SNACK Student Guide 2019/20

STUDENT GUIDE 2019/20 CITY GUIDES STUDENT ADVICE BUDGET RECIPES DISCOUNTS FOOD AND DRINK MUSIC FILM LGBT+ VISUAL ARTS WORDS

RENFIELD STREET GLASGOW

ENTER PROMO CODE REVS1 FOR A FREE BURGER

regularly refreshed stock: for all your retro/vintage wishes Kings Court King Street Glasgow G1 5RB

www.mrbenretroclothing.com

info@mrbenretroclothing.com

0141 553 1936

CONTENTS CITY GUIDES ADVICE BOOKS VEGAN

GLASGOW, EDINBURGH, DUNDEE, PAISLEY | PAGE 09

MOVING OUT, CRISES . . . | PAGE 38

READING LIST | PAGE 44

PAGE 46

Disclaimer: Snack Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of this magazine in part or in whole is forbidden without the explicit written consent of the publishers. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content of this magazine but we cannot guarantee it is complete and up to date. Snack Publishing Ltd. is not responsible for your use of the information contained herein.

E: hello@snackpublising.com Editor/Sales: Kenny Lavelle Contributors: Danielle McAdam, Sara McCombe, Martin Sandison, Gregg Kelly, Georgina Davies, Lucy Smith, Dante Sosa, Meghan Lavelle Food and Travel Editors: Emma Mykytyn and Mark Murphy LGBT+ Editor: Jonny Stone Sub Editor: Leona Skene Designer/Illustrator: Fionnlagh Ballantine

RECIPES LGBT+ WORDS

PEANUT BUTTER SATAY STIR FRY . . . | PAGE 48

STAYING SAFE, FRESHERS GUIDE | PAGE 52

CROSSING THE BRIDGE | PAGE 56 MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Hello and welcome to the SNACK Student Guide 2019/20.

If you’re reading this in September then you’re probably at an advanced stage of exhaustion from binning flyers for that 90p vodka place in town. Did you go? 90p vodkas are fun, right?

When we started planning the guide, we decided that as we’re only doing one of these a year, we wanted to create something that you might find useful enough to keep and refer to in the weeks and months to come. We wanted to put together a guide to living as a student in central Scotland (and Dundee) that had longevity, one which would be just as useful in March as it is

in September. You can only go so long with the 90p drinks before it all gets a bit old. You’ll need something else to do, or maybe not.

So, here it is. We’ve highlighted our favourite cosy bars for sheltering through the winter months; the beer gardens that only really come alive again at the tail end of spring; the cinemas, art galleries and museums that we love and couldn’t do without; the indispensable local cafes that fuel our days and the gig spaces where we keep on discovering our new favourite bands.

We hope you enjoy.

As for the rest, I’m sure you’ll find your way around.

Kenny Lavelle Editor

KILTS & KOCKTAILS SAUCHIEHALL STREET’S NEWEST VENUE HALF PRICE COCKTAILS & £1.50 BUDWEISER MON-THURS BOTTLE OF PUNK IPA 3.50 EVERY DAY

PINK GIN & MIXER SMIRNOFF & MIXER PINT OF CARLING MON-THURS

2.00 2.00 2.20

LIVE DJS THURS, FRI AND SAT TILL 3AM LIVE CABARET EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON MONTHLY BAND NIGHTS FREE BOOTH AND FUNCTION HIRE

408 SAUCHIEHALL STREET, GLASGOW 0141 353 0883 @KILTSANDKOCKTAILS FACEBOOK.COM/KILTSANDKOCKTAILS/

10%

STUDENT DISCOUNT.

The Aragon Monday Quiz Night from 8.30pm with

20% Student discount on all food

cash prize Traditional Music Session every Sunday at 8pm.

10% off with Aragon Card Mon-Wed from 15th September till 30th October.

2 Byres Rd Glasgow G11 5JY 0141 339 7138 @UshasStreetFood UshasStreetFood

Open Sun -Thurs 12-11pm Fri & Sat 12 - Midnight

Tel: 0141 339 3252 131 Byres Rd Glasgow G12 8TT

of

any

&m

re!

mo

m

w

um

use

sgo

Gla

seu

Mu

ller y

Dis ti

Kel vi Art ngrov Gal e ler y& M

sity

ver

Uni

ide

de

esi

Clyd

ers

Riv

The

citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk

Discover in 21 stops

Scan to book

GLASGOW CITY CENTRE BLOC

Bath Street, G2 2SZ A dive bar with a heart. There’s a great beer selection and a fabulous atmosphere, with live music nearly every night. Budget-friendly daily deals are on offer, such as Pasta Monday with mac and cheese or Cajun chicken pasta bake for £3, or Bloc+Dog Friday for a Bockwurst sausage or vegetarian falafel with fries for £4. Main menu dishes include poutine, hot dogs, burgers, and don’t forget the Buckfast ice cream.

Bloc.ru

BROADCAST 427 Sauchiehall St, G2 3LG A great gig venue and one of the best places to catch your new favourite band before they make it big. They make quality cocktails for reasonable prices, including the all-important vegan White Russians! The food menu is mostly burgers and pizzas; there’s not a massive variety, but if you’re just wanting a feed before a gig then it’s more than enough. They’ve recently gone 100% vegan on the food side: two thumbs up for that. Best ask if you’re vegan and ordering drinks though, as some of the beer and wine contain animal products. broadcastglasgow.com Glasgow City Centre Page 9

CCA 350 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G2 3JD Curating six major exhibitions a year, the art centre presents both national and international contemporary artists, showcasing emerging talent.

The mission is to work with artists, commission new projects and present them to the widest possible audience. Awarded the Best Cultural Venue in 2015 and 2016 in The Glasgow Awards, the calendar features film, music, literature, spoken word, festivals, Gaelic and performance events. cca-glasgow.com

CINEWORLD 7 Renfrew Street, G2 3AB Right in the centre of Glasgow, the Cineworld building is so big it seems like it could be seen from space. In fact, it’s the tallest cinema in Europe, and with 18 screens there’s something for everyone.

Taking the escalator you get a great view of Glasgow, go on get right to the top!

FLYING DUCK Renfrew Street, G2 3AU One of Glasgow’s longest standing vegan and vegetarian-friendly bars. You’ll find The Flying Duck tucked away in a basement at the very top of Renfrew Street. Offering creative and gut-busting vegan food, pub quizzes, a stellar monthly film night (go see The Mighty Ducks on 12th September) and cracking live music and club nights. Give the seitan doner kebab a try; it’s high in protein and calcium and low in fat. Such a difference from a “real kebab”! Other dishes on the menu include New England Jackfruit Crab Cakes, which are served with a hot hot hot chilli piccalilli. theflyingduck.org

THE GLASGOW FILM THEATRE 12 Rose Street, G3 6RB The hub of the Glasgow Film Festival, the GFT has been growing in stature in recent years, with acclaimed indie movies being shown every day of the week. This is independent cinema epitomised; the staff are volunteers, always cheery and helpful and the programme is always varied and exciting.

Seeing It’s a Wonderful Life screened here is always one of winter’s highlights; best get your hankies at the ready! Screen One is stunning, with an art deco style and large screen to its advantage.

Selected screenings are £6 on Tuesdays; the student price for most showings is £7.50. glasgowfilm.org

GLASGOW PRINT STUDIO 103 Trongate, G1 5HD An artist-led initiative providing facilities and workshop space to artists using fine art printmaking, it’s now recognised as an international centre of excellence. The studio promotes contemporary and innovative printmaking through supporting artists, exhibitions and conserving techniques. Workshops are run by experienced staff who provide guidance and technical advice on all aspects of the craft.

KILTS AND KOCKTAILS 408 Sauchiehall St, G2 3JD Slap bang in the middle of Sauchiehall Street’s busy section, Kilts and Kocktails is the perfect place to head for a reasonably priced night out without being squeezed into a tiny box. Drinks are on the extremely cheap side during the week at £1.50 for a Bud during and £2 for a pink gin or vodka mix.

They’ve great big booths that you can book for free, so you can comfortably spend the night here on the rounds with a few mates without breaking the bank.

Over 150,000 print orders completed

10%

INTING

OFF YOUR PR

CARD TO A BANNER FROM A BUSINESS E PRINT IT YOU THINK IT - W 10 on check out use code: WES*ONLINE ORDERS ONLY www.thecop yandprintsh 0141 576 55 op.com 36 | info@th ecopyandpr 595 Great Weste rn Ro

ad, Glasgow

9.7 out of 10 on Trustpilot

intshop.com G12 8HX

No. 0008628

THE LAURIESTON The Copy and Print Shop Ltd 0008628

GOMA Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, G1 3AF Right in the heart of Glasgow is Scotland’s most visited art gallery. ​​​​​​The gallery provides a programme which includes displays of local and international artworks from the City’s collection alongside temporary exhibitions. Our advice is to visit regularly, for the cosy downstairs library if nothing else. The Duke of Wellington statue sits outside, with its traffic-cone hat; the landmark has come to represent Glasgow’s cheeky cultural identity (or something).

58 Bridge St, G5 9HU Fancy a decent pint before a gig at the Academy?

Then the time warp that is The Laurieston is for you. It’s a proper old-school Glasgow pub with an excellent selection of beers. CAMRA and The Laurieston are best of pals, so it’s definitely a pub for all you hop geeks. There are also decent pies in the wee warmer (you’re a wee warmer) if you are feeling the hunger. Don’t forget to check out the free jukebox and see if you can find out what’s behind the secret door! facebook.com/TheLaurieston 08/02/20

Glasgow City Centre Page 11

venue, food, bar and coffee roastery. Once known for its epic club nights, it has chilled out in its old age and become somewhere suitably relaxing to hang out at the weekend. Try some independent street food along with a freshly poured pint from the on-site Innis and Gunn brewery.

