question of Sport evening on Tuesday 29th May hosted by Tam Cowan in aid of St Andrew’s Hospice. You can buy your ticket from the restaurant at the cost of £35, which will get you a 3 course dinner and a drink on arrival. The event kicks off at 6.30pm. You still have a few weeks left to polish up your sporting knowledge! For information on booking tickets call 0141 248 6262.
Bennets no more After 30 years of delivering some of the biggest gay club nights in Glasgow, Bennets nightclub has now closed! In it’s place sits AXM which is part of a club group that opened it’s very first venue in Manchester seven years ago. The opening night was packed, and it seems a lot of Bennets regulars are happy to check out what the new club nights have to offer. AXM certainly don’t lack on the entertainment factor, check out www. facebook.com/axmClubGlasgow for full updates.
20% OFF handbag making experience when you quote “repertoire” usually £35 valid until 1st June 2012 Tennent’s Lager is really looking after their campers at this year’s T in The Park with a service they like to call “Be Chilled” which allows campers to pre-order their drink online, giving them less to carry. Festival goers who are over 18 and plan on camping can pre-order Tennent’s lager and Magner’s original cider now at www.tennents.com/bechilled. Cans will be chilled and ready for collection on arrival at the campsite, and if you recommend “Be Chilled” to two mates before the 1st of June you will automatically be in with a chance to have your tickets upgraded to VIP, and to win free bus travel courtesy of Citylink. However there will be a limit on how many cans campers can order per day. 5
www.botecodobrasil.com
62 TrongatE, Glasgow, G1 5EP
Glasgow may be far away from Copacabana beach, but at Boteco you can get a taste of Brazil right in the heart of the Merchant City. In Brazil, “Boteco” is the friendly neighbourhood bar with lively music and atmosphere. And that’s exactly where our inspiration comes from. Open every day till 3am, our funky pub and restaurant offers a truly relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Live music, DJs, dancing and tropical cocktails are always available at Boteco. Our eclectic menu is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters with its vast list of tapas, traditional dishes and international cuisine. Check out Boteco Do Brasil on Facebook and get 50% on your food bill every Tuesday.
o 6.30pm ela Alons y a d arah Port s F h e it u w t bao lasses with Tum S T H G I N Salsa C alsa DJs from 10pm till late S Y A D S WEDNESalsa School rioca a C k n u night: Fpm till late b u l C Y FRIDA with DJ Euan from 10 m till late
from 10p ibal SUNDAYight: Noite Tr Club N Our most popular cocktail is also our signature drink “Caipirinha”. The Caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil, where it originated, and is a common Carnival drink. Made from Sagatiba Cachaça, muddled with natural sugar and fresh limes served over ice. The Sagatiba Caipirinha is a cultural classic that is the pure spirit of Brazil. If you are feeling adventurous why not swap
limes for other fresh fruits in this classic cocktail and make a Fresh Fruit Caipirinha. Combining Sagatiba Cachaça with your favourite in-season fresh fruit, such as pineapple, raspberries, watermelon, or tangerines. Add herbs such as mint, cilantro, or basil for a unique twist.
News Glasgow’s first licensed chocolate factory
Alcohol Warnings Due to increasing products liability litigation, beer manufacturers have accepted the FDA’s suggestion that the following warning labels be placed immediately on all beer containers: WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
Glasgow’s very own chocolate factory opened its doors recently, at the site that used to be Au Naturale at the corner of Woodland’s Road. It has now been transformed into a café and chocolate factory called No 1 Chocolate Factory which will be licensed to serve alcohol shortly. The café offers home made cakes, sandwiches and soups, coffee and of course hot chocolate. It opens from 8am till 8pm, seven days a week. Chocolate lovers can also learn how to make their favourite flavours from scratch by booking into a class at its academy. There are evening classes running now for ladies to book in and learn how to make chocolate handbags amongst other things.
New Whisky shopping experience Looking for somewhere to buy a bottle of Whisky? The Scotch Whisky Experience’s new shop in Edinburgh could be the answer. The new shop has the best of technology including an interactive flavour map and touch-screen distillery guide. There is even a VIP area where you can chill out and use an iPad application to browse through the collections. The shop also offer a pick and mix service where you can create the perfect package of all your favourite miniatures. Visit scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk.for full information.
New vodka bar for Glasgow Vodka lovers can now head to Barbushka on Sauchiehall Street. They love vodka so much at Barbushka that they even make their own. The people behind this stylish new bar are all about quality, service and good homemade food. They even do table service, and booth packages which includes a bottle of premium vodka including Belvedere and Grey Goose and a platter of finger food for around £49. For full details check out www.facebook.com/ barbushkaglasgow
WARNING: Consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like an asshole. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may cause you to thay shings like thish. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may lead you to believe that ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to your pants. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may make you think you have mystical Kung Fu powers. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may cause you to roll over in the morning and see something
really scary (whose species and or name you can’t remember). WARNING: Consumption of alcohol is the leading cause of inexplicable rug burns on the forehead. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter and more handsome than some really, really big guy named FRANZ. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may lead you to believe you are invisible. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you. WARNING: Consumption of alcohol may cause an influx in the time-space continuum, whereby small (and sometimes large) gaps of time may seem to literally disappear. 7
News Squirrel attracts attention for the Pourhouse The thriving Finnieston pub scene saw the arrival of the Pourhouse last month. Situated in the site that used to be Gazelle on Argyle Street. This quirky, new pub and the 3ft squirrel on the sign outside has certainly got people talking! A dramatic makeover has transformed the space inside, which is now bathed in light and decorated with customised furnishings and paintings. With plenty of seating and leather booths for larger groups this is a great spot for grabbing lunch, or meeting friends after work. The French-inspired bar which takes centre stage boasts an impressive range of wine, beers and spirits and a few cheeky meerkats too! See our people’s page for pictures from the launch party.