REVOLUTION THE LIGHTHOUSE 11 Mitchell Lane, G1 3NU Acting as a beacon for Scotland’s creative industries, the gallery promotes design and architecture through a vibrant programme of exhibitions and events. Formerly housing The Glasgow Herald, The Lighthouse was the first public commission completed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A permanent Mackintosh exhibition now lives on level 3, where visitors can learn more about the designer-architect’s life and work.

Make sure to climb the helical staircase to access some of the best views of the city from above. thelighthouse.co.uk

THE MODERN INSTITUTE 14-20 Osborne St, G1 5QN Founded in Glasgow in 1997, the gallery works with 45 internationally established and emerging artists including Martin Boyce, Richard Wright and Cathy Wilkes. Working on both public and private shows with artists worldwide, the venue hosts a yearly programme across its two spaces in central Glasgow. The gallery regularly curates projects internationally and annually publishes artist books and monographs.

PLATFORM Argyle Street Arches, G2 8DL The Arches has been reborn as a multipurpose

67-69 Renfield St, G2 1LF This cosy city centre cocktail spot has been serving up classic cocktails for years. A small venue, it’s filled to the roof with cocktails such as the Stud Puffin (Reyka vodka, Strawberry Delight Revolution Flavour, lemon, pineapple, passion fruit syrup, lemonade) or keep it classy with a Vodka Martini. Wet or dirty, the choice is yours. Food-wise there are burgers, pizzas and wraps with vegetarian and vegan options available. Get exclusive discounts throughout the year and a free burger (for a limited time) when you download their app - see their ad on page 3 and scan the QR code. revolution-bars.co.uk

SARAMAGO 350 Sauchiehall St, G2 3JD Secreted away inside the CCA, Saramago is a cafe dipped in culture. Food ranges from sandwiches such as the tempeh rasher filled Reuben, to Panzanella Salad with heirloom tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and croutons; there’s a wide range of dishes on offer, many of which can be made gluten-free. The Mezze Platter is a SNACK favorite. Eating in the internal courtyard here kinda feels like dining outdoors, minus the fear of being washed out or blown away by Glasgow’s tumultuous weather conditions. Pop in for a drink; if you’re eating then best to book ahead. cca-glasgow.com/scrimmage-cafe/ scrimmage-caf-bar

PAISLEY 11-19 October

Glasvegas Hue Gruff Rhys & Cry Jerry Sadowitz MAKE COMEDY GRATE AGAIN!

Hayseed Dixie Karine Polwart’s Scottish Songbook

PP Arnold

Roddy Hart, Emma Pollock & Rab Noakes Gerry Rafferty Songbook

Tickets on sale NOW www.thespree.co.uk

Glasgow City Centre Page 13

SOUTH

THE ALLISON ARMS 720 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2AD The Allison Arms is legendary, and rightly so. Staff and regulars are welcoming and friendly with a side dose of old school scuzz. Here you’ll find pub quizzes, karaoke, craft beers by the fridge full and just about everything else. On international football days or concerts at Hampden, expect this place to be bustling and bouncing. facebook.com/TheAllisonArmsPub

BAM 44 Nithsdale Rd, G41 2AN Vintage shop with good coffee as well as event such as crafting, musical evenings and much more. A recent addition to the Southside scene which is fitting in well. facebook.com/bamglasgow/

THE BELL JAR 21 Dixon Ave, G42 8EB The Bell Jar is brought to you by the same team behind The Sparkle Horse on Dowanhill Street in the West End - Sci-Fi Steve from Bis and friends. The menu is kept simple - a single sheet of A4, listing shareable small plates, mostly Mediterranean in feel. Lamb shoulder lasagne topped with goats cheese sits alongside spicy baked aubergine with cherry tomatoes (vegan) and peat-smoked haddock, potato and leek gratin. Value for money, a decent selection of drinks including West Beer on tap, plus a weekly pub quiz. the-bell-jar.business.site

CAFE STRANGE BREW 1082 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 3XA Get up early or be prepared to queue if you want to have some grub here. Popular with all ages, Cafe Strange Brew excels at Instagram-worthy food. There’s everything here, from breakfast rolls to American style pancakes topped with maple, bacon and peanut butter, to eggs baked in a skillet with roast cauliflower, leek, cheddar, cream and dukkah with toast. Their ‘That Guy’ is a Shawlands classic. Don’t worry, there are vegan dishes as well, with the soup of the day always vegan and gluten-free. facebook.com/cafestrangebrew

KOELSCHIP YARD 686-688 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2QB All about the craft beer, ales and casks. Koelschip has one mission statement: supply Glasgow with the best and most varied selection of cask ales and craft beers. It’s easy to get carried away in here, as there is no kitchen and lots of beer on offer. However, vegetarian-friendly Ranjit’s Kitchen is situated just across the road, and you’re welcome to bring your food back to Koelschip. Probably the most dog-friendly pub in the southside. koelschipyard.beer

LIBBY WALKER 613 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2QG Illustrator Libby Walker draws inspiration from the urban areas surrounding her, with a particular focus on Glasgow and Edinburgh.

She sells her work from this wee shop in Strathbungo. There are cushions, candles, coffee cups, tea towels and more; all illustrated with her lively and quirky takes on the Glasgow Subway, local shopkeepers, streets and tenements. libbywalker.co.uk/

LOCAVORE 349 Victoria Rd, G42 7SA A social enterprise that is working for the local economy, environment and the community. It’s a supermarket, cafe, supply store and veg box delivery. Whether you are looking for organic veg or cleaning materials to filling up your cupboard with lentils and pasta, you’ll find it here. glasgowlocavore.org

PHILLIES 1179 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 3YH Phillies and its Siamese twin, Curious Liquids, have brought some much needed variety to the centre of Shawlands. They regularly host in-house vinyl-only events, bringing your own vinyl records down for a spin is encouraged. Food-wise, Phillies is known for its pizzas as well as superb brunch and vegan options like beetroot falafel. The drinks menu is regularly rotated so there’s always something new to try. Lots of unusual wines by the bottle or glass are available from Curious Liquids next door. It’s a great place to sit and watch the world go by, or pick up a few cans to take home from one of their well stocked fridges. philliesbar.co.uk

RUM SHACK 657 – 659 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2AB Rum Shack boasts more than 100 rums from across the world on its gantry. A Glasgow Southside gem, it’s a must-visit for anyone with even a vague curiosity about rum. Channelling a Caribbean vibe, the food menu offers delights such as jerk chicken, chargrilled fish or more traditional dishes such as curried goat. Regular live events are hosted in its 250-capacity downstairs venue. Tread carefully...some of the deceptively tasty rums are very strong! rumshackglasgow.com

PRICELESS PERFORMANCES

£5 TICKETS FOR UNDER 26s #tickets26

FOR

rcs.ac.uk/

tickets26

SOME GREAT REWARD 520 Victoria Rd, G42 8BG Independent online record store and physical record café and shop at the entrance to Queens Park. Vinyl is a speciality as is supporting new releases and rare music. somegreatreward.scot

THE GLAD CAFE 1006A Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2HG The best small venue in the southside to catch a band. ‘Hen of The Woods’ are the current long term kitchen residents, bringing Middle Eastern and Asian themed veggie and vegan dishes for breakfast, lunch and brunch. The gig venue is small and perfectly formed with a focus on local musicians as well as internationally known acts: indie, electronic, experimental, world and traditional musicians. They put on occasional talks and film showings too.

Glasgow Southside Page 15

THE OTHER SIDE 724 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2AD A mixture of books, vinyl and things you really didn’t think you would need. A cosy shop with lots of things inside to get lost looking at.

TRAMWAY 25 Albert Dr, G41 2PE The contemporary visual and performing arts venue is based in a former tram depot in Pollokshields. It hosted the Turner Prize in 2015 and offers facilities for community and artistic projects. The two performance spaces and two galleries have seen the likes of artists Nick Cave, Pia Camil and Robert Anton in recent months. Carry on through the cafe and at the back of the building you’ll find the peaceful and subtly ever changing Hidden Gardens, a true public treasure.

CITY EAST/EAST

CITY EAST/EAST 13TH NOTE

50–60 King Street, G1 5QT A Glasgow institution with a decent array of awards to its name (2018 Best Veggie Food in Scotland, Best Dog-Friendly Pub, Best Bloody Mary). The Note is known for loud music, great gigs from wee local and touring bands plus topnotch grub. It’s also a dog-lover’s dream pub.

Independently owned, 13th Note channels a positive retro vibe; Glasgow’s reputation as a UNESCO city of music was built on the back of venues like this. The menu is vegan and vegetarian-friendly and includes burgers, baos and halloumi popcorn. Book ahead if you’re wanting to eat here on a Friday or Saturday night.

13thnote.co.uk

BAAD 54 Calton Entry, G40 2SB BAaD (Barras Art and Design) is a modern day East End success story, well known for hosting gin, rum and beer festivals. The covered venue space boasts an award-winning restaurant, studios, art installations and shops. It’s gained a respected reputation thanks to its outdoor street food area, ‘The Back Yard’. Visit for a casual drink in the bar downstairs (and their £1 oysters) or sit upstairs for a seafood-inspired menu.

Baadglasgow.com

GLASGOW FURNITURE COLLECTIVE Barras Art and Design centre, Unit 3, 54 Calton entry, G40 2SB Buy a piece or join a class and learn how to reinvigorate your furniture. Learn to French Polish and more, glasgowfurniturecollective.co.uk/

MONO Kings Court, 12 G1 5RB More than just a bar or a dining venue, Mono has become a community cornerstone in the Merchant City (we’re maybe stretching the Merchant City thing a bit). It shares its space with Monorail, arguably Scotland’s finest record shop.

Gigs, exhibitions, art performances, it all goes on here. The kitchen is fully animal product-free.

Dishes include Gado Gado Salad (griddled tofu, purple sprouting broccoli and organic brown rice with a zippy dressing). If you want more straight forward bar food, then the saitan burger is a messy but tasty treat and their sausage pizza is top notch. On top of all this, there’s the beer; a fabulous selection both in the fridge and on tap.

There’s even freshly brewed soda, straight from the tanks lined up along the cafe wall. monocafebar.com

REDMOND’S 304 Duke St, G31 1RZ Redmond’s spearheaded the revitalisation of Duke Street with its BYOV (Bring Your Own Vinyl) policy and legendary bao buns (the pork is heavenly).

The menu is decent value for money and nearly a quarter of the menu is vegetarian-friendly. The beer on offer ranges from local brewers such as Drygate to internationally known brands, with guest taps every month. Expect a busy and bustling atmosphere during the weekend. facebook.com/redmondsofdennistoun

ST LUKE’S & WINGED OX 17 Bain St, G40 2JZ Breathing new life into this former church building, St Luke’s is one of the venues that helped start the rejuvenation of the city’s East End. The Winged Ox handles the food side of things; its menu is heavy on the meat with a few vegetarian dishes thrown in for good measure. They’ve a wee something they call The Last Supper; it’s massive and a great option if you’re into your meat and looking for somewhere for you and a few mates to get a proper feed in. Let them know you’re coming at least 48 hours in advance for this. stlukesglasgow.com

MR BEN RETRO CLOTHING Kings Court, 101 King St, G1 2RB So full of vintage treasures that their stock spills out onto the courtyard. Owner, Mary Anne, and the rest of her team are deeply steeped in the vintage clothing business, and their depth of knowledge is impressive. Definitely the place to go if you’re looking for something classic or unusual; the stock changes all the time but you can expect everything from original 80s sportswear, military garb, delicate ornate vintage dresses and plenty of happy surprises besides.

Glasgow City East/East Page 17

WEST

COLAB STORE 11-13 Dowanhill Street, G11 5QS Colab is probably best described as a multipurpose space. It’s perhaps the closest thing we will get to the Room of Requirement in this world. Do you need somewhere to study?

Colab has that! Fancy a coffee and homemade baked goods? Colab has that too. Need some fun homeware to spruce up your new digs? You guessed it, Colab has it!

DOCKYARD SOCIAL 95 Haugh Road, G3 8TY Progressing from Section 33 to Dockyard Social and with it, a permanent home at the edge of Finnieston. This warehouse is part bar/street food and part social enterprise. The goal at Dockyard Social is not just to serve tasty food and drink, but also to build a training and development school within the venue in order to nurture up and coming talent. £5 entry can be redeemed against a drink or a dish from the traders. There are usually around 10 traders alongside themed bars and DJs. Dockyardsocial.com

DURTY VEGAN BURGER CLUB The Cran, 994 Argyle St, G3 8LU Former Bloc and Vice Munchies sensation Mad Chef Danny ups the vegan junk food ante with superbly inventive and greedy burgers, just don’t forget the loaded fries. It’s only open Thursday to Sunday 5pm till 10pm so it’s always got that exciting sense of occasion when you visit. One of the highlights of the SNACK review list of 2019.

DECADENT RIOT @ THE HIDDEN LANE 1103 Argyle Street, G3 8ND Some of the coolest, weirdest stuff you can possibly imagine. Whether it’s a gift for yourself or someone else, this place is full of character. A fantastic mixture of locally made and sourced art and homeware, and upcycled genius items such as handbags made from old film rolls. Here you can find a colouring book of Glasgow’s finest landmarks, or old VCR tapes made into unusual lamps. Shop owner Zoe is super friendly and will help you pick out that perfect gift. decadentriot.co.uk

GLORIOUS 496 Great Western Road, G12 9BG Glorious is a quaint boutique and the perfect place to pick up a mixture of secondhand and vintage pretty things. Summer dresses, party dresses, beautiful handbags, scarves, accessories, and footwear, it’s all glorious and it’s in Glorious. Glorious.

HUG AND PINT 171 Great Western Rd, G4 9AW Carving its own unique personality in Glasgow’s bar scene since opening in 2015. Hug and Pint is quite unlike anything else in Glasgow. Known for its regular live bands and performers, this pub and eatery also features an exclusively vegan food menu, inspired by various different Asian cuisines. The weekly boozy brunch is fabulous value for money, offering three dishes and three drinks of your choice for £20. Select cocktails are also included in the menu. thehugandpint.com

THE HUNTERIAN 3 Professors’ Square, G12 8QQ Built from the physician Dr William Hunter’s collection, The Hunterian’s Museum’s, at times slightly creepy, treasures include scientific apparatus used by James Watt and Lord Kelvin and antiquities from the Antonine Wall.

Meanwhile, the gallery features one of the world’s best collections of the work of James McNeill Whistler and Mackintosh House, the reassembled interiors from the Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow home.

INN DEEP 445 Great Western Rd, G12 8HH Not only does Inn Deep have a lovely setting alongside the River Kelvin (is there a better beer garden view in the city?), there’s the added bonus of covered and heated outdoor seating for those classic Glasgow summer days. The house beer is Williams Bros, and they have 19 guest keg lines, 3 guest casks and over 100 bottled beers. You can also find beers of the week, monthly tap takeovers and kegs imported from around the world. Food ranges from burgers and pizzas to roast cauliflower and green lentil curry, to Monkfish cheek scampi. inndeep.com

JULIE’S KOPITIAM AT ACID BAR SWG3 100 Eastvale Place, G3 8QG Julie Lin, Head Chef and owner of Julie’s Kopitiam in Shawlands, has taken over the Acid Bar at SWG3 for the latest pop-up in this multi-space venue. Here she’s serving an array of Malaysian inspired dishes which won’t break the bank. The menu features options such as chickpea murtabak – chickpeas, crispy roti, chaat masala, and mamak fried chicken – condensed milk chicken, ajwain seeds, and caramelised fish sauce. There are vegan options available on the menu as well - anything listed can be made vegan if you ask. swg3.tv/acid-bar Glasgow West End Page 19

KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM Argyle St, G3 8AG The collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally significant. They include natural history, art from many movements and artefacts from different periods of history. The most famous painting on display is the Salvador Dali masterpiece Christ of St John of the Cross.

Their basement gallery always has something interesting and new going on. In recent years, temporary exhibitions have included Linda McCartney Retrospective (on till January 12th 2020), Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing, Kylie - The Exhibition and The Art of Comics.

MACHAIR 372-374 Great Western Rd, G4 9HT A proper sun trap, when the weather is good, with an excellent array of beers, whiskies and quirky food. A number of vegan and vegetarian dishes feature so venture in for a morning roll or a facon tofu scramble, arrive later in the day for vegan fried chicken, or a full-sized plate with haddock kedgeree or curry of the moment.

If you love craft beer or a decent dram, then Machair is a good pick. There’s a grand total of twenty beer taps to choose from, including four permanent Scottish craft brewers (Brewdog, Pilot, Overtone and Fallen). machairbar.co.uk

OPAL MOON 136 Queen Margaret Drive, G20 8NY Opal Moon is something of an institution in Glasgow. It has beautiful rare gifts like dreamcatchers and rune stones, quirky beaded jewellery, the buddha you need to have sitting next to your incense and candles, both of which you can also buy there. It’s a gypsy treasure trove, with some truly unique and novel gift ideas.

OXFAM BOOKS 330 Byres Road, G12 8AP This bookstore has everything you could possibly need to read about. The staff are exceptional, very knowledgeable and helpful. They also remember faces and like to get to know you, which makes for a much more enriching experience. If they don’t have what you need, which they probably will, they are very keen to help you find it! Befriend them; they have much knowledge. Use it.

PAPYRUS 374 Byres Road, G12 8AR Another great everything-kind-of-shop just full of quirky stuff. They have great gifts, interesting books, witty cards, and home knick-knacks.

What you really need to take note of, however, is the secret basement brimming with trendy kitchenware in every colour under the sun. This is where you need to go for that cool lime green pan

you’ve always wanted. And see that one pal who needs that wine glass with squiggly pink glitter writing saying “IT’S ALWAYS WINE O’CLOCK”, aye you can get that there too.

QMU 22 University Gardens, G12 8QN Glasgow Uni’s most active union with loads of great gigs and club nights. They’re the first music venue in Scotland to sign up for the Keychange initiative: an international gender equality campaign that encourages festivals, venues and music organisations to ensure a 50:50 gender balance by 2022. It’s one of the best venues in the city and you can see the likes of The Ninth Wave, Honeyblood, Ezra Furman and Beak> here in the next few months. qmunion.org.uk

QUIRQ 21 Byres Road, G11 5RD This is a small gift shop brimming with just lovely things. Lots and lots of beautiful, wonderful things. A mixture of traditional giftware, local art, locally crafted goods, and bespoke furniture and homeware. You’ll also find stunning jewellery and statement clothing pieces that are simply to die for. Whatever you’re looking for, they will have it, in a quirky style.