Red Leg’s for the summer A bit of Swing for George street Music lovers can now head to Dirty Martini on Edinburgh’s George Street to enjoy some music. If you haven’t visited the new site above Le Monde then get yourself along for a night of jazz and swing, and delicious cocktails.
Steak and Pepper
Rum lovers are in for a treat with the arrival of Red Leg rum. This tasty spiced rum is infused with Jamaican ginger and vanilla and will be available in bars this month. Like most other spiced rums it works well with coke and no doubt bartenders will be including it in their cocktails too. The name comes from the term used in the Caribbean to describe British workers who got burnt in the sun – “Red Legs”. It also is the name for a scavenger crab, which was the inspiration for the brands logo. Keep your eyes peeled for a rustic dumpy bottle, which has the image of a red crab.
Steak restaurant opened recently at Picardy Place in Edinburgh and is already receiving rave reviews. Formerly the billiards room in Hawke and Hunter, this new restaurant has undergone a hefty refurbishment and is becoming popular with the night owls of Edinburgh who can enjoy a steak dinner and bottle of wine until 2am. A DJ sets the mood from 10pm every night, and the restaurant has a private dining table for groups of up to 20 people. In keeping with the theme, Pepper has also opened underneath the restaurant. It is a new cocktail bar. This is perfect for diners who can head straight downstairs after dinner for a tasty cocktail. 8
In every issue we will be asking the bartenders out there to recommend their drink of choice. You will notice this month that we asked two local bartenders and one from Edinburgh. This is what they had to say.
James Kemp – Finnieston Aperol, soda and lemon juice “This is a nice, long, refreshing drink with a bittersweet flavour lifted by the lemon juice and kept really fresh and light with soda.”
Emma O’Neil – The Pourhouse Baccus Belgian Beer, Cherry flavour “This is a fresh, fruity, light beer that is ideal for the summer months. It comes wrapped in a half sized champagne bottle, and should be served in a chilled glass.”
Kate Trousdale – The Queens Arms, Edinburgh Mojito “This Mojito is made with gin instead of rum. It is a lovely fresh cocktail for summer.”
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Gin
Words: Jason Caddy
TIME FOR A GIN ? G
in is where it is at in most bars these days, and not just with the ladies! The slimline alternative has always been popular with females at only 56 calories per 25ml measure, but even men are jumping on the gin bandwagon now! So why the new craze for gin? The explosion of homegrown brands in Scotland over the last years is definitely a factor! Some newer products to launch in Scotland include Celtic Botanicals Gin, The Botanist, Boe Superior Gin, Edinburgh Gin and Caorunn Gin. Gilt is also another new gin that will be launched in June this year! So why this flurry of activity on the gin front? Mal Spence, head bar tender at the Blythswood Hotel in Glasgow comments, “Things are rapidly changing in customer’s perceptions of gin. It is no longer the juniper-heavy drink that it used to be, and it is a lot lighter and more varied in terms of flavour, and more people are recognising this. Plus, customers are realising that it’s the tonic that they don’t much like the taste of, not the gin, and newer products are generally moving more towards the tastes of the traditional vodka drinker.” Gordon Purnell of the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh thinks that customers are looking at gins
differently because new gin brands are innovative – with provenance playing a part too. He says, “An unusual brand name will always get customers talking, as in the case of Death’s
Gin Fizz • • • •
Juice of half a lemon 35ml Gin 25ml Gomme Topped up with soda, garnished with lemon.