THE 78

ales is also available. The 100 percent vegan menu has delights such as The 78 Breakfast Plate (weekends) with Sgaia vegan bacon, tofu scramble and a list of items too long to fit here, is superb. For weeknight visits, small plates rule. the78barandkitchen.com

USHA’S INDIAN STREET FOOD 2 Byres Road, G11 5JY Sitting proudly on the corner of Byres Road and Dumbarton Road, Usha’s has been serving up quality Indian plates for years now. They’ve massive booths that you could probably squeeze your entire tutorial group into, so it’s an excellent shout if you’re wanting to feed with the gang.

They’re veggie, vegan and carnivore friendly these days, so no-one will feel left out. There’s a 20% student discount on all food too. Result!

VOLTAIRE AND ROUSSEAU 12-14 Otago Lane, G12 8PB This Aladdin’s Cave of a book shop is heaven.

Books stacked from floor to ceiling, exactly as they should be. This is a great place to find your university textbooks secondhand, particularly for Glasgow University students, who tend to donate their old books here purely because they’re in such close proximity. It has a cat too, which often sleeps on the desk where you pay.

10-14 Kelvinhaugh St, G3 8NU The 78 sits snugly in the heart of Finnieston and is a perfect pit stop on the way down to SWG3. It’s much more than a place for a quick beer before a gig though. From Sunday night jazz to the warm intimacy of their open fire, this bar and restaurant exudes the feeling of a comfortable snuggly blanket. There’s a wide range of beers and ciders on offer, in both draft and bottle options. Prices aren’t too damaging; the high-end cocktails are in the region of £7. A rotating selection of cask Glasgow West End Page 21

EDINBURGH OLD TOWN

ARMCHAIR BOOKS 72-74 West Port, EH1 2LE This place can only have been read into existence from the pages of a Pratchett novel. A whimsical labyrinth of a bookstore, full of classic collections and antiquarian treasures. Dimly lit, with friendly and helpful staff, this is a wonderland of bound knowledge and stories. Be prepared to lose yourself. armchairbooks.co.uk

CITY ART CENTRE 2 Market St, EH1 1DE The collection includes works by prominent Scottish artists from the 17th century to the present day. It contains over 4,500 works ranging from civic portraiture to contemporary abstraction.

The collection continues to grow, adding to a generous bequest left to the City in the 1960s, with a focus on acquiring contemporary work as well as filling historic gaps. You can catch the first major survey devoted to the work of Victoria Crowe at their 50 Years of Painting exhibition till 13th October.

THE CITY CAFÉ 19 Blair St, EH1 1QR Popular haunt on Blair St, just off the Royal Mile.

American diner-style food, classic bar drinks and coffees. It hasn’t changed much over the years, because it doesn’t have to. Everything is dependably dependable: from the burgers and hotdogs, to the huge range of all day (and late into the night) breakfasts, they’ve long found their formula and stuck to it. The vegan menu is a bit dinky but, hey, they’re making the effort. Extra points for avoiding tired old Linda McCartney sausages in the veggie breakfast. thecitycafe.co.uk

COLD TOWN HOUSE 4 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU Beer brewed on the premises serves three floors of bar and restaurant space. A scenic roof garden with spectacular view of Edinburgh castle, a buzzing restaurant with a view of the brewery and your pizza being freshly made in their searing hot clay oven. A lively bar serving up a massive range of craft beers and regular live music. coldtownhouse.co.uk Edinburgh Old Town Page 23

THE FRUITMARKET GALLERY

THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE 9 Advocate’s Cl, EH1 1ND A must visit in Edinburgh and especially so if you are a whisky lover as the selection is huge. Just like the whisky selection, the outside terrace is massive. Don’t worry if you don’t like whisky, the cocktail selection here is on point too. Foodwise, its a mixture of sharing platters, burgers, steaks and more gourmet pub grub. devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk

THE JAZZ BAR 1 Chambers St, EH1 1HR Edinburgh’s longest standing jazz venue. This atmospheric basement bar, complete with polished wood floor, candlelit tables and comfy alcove seating, showcases live jazz 7 nights a week. It’s populated with folks from all walks of life: locals, tourists, musicians, students, parents, grandparents, and people just looking for a Good Ole Night Out. Open till 3am. thejazzbar.co.uk

45 Market St, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF The Fruitmarket is a contemporary art gem right in the middle of the city. Unfortunately, the gallery is closed until 2020 for refurbishment and extension.

They will however be moving their award winning bookshop round the corner to Waverley Mall and are organising talks, events and workshops at the bookshop and across the city. Best keep an eye on their social media for details. Top tip: check out their zine making project this autumn, it’s free for 16-25 year olds. fruitmarket.co.uk

HANNAH ZAKARI 48 Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QB An awesome indie store full of great handmade jewellery from Edinburgh and all over the world.

Ranging from elegant to costume, cartoon to tribal; you name it, they have it. They also stock interesting and obscure t-shirts and prints, retro artwork, funky stationery, and a great selection of greeting cards.

MARY’S MILK BAR 19 Grassmarket, EH1 2HS An Instagram phenomenon; the queue in summer often spills out onto the pavement. Mary’s Milk Bar itself is modelled on a traditional 1940s milk bar, The Harbour Bar in Scarborough. There’s 1940s music, vintage furniture and the most amazing array of ice cream you’ll find. Flavours change all the time but can include salted caramel, liquorice and maybe even whisky and ginger. marysmilkbar.com

thejazzbar

edinburgh

1a Chambers Street eh1 1hr

LIVE MUSIC UNTIL 3AM E V E R Y N I G H TTIC! JAZZ//FUNK//SOUL//BLUES//ACOUS @thejazzbar www.thejazzbar.co.uk Edinburgh Old Town Page 25

MUM’S COMFORT FOOD 4A Forrest Rd, EH1 2QN Traditional hearty food served surrounded by retro decor. Here you’ll find a selection of sausages and types of mash as well as stews and cottage pies. Don’t worry if you need just a burger that’s here too, it’s not all 1970s Britain! Save room for the treacle pudding or their old school Banana Split. monstermashcafe.co.uk

PARADISE PALMS 41 Lothian St, EH1 1HB Popular hangout with food provided by Lucky Pig, which is indeed lucky for the cruelty conscious (and the animals) as all the food is vegetarian or vegan! There are 2 for 1 burger deals and more throughout the week. They’re on Deliveroo and provide Edinburgh’s first veggie/vegan munchy box for delivery. Drinks are a slightly above the going rate but the interesting cocktails, in house record shop and free parties soften the blow considerably. theparadisepalms.com

SNEAKY PETE’S 73 Cowgate, EH1 1JW This tiny 100 capacity sweatbox has a reputation that dwarfs the physical. They won UK Grassroots Music Venue of the Year 2019 on the back of their diverse booking policy and support for the broader local night time industry. Legendary is the word most commonly associated with nights here - best pick a night and find out for yourself. sneakypetes.co.uk

SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE PIEMAKER 38 South Bridge, EH1 1LL Much better than the more well-known high street bakery up the road. Prices are reasonable starting at £1.10, with over 30 different pies on offer including vegetarian and vegan options.

Their Macaroni and Cheese pie is a crusty dream. thepiemaker.co.uk

43-45 High St, EH1 1SR A wee oasis of calm on the Royal Mile. This bustling arts centre focuses on the stories that made us who we are, through a seasonal programme of live storytelling, theatre, music, exhibitions, workshops, family events and festivals. They’ve always something new on the go so if storytelling is your thing (it’s kind of everybody’s thing, right?) nip back regularly to see what’s on. scottishstorytellingcentre.com

UNION OF GENIUS 8 Forrest Rd, EH1 2QN Just next to Mum’s Comfort Food, plenty of soup varieties and baked goods, sandwiches catering to most dietary requirements. Also look out for their mobile unit, an antique van named Dumbo, usually found around the Edinburgh University campus. Perhaps the best thing about here is that you’ll never get bored, even if you visit regularly, they tend to have 6 soup varieties in the shop and 4 from the van that they pull from a bank of over 100 recipes. unionofgenius.com

MR WOOD’S FOSSILS 5 Cowgatehead, EH1 1JY This bustling wee Grassmarket shop is the perfect place to pick up unusual gifts. They’ve ammonites, trilobites, fish and dinosaur fossils, all hand picked by shop owner, Matt. Fancy a meteorite for your trinket shelf? They’ve got them too. Now and then they select high quality stones and send them away to be set in silver. This allows us them provide something a little different to high street jewellers, perfect for an unusual gift or post exam treat. mrwoodsfossils.co.uk

SCOTLAND STUDY CENTRE The SSC ‘Academic Language and Skills’ course is totally different to traditional language courses.

After only a few lessons, you begin to see academic text, and the academic writing process, in a completely different and much clearer way.

As you write essays in class collaboratively with your teacher and other students, you begin to see the logical patterning and connections that make academic writing coherent. You also soon learn to create the same patterns, connections, and coherence in your own essays/dissertation.

Thanks to the very practical and studentspecific nature of the course, you will have a clear focus and outline for your essays/dissertation.

You will also develop the writing techniques and skills to write your own essays/dissertation to the highest academic standards.

If you are struggling with academic writing, or if you would just like to improve your essays/ dissertation, then try this course. It works!

Anne McDonald, Course Director Classes at SSC, Edinburgh, and also Online via the SSC Virtual Classroom.

For more information visit their website: scotlandstudycentre.com. To get in touch email: scotlandstudycentre@gmail.com or phone them on: 0131 241 6099/07752 573 946.

SCOTLAND STUDY CENTRE

SOUTHSIDE THE AULD HOOSE

23-25 St Leonard’s St, EH8 9QN It’s a beer and whisky bar with an eclectic jukebox.

The portions here are massive and righly legendary.

Prime amongst all plates is the 5.9lbs portion of nachos, designed for 4 - 6 people. These come topped with gut busting heap of cheese, kidney beans, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole and beef.

They do cracking vegetarian and vegan versions too. Breakfast is served until 3pm and students get 10% off all food (20% during September). theauldhoose.co.uk

THE CAMEO 38 Home Street, EH3 9LZ Edinburgh’s oldest cinema (it’s been there since 1949) sits just up the road from the Filmhouse..

If you’re looking for new independent films, the Cameo tries like a bear to screen all of them. It has an old school cinema style that speaks of 1950’s Hollywood. Furnished in red and dark wood, with a lovely little cafe bar and a nostalgic popcorn counter, it’s a place of magical atmosphere. Much like the Filmhouse, screen one is pretty large and comfortable, while screens two and three are more compact.

CONSIDERIT 3-5A Sciennes, Edinburgh EH9 1NH This dinky, family owned, plant based dessert shop, just across the road from Summerhall, specialises in fresh baked vegan doughnuts, artisan chocolates and crafted ice cream. They’re committed to moving things forward towards a plant-based future without compromising on taste. The team are constantly inventing new styles and flavours, so you’ll never need get stuck in a rut and spoil an old favourite for yourself. consideritchocolate.com

EDINBURGH ART SHOP 129 Lauriston Pl, EH3 9JN This inspirational trove of art supplies is great for exploring and definitely the best of its kind in the city. The shop is packed with everything you need whether you’re seriously into creating or an occasional dabbler. The staff are super friendly, approachable and, most importantly, very knowledgeable. It’s a 2 minute walk from Edinburgh College of Art and they offer a decent student discount too. edinburghartshop.co.uk

THE DOMINION Newbattle Terrace, EH10 4RT If you’re long of leg or just fancy a bit of space between you and that couple eating their smuggled KFC, Edinburgh’s most lush cinema is a decent shout. It has loads of room between seats, plus recliners and tables. They’ll even spring you a free small tube of pringles in First Class evening shows; making the experience the absolute pinnacle of cinema decadence. They tend to focus on mainstream blockbusters and live showings of opera and ballet.

SNAX CAFÉ 118 Buccleuch Street, EH8 9NQ and 15 W Register Street, EH2 2AA A proper greasy spoon. Great value breakfast

rolls and café meals for takeaway, delivery or sit in. Hangover cure in a nutshell! Fresh, cheap and fast. Simple as that!

SURGEONS’ HALL Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW Originally developed as a teaching museum for medical students, the collections grew after ‘natural and artificial curiosities’ were publicly sought via an ad in a local paper. Its focus is on the history of surgery and how surgical practice has developed over the years. It’s a bit on the grisly side; including bone and tissue specimens, along with medical artefacts and a pocket book made from Burke, of Burke & Hare infamy’s, skin.

If you’re planning on visiting on a weekend their Blood and Guts tour is an interesting hour of macabre fun around the old town and includes your ticket to the museum. museum.rcsed.ac.uk

Edinburgh’s famous fossil shop

5 Cowgatehead, Grassmarket Edinburgh, EH1 1JY 0131 220 1344 www.mrwoodsfossils.co.uk

EARL OF MARCHMONT 22 Marchmont Cres, EH9 1HG You’ll find a mixed crowd here of students, the after-work crowd and local regulars. A mixture of cocktails, wines, whiskies and ales. An excellent people-watching spot. Best to head here for a beer as the food can be a bit hit and miss. Ideal for a hide out when rain arrives at The Meadows.

MOSQUE KITCHEN 31-33 Nicolson Square, EH8 9BX If you want a good solid curry but without the fuss then Mosque Kitchen is where to go. They usually have eight curries available with good veggie and vegan options every day. Big portions and budget prices. The only minus here is the lack of eco-friendliness - disposable plates and cutlery spoil the experience a little! Best solution is to take your own. mosquekitchen.com

PALMYRA PIZZA 22 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DH Good deals for students on properly comforting pizzas and kebabs. Their falafel is also pretty decent and they’re open late for when the pubs spill out for sit in or take away and drop down your clothes. Sold unflashy dependable grub. palmyrapizza.co.uk Edinburgh Southside Page 29

NEW TOWN AND LEITH BASEMENT BAR 10a-12a Broughton St, EH1 3RH Mexican themed bar with an innovative menu, a wide range of beers but famed for their tequilas (22 varieties at the last count) and tequila-based cocktails. Service is quick and the food is pretty lively and fun. The cocktails are the thing. basement-bar-edinburgh.co.uk

CARRIERS QUARTERS 40 Bernard St, EH6 6PR At over 200 years old, friendly and welcoming Carriers delivers a proper taste of old school Leith. It’s one of the last non-gentrified bars in the area and offers your classic beers and spirits, regular live music and a popular quiz. They do a decent large nachos for a fiver and it’s dog friendly to boot. carriersquarters.co.uk

BRAMBLE 16A Queen St, EH2 1JE Take the steps down and look for the little golden plaque next to the door. Here is your entrance to the basement of cocktail nirvana. The drinks list is extensive and the cocktail menu is well worth exploring. They’ve some brilliantly creative drinks; their Whisky & Weet is a clarified milk punch with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Loch Lomond whisky, washed with dates, vanilla and Weetabix. Price wise, it’s maybe outside most regular student budgets, but worth a look if you’re pushing the boat out. bramblebar.co.uk

CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER 93 Broughton Street, EH1 3RZ Two magical little stores full of beautiful gifts, local art and bespoke framing, cool prints, homeware, jewellery, and handbags. Great place for finding rare and obscure artists and ranges, and thankfully the local owners appreciate the importance of Moomin memorabilia. curiouserandcuriouser.com

THE DREADNOUGHT 72 N Fort St, EH6 4HL This small and fiercely independent pub at the less hip end of Leith towards Newhaven has bags of character. They’ve a great range of local craft beers with Pilot being the mainstay. It’s dogfriendly too, with pups generally welcome to wander around as they please. They’ve no on-

site food but they’ll be happy to order you an Origano pizza to munch with your drink. Regular music events make this an ideal place to grab a good pint and forget about the outside world.

CAMRA City of Edinburgh Pub of the Year 2018 & 2019. facebook.com/DreadnoughtLeith

GAIA 32 Crighton Pl, EH7 4NY Their main business is takeaways, but there is some seating inside and out, so grab a seat if you can as it does get busy! The food is Sicilian and they have daily pasta specials, soup of the day, salads and antipasti platters. They also have a big selection of freshly made paninis, mainly for those eating on the go. But don’t leave without perusing their selection of Italian cheese, meat and drinks. gaiadeliedinburgh.co.uk

JOSEPH PEARCE 23 Elm Row, EH7 4AA This bar is a bit of a landmark in Edinburgh having been open since 1898. It’s popular with the afterwork crowd as well as wanderers, shoppers and, well, everyone else. The bar has themed food and drink nights, such as their famous Swedish crayfish parties. A sun trap of a terrace outside when the weather is good, with lots of places to snuggle inside when the weather isn’t so good. bodabar.com/joseph-pearces

REAL FOODS 37 Broughton St, EH1 3JU and 8 Brougham St, EH3 9JH Real Foods are old hands at the ethically aware shopping game; they’ve been selling natural, organic wholefoods in the city for over 40 years. They’ve also a great range of household supplies and health and beauty products, much of which is plastic free, to help you avoid putting tiny bits of micro-plastic down your drain and into our oceans. realfoods.co.uk

SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART 75 Belford Rd, EH4 3DR SNGMA might seem a wee bit out the way but with work from David Hockney, Picasso, Andy Warhol and Tracey Emin, it’s well worth making the effort. There’s a free hourly shuttle bus from outside the National Gallery (they suggest you donate £1 to help with costs). If you miss the bus or are up for the exercise, it’s a 15-20 min walk from Princes Street. The gallery is made up of two exhibition spaces, one on either side of Belford Road, and a sculpture park. Both buildings date to the 19th century, while the monumental lawn was landscaped by the architect, Charles Jencks. Upcoming exhibitions include Beyond Realism: Dada and Surrealism and Cut and Paste: 400 Years of Collage. nationalgalleries.org

Edinburgh New Town and Leith Page 31

STORRIES 279 Leith Walk, EH6 8PD Looking for an early morning feed, something to fill your stomach before a night out or something to stave off the impending hangover when you leave the pub or, er, club? Well if you’re in Leith then you’re in luck, cause Storries is open 24 hours for all your mega cheap bakery needs.

They now do vegan pies and sausage rolls too!