Door Gin. “Overall, though, I’d say that all the Scottish gins are going great guns in Edinburgh bars, following in the footsteps of Hendrick’s. The Botanist stands out as the one to watch, as a lot of peat malt whisky drinkers
are tempted to try this because it originates from Islay.” Another factor is that gin really can appeal to anyone, and even the notoriously frugal student market isn’t averse to shelling out that little bit extra on premium gin brands. Says Carlo Citti, owner of Glasgow student emporium Campus, “Bombay Sapphire is now asked for by name, and my gin sales are on the increase. Customers will pay in a way that they wouldn’t have done a few years ago, and I think sites like Facebook have a lot to do with this as they promote customer loyalty.” The Finnieston in Glasgow stocks a wide range of gins and bar manager, Ervin Trykowski comments, “With all the new contemporary styles of gin on the market, it has never been easier to find a gin for a new potential gin drinker. We also specialise in matching tonics and garnishes to suit the customer’s choice of gin.” Of course gin is also a popular base in cocktails, with most people simply ordering a Gin Fizz or a Gin Martini at the bar, and for those who are looking for something a bit different there is more daring recipes out there. However there are plenty recipes that are simple enough to make at home. Enjoy! 11
Vote for your favourite pubs at
DRAM AWARDS T O T S CS C O
TI
2012
W WA AR RD DS S
DRAMscotland.co.uk
S A TI H LI E SH C EN RAD E A T S E D LI C ENSE D TR A D
DRAM
DRAM 12
The Pourhouse 1038-1042 Argyle Street, Glasgow
Find Pourhouse Glasgow on Facebook
The Pourhouse landed on the Finnieston pub stretch with a bang! Here are some pics from the launch night, that includes special guest, Miss Glasgow (pictured left.) You can see from the pics that it was smiles all round. This pub looks set to be a firm favourite whether you are looking for some lunch, or a chilled drink after work! If you haven’t visited yet look out for the large squirrel outside, who is starting to become a bit of a celebrity! Log onto www.thepourhouse.co.uk for full details.
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A Figure of Speech 50ml Auchentoshan 12 Year Old 6ml Triple Sec 6ml Cognac (or any other brandy) 6ml Elderflower cordial 2 small figs 12.5ml Anise syrup 12.5ml Lemon juice Muddle figs in the bottom of a shaker, add all ingredients, shake and strain into a glass with crushed ice. Garnish with a split fig drizzled with honey or agave syrup.
Amarula Raspberry Brulee
50ml Auchentoshan Classic 75ml Ginger Beer Mixture of fresh fruit - mint, apple, fresh lime, lemons and oranges Just mix it all together - there’s no special technique and no special equipment. Then let the fruit mix perfectly with the citrus flavours of Auchentoshan.
La Boheemi Cheeni
Ingredients: 50ml Amarula cream liqueur 25ml Chambord 10ml Grenadine
Ingredients: 50ml Kwai Feh Lychee liqueur 50ml La Fee NV Absinth 50ml Coco Re’al
Method: Shake liqueurs together. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with a mint leaf and a fresh raspberry. Serve over ice.
Method: Place all in a Boston glas with ice. Shake well and double strain in to chilled Martini glass Garnish with a fresh lychee.
Margarita Over Rocks
Glass: Tall glass Ice: Cubed Method: Stir it and Serve it Garnish: Lime wedge Ingredients: 50ml Tequila 75ml Finest Call Margarita mix 25ml Finest Call Sweet and Sour mix
Method: Half fill the service glass with ice. Add all ingredients and stir well. Fill up with ice, add garnish and serve. For fruit version simply add any Finest Call fruit puree.
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Whisky-a-LoLo
Pina Colada Glass: Tall glass Ice: Cubed Method: Stir it and Serve it Garnish: Pineapple wedge Ingredients: 50ml White Rum 75ml Finest Call Pina Colada mix 50ml Pineapple juice 25ml Orange juice Method: Half fill the glass with ice. Add all ingredients and stir well. Top up with ice add garnish and serve. For fruit version simply add any Finest Call fruit puree.
Lychee Martini 35ml Kwai Feh Lychee liqueur 35ml Skyy Vodka 15ml Cinzano Bianco 1 x squeezed Lime wedge Shake all ingredients together and strain in to chilled Martini glass. Garnish with fresh Lychee.
Mandarine Old Fashioned 35ml Mandarine Napoléon 35ml Wild Turkey Bourbon 1 x brown sugar cube 2 x splashes of Angostura Bitters Place sugar cube and bitters in to service glass and muddle with the bourbon until dissolved. Add good scoop of ice and the Mandarine Napoléon, and stir through. Garnish with fresh Mandarine peel twist.
Midori Sangria Glass: Highball Garnish: Orange wheel and chopped apple/ pear Method: Build over ice, top with lemonade Ingredients: 25ml MIDORI 50ml Red wine 12.5ml Lemon juice Top with lemonade.
NV Max Ingredients: 50ml NV Absinthe Verte 250ml Red Bull (1 can) Ice Method: Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 50ml NV Absinthe Verte. Top with Red Bull. Glass: Highball
Midori Sour Glass: Rocks/ Tumbler Garnish: Lime Method: Shake & Strain Ingredients: 50ml Midori 12.5ml Lemon juice 12.5ml Lime juice ½ egg white (optional)
Pusser’s Painkiller 50ml Pusser’s Blue label Original Navy Strength Rum 75ml Pineapple juice 25ml Orange juice 25ml Coco Re’al cream of coconut Place all in to cocktails shaker and shake well. Strain over cubed ice in original Pusser’s Painkiller tin mug. Garnish with fresh ground nutmeg and an orange wheel.
All brands available at www.thedrinkshop.com For more info please contact cocktails@cellartrends.co.uk 15
Paul Bright Every issue of Repertoire will carry an interview with an up and coming business person, or artist! To kick things off Lynn Kelly caught up with young entrepreneur Paul Bright. Paul co-owns Slouch on Bath Street with Mark Lappin who also owns the legendary Maggie Mays. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to own or run your own bar, then read on to find out more!