WALNUT 7 Croall Pl, EH7 4LT The little bistro could easily be missed, as it’s so unassuming from the exterior. This is classic restaurant cuisine executed beautifully in a cosy, family-run bistro. It’s bring-your-own-bottle, so although it might be a stretch on a student budget it’s maybe just about doable for the occasional splash out evening. They work with fresh seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes often, but expect to see dishes such as scallops, chicken livers, fish stew, pork belly and a roast on Sundays. facebook.com/TheWalnutEdinburgh

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY 1 Queen St, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson as a shrine for Scotland’s heroes and heroines, it opened to the public in 1889 as the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery. Worth a visit to see the building itself; its elaborate arts and crafts decoration, its glittering friezes, murals and extensive sculptural adornments, all make for a memorable experience. Displays at the gallery include painting, photography, sculpture and film and explore different aspects of Scotland’s story through portraits of Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert Burns, through to more recent pioneers in science, sports and the arts.

WEST CAOBA

56 Raeburn Place, EH4 1HJ Add a splash of Mexican culture to your life with beautiful and authentic crafts and decorations.

Spice up your student digs with cool tea cups, quirky photo frames, a great range of incense, and mountains of colourful home decor. They’ve stunning jewellery and handbags too, if you feel like treating yourself. caoba.co.uk

THE CUMBERLAND BAR 1-3 Cumberland St, EH3 6RT A classic Edinburgh bar with ales, ciders and wines plus an excellent terrace. The food menu includes everything from gin and tonic prawns to lamb kofta via schnitzel and fish and chips. A range of snugs to hide inside and an excellent beer garden outside for warmer days. cumberlandbar.co.uk

FILMHOUSE 88 Lothian Road, EH3 9BZ An absolute Scottish institution and hub of the longest continually-running Film Festival in the world, the Filmhouse is probably the best Independent cinema in Scotland. From new releases to classics, from cult to the cream of International cinema; their

programme is a continually morphing beast that is sure to satiate anyone’s passion. Screen one is well-sized, with large comfortable seats while screens two and three are a lot smaller and homely.

Student (See You Next) Tuesday allows members to see a film for £2. filmhousecinema.com

PAPER TIGER 53 Lothian Road, EH1 2DJ For all our lovely international students, this is where you buy your Scottish gifts and souvenirs to send home or take home, or what have you.

It can be difficult to find a reasonably priced Scottish gift store without the tat, and this is it. From Edinburgh-themed colouring books, to highland cow teddies, to whisky souvenirs, to tartan stationery, it is just oozing with Scottish pride. It’s not all Scottish themed, there’s plenty else going on too.

ST VINCENT BAR 11 St Vincent St, EH3 6SW The food at The Vinnie is of the bar variety - hot buffalo wings, burgers, ribs, that sort of thing; done well and with no pretension. A great selection of real ale is available and a warm friendly atmosphere awaits. Choose your seats wisely so you can play name the album from the vinyl sleeves on the wall. feededinburgh.com

WEE BUDDHA 2B Jamaica St EH3 6HH Find your zen in this wee casual joint and fill up with asian fusion noodles and small plates. It’s playful dining with an encouragement to share dishes with your friends. Craft beers and cocktails with a little Asian influence. Their stir fry veg with bean curd & steamed steamed rice in chilli bean sauce is lovely.

Edinburgh West End Page 33

DUNDEE THE ART BAR 140 Perth Rd, DD1 4JW Handily placed for DJCAD, Art Bar is an atmospheric wee basement with affordable drinks and food: lighter dishes such as tapas boards and flatbread pizzas are great value. Entertainment wise, you’ll find folk music, DJs as well as open mic nights. It’s pretty quiet during the week, so you’ll have no bother getting a table and some peace; weekends are a different story. Worth a visit purely for the décor and the back garden. facebook.com/theartbarofficial/

THE BACH 31 Meadowside DD1 1DJ Kiwi inspired coffee, cake and food stop with a liberal splash of good beers. Choose your brew type and then choose your bean and sit back and relax. Add a breakfast of corn fritters, eggs bene or stay until lunch and have falafel, mince on toast, chicken shawarma and more. Pick something from their craft beer and cider selection including Parrot Dog and 8 Wired or from their selection of wine. The Bach is a coffee shop with a difference the-bach.com

CLARK’S BAKERY 3 Annfield St, DD1 5JH One thing any Dundee student will testify is that Clark’s is the go-to drunken food spot. Located a ten minute walk away from the centre you’ll find a magical 24 hour bakery that has some sort of variation of every food imaginable - you need to try the infamous Helicopter (bacon, chips, lorne sausage, burger and fried egg in a bun). Although the line seems unbearably long, you’ll ultimately make best friends with your line neighbours and the food is always worth it. clarksbakery.co.uk

DUKE’S CORNER 13 Brown St, DD1 5EG If you’re looking for a lively night in the heart of the centre but don’t want to face the cramped clubs, Dukes is the perfect place. Open till 2:30am with a DJ who will happily accommodate any song you request no matter how cheesy it is. Generally, no matter the night, you’ll leave Dukes feeling better than when you came in. Their massive beer garden, complete with fire pit, is always busy in good weather. dukescorner.co.uk

DYNAMO

THE GLOBE

42 Union St, DD1 4BE This dark and cosy pub is the perfect space to hunker down for a few unfiltered Belgian inspired or modern hoppy beers. They main SIX°North on the taps with a good range of guest beers on rotation. Foodwise, the menu is tiny with toasties, soup and stovies backed up by some superb Jarvis Pickle Pies. They’re a friendly lot and they’ll happily send you on your way with a couple of their imported Belgian sharing bottles to take away at a 25% discount on the sit in price. sixdnorth.co.uk/dundee

53-57 West Port, DD1 5ER In the middle of everything, The Globe has something for everyone. It’s the kind of place for a day-time drink or somewhere to start the night before going out. For food and drink it’s traditional pub stuff with the likes of burgers or fish and chips - there was recently an unconfirmed sighting of a vegan burger! It’s a popular spot for the football, beer and some grub before heading out proper. belhavenpubs.co.uk/pubs/angus/globe

THE FLAME TREE CAFÉ 20 Exchange St, DD1 3DL Located in the West end of the city, the Flame Tree Café is a gem of a place. The café offers a variety of omni, veggie and vegan dishes that are both Insta worthy and delicious. Their infamous rainbow bagel has made them the go-to café locally. Don’t miss the vegan doughnuts. theflametreecafe.com

THE PHOENIX 103 Nethergate, DD1 4DH This small pub serves real ale and simple pub grub with burgers and chilli to baked potatoes and chicken Kiev. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but this is what makes The Phoenix what it is. Somewhere for some comfort food and a decent pint. Vegetarian options on the menu.

THE PILLARS 7G Crichton St, DD1 3AR A pub with a split personality. Go into The Pillars entrance and you will be met with a traditional pub with terracotta tiles and dark wood; serving Orkney, Redcastle and MòR beers alongside the usuals. Go along the karaoke corridor, past the plain walls and enter into the wondrous lounge that is The Salty Dog. Here you’ll find general mayhem and dancing amongst the kitsch and colourful décor. Cheap Venoms are the drink of choice. facebook.com/pillars.bar

THE TINSMITH

THE WEST HOUSE

11-13 Old Hawkhill, DD1 5EU Tinsmith’s offers the best of both worlds, during the day you’ll find a relaxing bar with a menu that will cure the worst of any hangover. At night you’ll find a bar buzzing with life, situated perfectly between two of the biggest nightclubs in Dundee, The Union and Aura. The outside space is a handy respite if the crowds get a bit much. thetinsmith.co.uk

2 West Port, DD1 5EP The West House has a relaxed feel no matter what time of day you go, the quaint café/bar is the perfect spot for brunch or later on for pres and a catch up. On a Sunday you’ll find many a hungover student taking advantage of the 2 courses for £10 deal and sipping on boozy breakfast cocktails. thewesthouse.co.uk

UNDERGROUND 25 S Tay St, DD1 1NR Just refurbished and open 7 days a week, expect a great atmosphere no matter what night you go. Sicknote Sundays are the perfect excuse to procrastinate revising; it’s the cheapest and busiest night they offer. It’s styled as a subway with booths as subway carts and turnstiles as you enter the door. Go for an experience like no other nightclub in the city. You won’t regret it, or maybe you will. dundeeunderground.co.uk

PAISLEY THE BUNGALOW 15 Shuttle St, PA1 1YD5 A name that undoubtedly fits comfortably under the banner of Paisley legend. The Bungalow made its reputation putting on gigs back in the late 70s when they hosted bands like The Fall, Orange Juice and The Teardrop Explodes. After reopening in their current home in 2008, they’ve hosted the likes of Paulo, Frightened Rabbit and The Blockheads. These days, to their credit, they’re taking a strong stance on the exploitative nonsense that is Pay To Play, and they aim to keep ticket prices as low as possible or even free. With Mo at the helm, their sound system is top notch and you’ll find loads of up and coming local bands here along with tribute acts and an indie student night every Thursday. facebook.com/thebungalowpaisley

DE BEERS 59 High St, PA1 2AS As the closest pub to UWS, De Beers is always going to be the first point of call for those that are fed up with or have just outgrown the union.

It’s definitely not just a student pub though, you’ll find a good mix of folk from all walks of life here.

They’ve a good selection of craft beers along with the standards, football on the TV and a decent beer garden too; not too shabby.

PAISLEY ARTS CENTRE 15 New St, PA1 1EZ In what used to be the Old Kirk building you’ll now find the best place in town to see theatre, dance, comedy and, arguably, gigs. They’ve always a high quality run of touring bands lined up: Malcolm Middleton, Loki The Rapper, a Lost Maps showcase and plenty more besides will be found at this great wee venue in what’s left of 2019.