Did you always want to own a bar? No. I wanted to be a rock star, play music, gig and record songs. Music is my first passion. I have been playing piano and guitar since I was nine! I started gigging from the age of 17 and was in a band with my mates called Weebeastie (he jokes that there will be a reunion tour on the cards soon.) My life at that age was all about gigs and music. My bedroom was the meeting point for catching up with mates, having a jam and listening to music. In fact when my mates first came into Slouch they said “Paul this is just like your bedroom – our new meeting point.”
So where did the inspiration for Slouch come from? Mark and I are both fans of live music, and we worked together building Maggie Mays. So the fact that I am now running a live music bar is no big surprise for anyone who knows me. For me, opening another live music bar further out in town was the next step. I picked Bath Street. I lived on Sauchiehall Street so it was my back garden for five years and I recognised that it was an up and coming area of town and a busy wee street for bars. 16
Words: Lynn Kelly
NOT JUST BY NAME What do you think makes Slouch special?
What do you believe makes a good bar manager?
The main thing we wanted to be recognised for was offering people the chance to visit a live music bar that also served good quality food and a great selection of drinks without any snobbery. There are not many places where you can listen to Led Zeppelin, eat great food but also take your mum for lunch.
Creating a great atmosphere is my way of operating and I filter that through the service we offer, and how we treat our customers. Nothing is too much trouble in my bar, and if someone walks in and asks me to recommend a gin, I think yes, let’s get talking! We serve a good proper drink the way it’s supposed to be served, and
What is your tipple of choice? I like my beers, and at the moment I am right into world beers. I love St Mungo, and Estrella Damm which we now have on draught, it is a beautiful beer. I also like Anchor Steam when I’m in the mood for something different. I tend to look out for new drinks to try, so I can then recommend them to customers. We stock over 200 spirits which includes over 19 gins. I have also just bought in the new flavour from Jim Beam, Devil’s Cut and we are only one of six venues In Scotland who stock it.
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
BRIGHT if someone orders a cocktail we will suggest they go find a table and we will being their drink over. When someone comes into the bar I want them to feel welcome.
Who is the most famous artist or band you have had in Slouch? There has been a few... in fact they haven’t just visited, some have became regulars. Glasvegas drink here every other weekend, as do
Kassidy! The View pop in and so has Paolo Nutini. In fact there was one brilliant night we spent with The View who did an exclusive album launch in Slouch before a gig at the ABC. They got so carried away drinking whisky that they had to sprint across to the ABC make the gig on time. A lot of bands play at King Tut’s, and then come to Slouch after so you get quite a few faces popping in.
I love gigs. I have been to most Kassidy gigs, I love them! I see quite a lot of gigs at the ABC, and saw Noel Gallagher in Edinburgh when he was here just a few months back. I also love going to new bars and just looking around at how they have done things. It fascinates me. The good operators out there have really inspired me. It makes me want to be influenced and be part of this trend which boasts variety and quality. My favourite bars who I think do this well are Chinaski’s, Velvet Elvis, Brass Monkey, Moskito, Lebowski’s and Brewdog.
What’s next for Slouch? As I mentioned before we are never finished in here. We are always adding and building, and coming up with ideas. We will definitely plan an epic two year anniversary do in September and the future will involve working on ideas to expand and open more venues! Who knows for definite what is next, but I’m definitely excited about the future, and couldn’t ask for a better job! 17
bar browser: Hotel Indigo 51-59 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD Tel: 0131 556 5577 reservations@hiedinburgh.co.uk
What to look out for Fine dining at the Turquoise Thistle restaurant bar and lounge. Signature cocktails especially made by each of the bar staff. The Aberdeen Angus burger with three different sauces served with triple cooked chips. During the Fringe festival comedians will be available for hire when you order room service. You can have your very own performance. 18
www.hiedinburgh.co.uk
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Make a date with whisky...
The ‘make a date with whisky’ speed tastings kicked off in Edinburgh at The Queens Arms. This free event is for anyone who would like to learn more about whisky! You can see from the photos just how much our guests enjoyed their night! To find out more about future events email lynn@ mediaworldltd.com
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Debenhams H! by Henry Holland Varsity jacket £32, Blouse £25, Jeans £30
You don’t have to be cold to be cool! 22
Debenhams H! by Henry Holland Jacket £35, Shorts £25, Bowling bag £29, Pumps £22
Debenhams H! by Henry Holland Dress £40, Jacket £40, Satchel £29, Wedges £38
J Jeans by Jasper Conran at Debenhams (Left to Right) Model 1: Knit £65, Shirt £38, Tee £18, Chinos £35 Model 2: Jacket £55, Tee £18, Shorts £32 Model 3: Jacket £75, Shirt £40, Tee £18, Shorts £35, Shoes £65
Voxpop: In the park What is your favourite summer drink? Emily, Roxanne: We prefer fruity cocktails in the summer, something nice and refreshing like a mojito. Clara: I drink bottled beers in the summer, like Corona or Peroni.
What bar has the best beer garden in Glasgow?
E mily, C lara, ) Roxanne (L to R
Emily, Clara, Roxanne: Brel in Ashton Lane has a great beer garden, and plenty of space for sunbathing too.