Dundee and Paisley Page 37

So, you’ve finally moved into halls, or if you’re lucky you and your mates have bagged your own place.

At first glance, moving out of your parents’ place seemed like a great idea. But you’ve just paid your deposit and first month’s rent and now have approximately the cost of two pints left in your bank account. Oh, and your kitchen looks like an absolute bomb scare.

You’re beginning to wonder if living under mum’s roof, under her rules, was really such a bad thing...

Don’t worry, moving out is the first of many crises you will face as a student. We spoke to fellow students who shared experiences and tips for flying the nest.

CLEANING Let’s be real, nobody is expecting you to be a Mrs Hinch-type domestic goddess. Pretty much every student gaff is a bit grotty. However, you will want to keep up with some basic cleaning.

‘Do your dishes and pans!’ journalism student Eric offers. ‘On my first flat away from home we went on Christmas break and left everything dirty.

We came back to find a dead rat in a pan. A truly gruesome sight for after the holidays. That drowned rat symbolized what being 18 felt like.’

Visit your local pound store or Aldi to stock up on cleaning supplies without breaking the bank!

FLATMATES To have afforded moving out of home, you’re likely going to have flatmates. If you’re living in halls, these flatmates are probably going to be strangers. In a utopian world, you and your flatmates are going to get along like you’re all in some American sitcom. Sadly, that’s unrealistic.

Jay, who lives with three flatmates, offered the following advice: ‘Having a group chat with your flatmates is great because it helps organise things like

cleaning rotas. Of course, living with other people means there are always going to be personality clashes, and you will have to make compromises.

But the way I see it, you have to live with these people and it’s a better environment for everyone if you all get along. We also use our group chat to arrange fun things such as film nights.’

DÉCOR A trip to IKEA is a rite of passage for any student moving into their first home. Top tip: drag your ass to IKEA early. The full breakfast is fab and costs pennies! Also keep in mind that there are plenty of bartering groups on social media where people are looking to make space for new furnishings and will happily exchange their lovely but ancient sideboard or rug for a few tins of chopped tomatoes or a bottle of wine.

Second year student, Dan, has some advice, ‘Charity shops are a great option when decorating your home. You can find cheap essentials, but also quirky pieces that add personality to your house.’

Note: Collecting your empty beer and cider tins and arranging them into a weird shrine is not acceptable home decor in the long term.

ITEMS YOU MIGHT WANT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR NEW HOME: A lamp – to create an ambiewance. Salt lamps give off a gentle relaxing glow, and research suggests they improve sleep.

House plants – guaranteed to liven up any home. Keep them alive for bonus points and a sense of enormous well-being.

Stovetop espresso maker – these can be picked up for pennies second hand. And trust me, you’re gonna want real coffee after a mad night out, or for when you’re studying.

There’s no denying that being chucked into adulting is overwhelming as hell. It’s OK not to have it all figured out. Learn as you go, and most importantly, have fun with your newfound freedom!

Moving Out by Danielle McAdam Page 39

Problems Every Student Faces And How to Deal With Them...

CRISIS 1 You’ve just moved to a new city. You’ve checked your bank account. You’re totally skint and don’t yet have a job.

Solution: Thanks to social media, finding a student job has never been easier! Facebook now has a jobs feature. Simply type ‘jobs available near me’ into the search bar, and a list of opportunities in your local area will pop up. You can even make a CV on Facebook, which is quick and easy and takes less than five minutes.

If you’re applying for work on other websites

and require a CV, and this is something you’re not confident about, most educational institutions offer employability classes that will help you put one together or spruce your old one up.

If you need extra cash while you’re between jobs, visit the finance department of your uni or college. You may be entitled to additional support in the form of loans or grants. You also might want to arrange in a student overdraft, these are often free of charge to use while you are studying. Be careful not to overextend yourself and keep in mind that anything you borrow will need to be paid back at some point, it’s not free money.

“YOUR OWN HAPPINESS AND WELLBEING SHOULD ALWAYS BE A PRIORITY ” CRISIS 2 You’ve worked too hard, partied too hard.

Whatever the reason, you have a 2000word essay due in about 12 hours and have approximately nae chance of getting it done.

Solution: Talk to your tutor and explain the situation. As long as missing deadlines isn’t something you make a habit of, they are going to understand, and can probably offer advice about how to manage your time better.

The last thing you want to do is rush to get the work finished and hand in sub-par work. Speak to your tutor, get the breathing space you need and use the additional time wisely.

If doing work at home is something you struggle with thanks to distractions (looking at you Netflix), try staying behind after classes to get work done at uni, or find a wee coffee shop to go to and crack on with work.

Solution: Shower! Go for a run or a walk.

Walking will clear your head and is reliably proven to be amazing for your mental wellbeing.

Drink loads of water. Then Utilise Uber Eats, who will deliver scran and fizzy juice right to your doorstep. Crawl under your duvet and stick a Louis Theroux doc on Netflix. Repeat as necessary.

CRISIS 5 You hate your course and think you made a mistake.

Firstly, don’t keep your feelings to yourself.

Communication, like with most things in life, is key. Chat to your tutors, guidance person, or parents about how you feel. Do it soon, don’t delay and leave it hanging over your head for weeks or months. They can give you support towards finding the best choice for you. Lots of people drop out of their chosen course, then go on to find a course or job that works better for them. While dropping out is not something you should make a snap decision about, it doesn’t make you a failure either.

Your own happiness and wellbeing should always be a priority, so don’t blindly stick at something to keep someone else happy.

CRISIS 3

You don’t know how to work the washing machine...

Solution: Or the oven, or the iron, and about a million and one other home appliances. Hate to say it, but swallow yer pride and phone your folks.

They will smugly explain how to operate all the above appliances, and point out you never listened when they tried to teach you these life skills before.

CRISIS 4 You lost count of how many £1 shots you drank the night before, you think you’re dying, and are debating whether to call the ambulance or your folks.

Crises by Danielle McAdam Page 41

OK, so you’ve decided to study in Scotland?

Then let me paint you a picture of some of what you can expect from your time here.

Many, many things make Scotland a bonnie place to be.

Firstly, you’re sure to be welcomed with open arms by the locals. We’re a friendly lot, for the most part. Ask for help or directions and we’ll likely happily stop for a chat and point you the right way; you might even make yourself a new pal or two. Scottish cities occupy that sweet spot where they’re small enough that there’s a good community atmosphere and big enough that you’ll find your tribe no matter what your interests are.

Join clubs and societies that interest you, or don’t.

In my own experience, moving from the Highlands to the Central Belt to study, there’s no question that there’s much more to do. In Scottish cities, there are endless opportunities to be creative. Everybody is in a band or is pals with someone who is. Loads of the smaller venues will take a chance on up-and-coming acts who want to put on gigs during the week, so there’s every opportunity to express yourself if that’s what you want to do. It’s not just music; if you’re into photography, dance, theatre, creating zines, film or something else entirely, you’ll be able to find someone who’s already doing it at grassroots level. There’s a real DIY culture in many areas and people are generally happy to share their knowledge if you approach them with the right

attitude.

Following a mural trail is a great way to get to know our cities on foot. There are so many amazing visuals everywhere you turn; you’ll find vibrant murals splashed on the sides of buildings, down hidden alleys and busy river banks - perfect for your Insta. There’s no need to go on a formal tour for this; just do a bit of research online and you’ll find plenty of info to get you started. The cities are compact enough that almost everywhere is close enough to walk to - who needs a gym membership when you can keep active and explore for free?

One international student shared with me some of the things that surprised him about Scottish culture since moving to study in Edinburgh: ‘I suppose the language struck me the most.

Taking the piss or winding someone up, makes for regular conversation. Scottish people have a way of using the English language which is like poetry, but with a lot more swearing. Also, the food blew my mind! Perhaps this was because I came from Africa, and there wasn’t much variety. The concept of chip shops, Greggs and morning rolls were game-changers. Now, I can’t imagine breakfast without a morning roll.’

When it comes to Scottish food, there are clichés by the dozen that you’re probably best to avoid. Ignore all calls to try a deep-fried Mars bar and the like - naebody eats them, and for good reason. Saying that, you might need some postnight out scran to cure your fierce hangover. It’s

the same here as with anywhere else; any sort of greasy food will soak up the alcohol. A pizza crunch (deep-fried battered pizza) or a munchy box (a mix of everything from pakora to chips to kebab meat and more) will sort you out… maybe.

You’ll probably want somewhere to go for a pint and a bite to eat with your pals after college or uni, and in that case, there’s a real culture of indie cafes and bars that will look after you without having to resort to Wetherspoons or some other Brexit-bothering-Tory-owned-hellhole. If, on the other hand, booze isn’t your thing; brilliant, go you. The drinking culture in Scotland has changed a fair bit over the last few years and no one should put pressure on you to drink alcohol if it’s not your thing or you’re just not feeling it. If they do, our advice is to patch them (get rid).

Unfortunately, one thing you’ll discover is that while good weather isn’t rare, it’s definitely not the norm. We’re used to bleak, dreich weather here in Scotland and the four seasons in one day

trope is all too real. I’m convinced the grumpy Scot stereotype stems from the fact that we’re all vitamin D deficient. Beloved Scottish comedian Billy Connolly has the solution, saying ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.

So get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little.’