What is your favourite summer drink? All: We all love to drink Strongbow in the summer, or Kopparberg if we are in the mood for a fruity cider.
What bar has the best beer garden in Glasgow? All: The Ark in North Frederick Street.
Jen, L auren and Jenny What is your favourite summer drink? Penny: Kopparberg strawberry and lime flavour is my favourite! Kaitlin: Vodka with lemon and blackcurrant, instead of diet coke. Joe: Jack and coke with lots of ice.
Penny, Kaitlin and Joe 24
What bar has the best beer garden in Glasgow? All: The Ark.
What is your favourite summer drink? Carrie: Gin cocktails. Kirsten: Corona with lime Graham: Strongbow
What bar has the best beer garden in Glasgow? All: The Ark
C arrie, Graham and Kirsten What is your favourite summer drink? Iona: Pimms Suzy: Cocktails. My favourite is a Strawberry Daiquiri.
What bar has the best beer garden in Glasgow? Both: We live right next to Kelvingrove Park so don’t really drink in beer gardens. We prefer to sunbathe here, jump home to get ready, then hit a bar.
Iona and Suzy
What is your favourite summer drink? I am usually a Guinness drinker, but in the summer I quite like a Rekorderlig cider.
What bar has the best beer garden in Glasgow?
Fraser
Definitely Chinaskis. It has a great outside area, good mix of people and always a great selection of drinks.
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Style File A girl can never have too many shoes! In fact it is sometimes the most essential part of accessorising an outfit. They say you can tell a lot from someone’s shoes, so it is important to let your feet do the talking! Flat pumps can be great for a casual look, but a funky pair of
wedges or heels can transform any outfit! I have picked out some of the hottest styles around! But it’s not just the girls that suffer from shoe envy, guys are just as fashion conscious when it comes to their footwear! So I’ve selected some on trend styles for the blokes out there too!
Let your feet do the talking…
Debenhams £75
River Island £35
Office Wonderland Wedge £75 ASOS £38 Dune £69.99 Office Cracker Desert Shoe £59.99 Schuh £28 Dune Helium £99
River Island £75
River Island £45
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River Island £65
Dune Mambo £55
AT We offer...
1125 ARGYLE STREET FINNIESTON GLASGOW G3 8ND T: 0141 222 2884
• One of the largest selection of gin and botanical spirits in the city. • An extensive selection of champagne • Garden with outdoor BBQ & grill serving fresh fish, oysters and game. • Daily A la carte menu featuring the best of scottish seafood and seasonal game. • An impressive wine list • Every Monday: Tongue and cheek steak night 28 day matured Inchinnan gold sirloin steak with fries, sauteed mushrooms and smoked garlic and rosemary butter with a glass of rioja for £20!
• Every Tuesday - First Catch Tuesday, choice of fish and chips and a glass of champagne for £15 We are also helping to raise money for the fisherman’s mission by donating 50p from every fish and chips we sell.
http://www.facebook.com/thefinniestonbar https://twitter.com/#!/thefinnieston1
Here at Repertoire we get asked all the time to recommend places for nights out, dinner, lunch, haircuts and so the list goes on... Generally we will suggest places that we have been to, as you can vouch for the service they offer first hand. However
it is easy to get stuck in a rut with the places you go to, so we decided to get out and about to discover some new haunts to visit. Here is a few of the best that we found, that are definitely worth a look in Glasgow.
‘
Repertoire s Top Picks in Town Words: Lynn Kelly
For clubbing… Berkeley Suite (North street)
A proper fish tea… Velvet Elvis (Dumbarton Road)
This club was discovered by accident one night after going to a gig. I say accident because when we entered through the main doors of the Berkeley Suite we had no idea we were entering a club. There is no sign, and a very modest doorway that you would otherwise not notice being there. The club is right next door to Chinaskis, which is also part of the same family. The space was formerly a 1940’s ballroom, and this is in keeping with the décor and furnishings. What we loved most about this club is the variety of live music on offer, and the DJ sets. Open Thursday to Sunday the club nights vary from live bands to funky house DJ’s. Some Saturday nights are even free entry! Otherwise you can expect to pay £5 or £7. Check out www.berkeleysuite.com for full club listings.
Velvet Elvis is usually a favourite for drinks after work, but a colleague went on a date there and came back raving about the amazing fish tea he had! Unfortunately the date didn’t end well, in fact she ended up dumping him just as the fish arrived! However the whale sized fish he got with crispy Belhaven beer batter for only £9.95 certainly lifted his spirits. He is still talking about it to this day, the fish that is, not the date! As the saying goes “there are plenty more fish in the sea!”
Anyone for a Burger?... At Repertoire we love a good burger and our flavour of the moment has got to be at Neighbourhood Bar (Argyle Street, Finnieston.) Not only do they have the tastiest homemade burgers, but they offer 2 for 1 on their full gourmet burger menu! Choices include an Italian Sausage Burger and the “Hood Beast” which includes an 8oz steak burger, bacon, cheddar, BBQ sauce and onion rings. Our favourite is the classic beef burger with cheese, which comes with fresh salad and chunky chips. With the 2 for 1 you can split the cost with a friend and eat under a fiver! Bargain!
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Battle of the benedicts… The Left Bank (Gibson Street) You can’t beat a good Eggs Benedict and a Bloody Mary for Sunday brunch. The best in Glasgow are the Butcher Shop (Sauchiehall St), and Straivaigin 2 (Gibson Street). It was just across the road at Leftbank though, we found the perfect Egg Benedict. It was the sauce that did it! It was the tastiest, creamiest, cheesiest sauce ever. It won hands down, along with perfectly cooked poached eggs, smoky bacon, and fresh muffins. Delicious! The Leftbank is dog friendly too, so you can take your pooch with you and walk off breakfast in the park afterwards.
Pizza time… VespBar (Drury Lane)
Alfresco pints...
Without a doubt you can get one of the best and largest pizzas in Glasgow at VespBar, which is the home of the metre long pizza! In fact there is a pizza for everyone here, and plenty of choice from only £5, or slightly more for a speciality option. You really do get great value for money here. Buy the metre long at £30, or £15 for half a metre.
The weather is definitely getting warmer and when Glasgow had a scorcher of a week at the end of March, people in their droves headed to the park to catch some rays. But when you get thirsty you really need to find a good beer garden with a sun trap, that serves a great selection of chilled drinks. Jinty McGuinty’s (Ashton Lane) ticks all three boxes and is by far one of the busiest beer gardens in the summer months. The bar serves food until 3pm, but if you get hungry later on there is a hotdog stand located in a handy spot right at the entrance to the beer garden.
Live music... Maggie Mays (The Tron) We have always been a fan of Maggie Mays. The Raybandos have a residency slot on a Saturday from 6pm in the main bar upstairs. Covering classics from bands like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and The Who. This bar is definitely one of the best choices for live music, which you can catch down stairs from 10pm for a fiver. Check out www. maggiemays.info for full band listings.
Dinner in the Square… Cafe Source (St Andrews Square) Most people maybe know Café source for the live music nights they run, and the fact that it is located in the basement of one of the most historic buildings in the Merchant Square. However they also have a fantastic food menu, which has encouraged us to pop back with friends and family time and time again. A popular dish at our table was the stovies, but the menu also has everything from homemade burgers to salads and seafood too. It also has a wee suntrap of a beer garden, but you have to be quick, it is small.
Late night drinking… Oran Mor (Byres Road) The Brasserie, late night bar at Oran Mor is one of our favourite late night bars for the West End, where you are guaranteed great service, a wide choice of drinks and you will definitely meet some characters there too! It is a popular choice for bartenders in the area, which is always a good sign. The bar is open til 3am every Friday and Saturday.
In the next issue we will give you our top picks for Edinburgh... 29
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Neighbourhood Bar and Kitchen 1046 Argyle Street, G3 8LY 0141 237 7931 www.neighbourhoodbar.co.uk
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ave you ever been so inebriated that you have woken up in your neighbour’s bed? This is what happened to a local bartender, and I’ve got to say it’s up there with some of the funniest drunken stories I’ve heard. Not only did he wander through to the flat next door and climb into their bed, but he got such a fright when he woke up to them screaming at him to get out, that he left without his trousers! If that’s not bad enough he had a visit from the police later that day, and the first thing they said was “so your neighbour called us this morning” before handing him back his trousers. It gives the phrase “keeping in with the neighbours” a whole new meaning. We might not have climbed in to bed with our neighbour, but we all have similar stories of our own. So yes we have all been there! Me especially, and I have promised myself once too often that I will never get THAT hammered ever again. Over the years I have enjoyed many a night out, and often think to myself would it have been such a good night, if I was sober? Would the stories be quite so funny or shocking if inhibitions weren’t lowered? Well I can tell you this much, my friend’s certainly wouldn’t. One friend got a bit tipsy at an event, and after wandering off to mingle with some guests she came back to find her partner chatting to another female. She obviously felt the need to mark her territory so she plonked herself down right on top of his lap. Only problem was she missed, and then slid between his legs and landed on the floor. The best laugh was, she achieved quite a dignified landing and managed not to spill a drop. Another friend of mine loves her nights out so much that she will often refuse to go home in a taxi when she has had one too many. However there was one particular night when not only could we hardly get
her in to a taxi, we couldn’t keep her in it either. She was so determined to stay out and carry on dancing that after finally getting her in a hackney and waving her off, we turned round to see that she had escaped and was attempting to walk back to the pub! Luckily a friend happened to pass at that exact moment, and had to more or less carry her back to the rank. She did stay put this time, although by then we were exhausted! I have one friend who is the exact opposite because when he has had too much to drink, he often just takes off home, usually unannounced. When this normally happens we know he will be fine, and that he has just done his usual disappearing act. However one night on holiday, we actually began to think he had actually disappeared! We came back to the apartment, and from the door being left wide open and the sick down the toilet we knew he had managed to get home, but he was nowhere to be found. We searched and searched and could not find him anywhere. Then someone had the bright idea to call his phone, and the next thing we hear Beyonce’s “single ladies” ringing out from the veranda. We had finally found him, upside down in a bush with a fag hanging out his mouth and squashed into his face. In fit of laughter we put him upright before carrying him to bed. We still to this day will never know how he ended up like that, but we have had fun over the years thinking up scenarios, I don’t think he will ever live that down. Not a lot of people under the age of 30, won’t have a tale to tell. However these days there is a chance that a friend will record it on their phone. So you won’t just end up plastered on your night out, but you could also be plastered all over you tube and face book. So by all means enjoy your night out, but don’t do anything you wouldn’t want the whole world to see.
Hammered, drunk as a skunk, stocious, bleutered, legless, rat-ar**d, paralytic, wasted...
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Dining Out The Drake 1 Lynedoch Lynedoch Place, Place,Glasgow Glasgow,G3 G36EF 6EF 0141 0141 332 3327363 7363 www.thedrakebar.co.uk
Stefano Giovanazzi opened Paperino’s over 20 years ago on Sauchiehall Street and it still remains as one of Glasgow’s favourite Italian eateries, attracting everyone from local office workers to families. Paperino’s popularity amongst Glasgow’s Italian community is testimony to the authenticity and quality of its cuisine. Paperino’s Byres Road is now in its 6th year and is as busy as ever. The restaurant has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere and
Drake a gastro-stylebar/ bar/ TheThe Drake is is a gastro-style restaurant with a strongemphasis emphasis on restaurant with a strong onquality, quality,affordable affordablefood foodand anddrinks, drinks a relaxed informalsetting. setting.It’sIt’sa a in in a relaxed informal neighbourhood witha capital a capital‘N’‘N’. neighbourhood barbarwith Fromfrom the outside it appears likelike a small which the outside appears a basement bar,bar, but once inside you will small basement but once inside you barbar willfind findit itoffers offerssosomuch muchmore. more.TheThe area features originalbare barebrick brickwork work area features original a coal fire, andif you if youwould wouldprefer prefer andand a coal fire, and dine frescothen thenthere thereis isa hidden a hidden to to dine al al fresco garden back whichhas is a great wee garden outout back which
staff are friendly and welcoming. At Paperino’s everything is made to order, so it’s little wonder they have picked up many so awards over the years from, Best Italian, Best family Restaurant, and picking up Gold at the national prestigious awards at the Pizza & Pasta Association. Recommended dish: Tagliatelle Nere allo Scoglio - black tagliatelle with a spectacular medley of mussels, king prawns, clams, fish, squid and langoustine.
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Paperino’s Westend 227 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8UD 0141 334 3811 www.paperinos.co.uk
Hot on the heels of the Byres Road restaurant, Paperino’s at 78 St Vincent Street was opened in 2009. Housed in the former banking hall this impressive restaurant boasts marble stairs and an impressive balustrade, but still retains the relaxed informal style that Paperino’s customers have grown to love over the
Paperino’s@78 78 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5UB 0141 248 7878 www.paperinos.co.uk Guy’s Restaurant and Bar is located in the heart of the Merchant City. After more than twenty years feeding the cream of the film industry’s A list with his location catering business, Reel Food, Guy decided that living out of a suitcase was best left to younger chefs and headed home to Glasgow to set up his restaurant. The exceptionally eclectic menu
suntrap.Their Theirnew newmenu menuhas hasmore moreofof suntrap. summerfeel feelwith withaarange rangeofofsalads salads aasummer andwraps wrapswith withchicken chickenkievs Kiev being and therecommended recommendeddish dishofofchoice. choice.The The the privatedining diningspace spaceupstairs upstairsholds holdsup up private peopleand andisisperfect perfectfor forfunctions functions toto3535people andprivate privateparties. parties.Whether Whetheryou youfancy fancy and mealout outduring duringthe theweek, week,ororaachilled chilled aameal pintononaaSunday Sundaywatching watchingsport, sport,The The pint Drakehas hassomething somethingtotosuit suiteveryone. everyone. Drake Theyare areeven evendog dogfriendly, friendly,and andhappy happyto They to welcome families welcome families too!too!
reflects Guy’s personal dining preferences and mirror his passion for cooking. The finest ingredients sourced from many independent producers, mixed with simplicity in preparation and sprinkled with a big pinch of Guy’s individual flair, result in food that just begs to be eaten. Recommended dish: Ravioli filled with duck, honey and mustard.
past 20 years in Glasgow. Situated just off George Square, this restaurant is ideally located for shoppers, tourists and office staff. All Paperino’s pride themselves on quality and service, so for good food and reasonable prices you won’t go far wrong here. Look out for the amazing Lunch & Pre Theatre deals.
Guy’s 24 Candleriggs, Glasgow, G11 1LD 0141 552 1114 www.guysrestaurant.co.uk
O’Sole Mio, 32-34 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 1HE 0141 331 1397 www.osolemio-glasgow.com Amore opened in 2008 in the heart of the Merchant City and since then it has gone from strength to strength. Run by the Perella family from the village of Picinsco in Southern Italy, the restaurant prides itself on its care and commitment to providing excellent authentic Italian dishes at a reasonable price. The restaurant can cater for romantic couples, family celebrations and nights out with friends. In
fact ‘Amore’ is the Italian word for ‘love’ but it is also related to ‘passion’, which Italians use commonly to emphasise their love for food and wine and certainly the Perella family have more than their share of Amore! Recommended dish: Penne del’amore – Strips of chicken, mushroom, brocolli, peas and red onion in a garlic cream sauce witha touch of chilli, cooked with amore.
Glasgow’s city centre with direct access from Hope Street, the restaurant offers the best in locally sourced Scottish food, and with chef Rohan Wadke joining the team, there are exciting times ahead. Recommended dish: Tempus smoked salmon with marinated crayfish, Atlantic prawns, shaved fennel salad, lemon & chive crème fraiche.
restaurant, which changed hands in early 2011, has a modern feel with contemporary furniture and a polished wooden floor, but the quality of food and service has only improved. Fantastic deals available for Lunch and PreTheatre, which are also available to take away. Recommended dish: Coda di Rospo – Pan fried monkfish wrapped in parma ham served with saffron risotto.
Amore 30 Ingram Street, Merchant City, Glasgow, G1 1QA 0141 553 0810 www.amoreglasgow.co.uk
Sapporo Teppanyaki is Glasgow’s flagship Japanese restaurant offering teppanyaki cuisine with a contemporary twist and sushi known for being at its culinary best. Sapporo Teppanyaki is more than a great place to eat. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. A warm welcome from the moment you enter – whether you’re in for lunch, a night out or drinks with friends, this restuarant is perfect for groups,
Sapporo Teppanyaki 2-6 Ingram Street, Glasgow, G1 1HA 0141 553 4060 www.sapporo.co.uk
With its sophisticated interior, Tempus Bar & Restaurant at the Grand Central Hotel delivers a unique dining experience with comfort, style and quality as standard. Tempus has been lovingly restored as part of the hotels £20 million refurbishment and was the proud recipient of a “Taste” award at the 2011 Scottish Hotel Awards. Positioned in the heart of
One of Glasgow’s oldest and best Italian restaurants, O’Sole Mio has been part of Glasgow’s vibrant restaurant scene for more than 45 years, wooing diners with Italian cuisine borne of the freshest ingredients. Its traditional wood-burning brick oven is fired up daily, bringing you a taste of Naples in the form of outstanding pizzas, made from hand stretched dough by it’s expert pizza chef. Today the
large parties, as well as couples and everyone in between. Sapporo Teppanyaki prides itself in offering a unique and at times highly dramatic dining experience through the established teppanyaki chefs and their combined culinary skills, all served against a background of stylish Japanese décor. Recommended dish: Beef fillet with crushed pink and green peppercorns.
Tempus Bar & Restaurant 99 Gordon St, Glasgow, G1 3SF 0141 240 3700 www.thegrandcentralhotel.com
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Lynn s Corner
I couldn’t help laughing out loud when I walked into work one day and spotted a car parked up sporting… wait for it… eyelashes! I have never seen anything like and thought surely they don’t sell such a thing? But no, you can buy them from Amazon from only £2.99. Whatever next, vajazzling on bumpers!?
Stop the bus!! Any of my facebook friends this month can vouch for the fact that I have been ranting about buses and the inconsiderate people who use them! I have never encountered as many abusive drunks in a bar, never mind on public transport! At 6pm one night heading home from work, a man got on covered in blood from a large gash in his head, and to say he was the worse for wear would be an understatement. You could smell alcohol off him from 50 seats away, and he managed to clear half the bus after two stops. If people want to drink then get the bus home, that’s fine! But don’t be so enebriated that you soil yourself, abuse passengers, fall asleep or generally make a nuisance of yourself. I have only mentioned the drunks thus far, but there are many other issues I have encountered! That’s a whole other column.
Phone addicts I caught up with a friend recently who got talking about the downfalls of having an iPhone, and she really got me thinking. It is not that she dislikes it, quite the opposite! She has one and loves it, but that is part of the problem, it is too good! She uses it for everything, and even has an app that tells her how many steps she has taken in a day. I think addictive was the word! She believes she has fell trap to the anti social behaviour attached to having an iPhone. She can’t
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Lash your wheels
get out of bed until she has checked emails, her website, facebook, apps, etc… and admits that there are times when she is out for dinner with her other half that minutes will pass when they are both staring at their phone screens instead of interacting with each other. In a bid to ditch her unhealthy relationship with the iphone, she has decided to set herself a challenge for one month! She will use a cheaper model phone with standard settings to establish just how much time she is wasting. I joked she is going through mobile phone rehab, but whether she will fully convert who knows? I will keep you posted! PS I’ve just got one… and I’m already addicted!
Classy Cats My flatmate and I met through working in dance shows, so we are both fans of a bit of glam and bling. I was searching online for said bling one day when I discovered a website that sells bowties for cats! I am sure you will agree that Tyson looks great in his little black number. However if I come home one day and he is strutting his stuff to New York, New York I will start to worry!
Performance Stags Who says stag do’s are just for guys to get hammered and behave badly? A friend of mine had a brother in law who went on one recently with a team of guys who planned a fully choreographed dance video to the song “I’m sexy and I know it.” It is pure genius and absolutely hilarious, I couldn’t have choreographed it better myself! To see the full video log onto http:// vimeo.com/39798773.