If the temperature ever goes above 18C, it’s something remarkable. Everything changes in an instant and places such as Kelvingrove Park, Queens Park and The Meadows become hotspots. Find somewhere to sprawl out on a picnic blanket and grab a lukewarm Strongbow from your bag of cans. Best find a beer garden if you’re in Glasgow, though; drinking in public parks is illegal and the police are right on the ball with enforcing the ban. On the odd occasion that the sun does decide to make an appearance, you’ll hear the cries of ‘Taps aff’. Resist all urges to join in, please.

Alternatively. Do your own thing; make your own story.

Welcome to Scotland by Lucy Smith Page 43

THE ALCHEMIST, PAULO COELHO Coelho wrote his philosophical adventure saga in just two weeks, claiming the story was already written in his soul. The story follows a young shepherd named Santiago, who embarks on a journey to find the treasure he has been vividly dreaming of. His adventure takes him from his small farming town in Andalusia all the way to the pyramids in North Africa.

An epic adventure saga brimming with important life lessons, the central theme revolves around chasing your dreams. A must-read for anyone hungry to seize all the world has to offer.

Throughout his journey, Santiago faces many challenges and hardships. He must follow his heart and not give up on his dreams, despite pressures from society to do so. Overcoming obstacles and influences from peer pressure is something most students can relate to.

READY PLAYER ONE, ERNEST CLINE

Don’t be put off by Spielberg’s questionable adaption of this book; Cline’s story has much more heart and will likely be a cult classic in years to come. This book is a must-read for any Stranger Things fan in need of an 80s nostalgia fix.

The story is set in a dystopian future where humanity, plagued with issues such as climate change and overpopulation, spend all of their time in the OASIS, a VR world limited only by the user’s imagination. When the creator of the OASIS, Jim Halliday, dies, it is revealed he has

BOOKS hidden an ‘easter egg’ inside his virtual haven, and the first to find it will inherit his fortune. A reality-defying hunt ensues, with clues to the whereabouts of the egg all relating to 1980s pop culture, the era in which Halliday grew up.

This fun wee tale is a story of friendship, adventure and the plight of the underdog. The ‘nerdy’ protagonists of Ready Player One are far from typical heroes, but they remain highly relatable.

The book also raises important questions about the dangers of technology and our human need for escapism.

UNDER THE SKIN, MICHEL FABER

This bizarre yet brilliant sci-fi /political satire novel is set in the North of Scotland, making it a must-read for any Scottish student looking for something a bit different.

The story follows an alien disguised as a human female, who kidnaps male hitchhikers to be transported to her home planet for sinister purposes.

This darkly satirical novel touches on themes such as animal cruelty, factory farming, sexism and treatment of immigrants.

The book was adapted into a movie starring Scarlett Johansson in 2013. While a loose adaptation, it is still worth a watch.

THIS SIDE OF PARADISE, F SCOTT FITZGERALD

This Side Of Paradise was the first novel by F Scott Fitzgerald and follows the life of a young man named Amory Blaine, from a young boy of about 12, through to his twenties. His turbulent

journey into adulthood, and struggle to find his own identity and make his life more fulfilling, is relatable for any student.

The book also offers an interesting insight into what life was like for young people living in America during and post World War I. It goes without saying that the book is written in the fantastically poetic prose Fitzgerald is famous for.

Fans of this book should also check out John O’Hara’s Butterfield 8.

THE PRINCESS BRIDE, WILLIAM GOLDMAN

This book is the perfect dose of escapism when you are up to your eyeballs in course work.

Combining genres like comedy, adventure, romance, fantasy and fairytale, the book follows the adventures of a farmhand named Westley, on his mission to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from the evil Prince Humperdinck.

The book was inspired partly by bedtime stories Goldman would tell his children, but is an immensely enjoyable read for people of all ages, and will make you feel young at heart!

The movie adaption is also a great watch and features an epic duel scene that has inspired many memes.

THE ART OF HAPPINESS , DALAI LAMA AND HOWARD CUTLER In this book, psychiatrist Howard Cutler talks with the Dalai Lama, the world’s greatest spiritual leader, about overcoming problems and achieving happiness and inner peace. There is no denying that university is a stressful time. This book is ideal for students looking to overcome stress and master the art of mindfulness.

Reading List by Danielle McAdam Page 45

VEGAN Being a student can be an amazing adventure. If you’re lucky you get a bunch of great new friends and you might even have moved to a new city. You are probably living away from home for the first time and you can say what you want, sleep with who you want and eat what you want, without your mum noticing/commenting/barging in. It’s the perfect time to go vegan, if you want.

You might have been instagramming your recipes for years, or this might be the first time you’ve ever picked up an aubergine in the supermarket and thought – what would I do with that? Thanks to that very handy emoji, we all know what an aubergine is these days, hurragh!

But do you know how to cook them? Or that eating all the veg under the sun might actually be the best move yet. A lot of students decide to go vegetarian or vegan early on and there are a ton of potential benefits: glowing skin, an improved immune system, cheap food shopping,

the option to be environmentally and ethically superior at a drops notice (best keep this bit in check though).

If you are the average student, then you are going to have quite a few bevvies when you are in freshers. Some alcohols aren’t vegan, but spirits tend to be and a quick google will often tell you what’s what. It’s worthwhile keeping in mind that a can from the offy might say it’s vegan but its cask equivalent in the pub might not be. I had a ton of hangovers in my early months as a student and for as many pounds that I lost from my bank balance, I gained them around my midriff. For many, the Freshman 15, as North American students term it, can be somewhat avoided by committing to lots of healthy veg.

I love food, if supermarket sweep was still a thing, I’d be there, diving for the tofu and olive oil. If you are mostly eating beans, carbs and veg, then they tend to be inexpensive, so it keeps your shopping bill way down. Fresh food often has a short shelf life so don’t load up the fridge at the weekend and end up throwing half of it away by midweek. If you’re handy to a supermarket you can usually grab some just-on-date bargains in the hour before they close. Frozen veg is great for throwing into a quick curry and you’re far less likely to have to throw it away before it gets near your plate.

Eating out and avoiding animal produce used to be a nightmare, but now you can pretty much find vegan options anywhere. I’ve been in the cafes of several universities and they always have a vegan option these days so if you are grabbing a bite, you are probably good to go.

There’s a ton of decent snack options around now, and pretty much every place you can imagine is out there launching some new vegan product trying to emulate that Greggs effect – those vegan sausage rolls are irresistible!

One of the most stressful things about cooking as a student in shared accommodation is fighting for the hobs, my solution would be to use a touch of that student loan to buy yourself an electric

“IF SUPERMARKET SWEEP WAS STILL A THING, I’D BE THERE, DIVING FOR THE TOFU AND THE OLIVE OIL” pressure cooker. I’ve got one and they are damn amazing. You can chuck all your ingredients in, saute off what you need, stick a lid on and come back to an incredible risotto, chile, or curry.

The options are endless. They also cook beans from scratch which admittedly can be a faff, but is way cheaper in the long run. Generally the cooker will have a ‘keep warm setting’, meaning your yummy curry can be ready for when you fall through the door at 2am starving after a night out, perfect.

FOOD AND DRINK Most universities will have a vegan student group, if you are really into the animal rights side of things, you can buddy up for marches and protests, or you can just find some mates to go munch some vegan junk food with. Most students can’t afford to eat meat every day anyway, so you usually find quite a few of your mates pretty open to cheap and delicious recipes. You can become the master of them all..the recipes, not your mates.

If you do decide to try going vegan, or just want to cut your shopping bill by eating more veg then good luck to you, have a great term, and raise an aubergine for me.

37 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3JU | 8 Brougham Street, Edinburgh EH3 9JH Vegan by Laura Woodland Page 47

PEANUT BUTTER SATAY STIR FRY (SERVES 2) (15MIN) Who doesn’t love a stir fry? This quick, easy recipe is nutritious and delicious and should be a staple in every student’s diet!

1 tbsp of Olive Oil 3 tbsp Peanut Butter 1 tbsp Soy Sauce 1 tsp Sriacha 1 tsp Honey 2 cloves of garlic diced Rice (whatever your preference, to save time I normally add 1 pack of pre-cooked microwave rice) An assortment of vegetables: broccoli, green and red peppers, onion, beansprouts, carrots, snap peas, leafy greens. (Alternatively, find a Chinese vegetable stir-fry kit at your local grocery store)

Toss your garlic and veg into the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until soft and thoroughly cooked, while stirring constantly.

Once your veg is ready add your rice to the pan, then the sauce. Cook for a further 2 minutes and mix everything together.

Never limit yourself to one type of stir fry, this recipe provides a basis to be expanded on! Add chicken, beef, tofu, seitan to the vegetables for something different. Also, if you’re ever hungover try adding the sauce from this recipe to a pack of instant noodles. You can thank me later!

First, start with making the sauce by mixing together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha and honey. Adjust the sauce to your taste and then set aside.

Pre-heat the olive oil your wok or pan to a medium-high heat and whilst it heats start to prepare your rice.

Recipes by Dante Sosa Page 49

VEGAN SWEET POTATO CURRY (SERVES 4) (45MIN)

Say goodbye to those expensive take-outs and get ready to impress with this vegan curry. Perfect for a cosy night in this is comfort food at its finest!

Olive oil 1 Onion Diced 3 Cloves of Garlic Diced 1 tbs of Ginger Diced 4 tbsp Thai Red Curry Paste 2 tbsp Peanut Butter 2 Large Sweet Potato approx. 500g cut into cubes 1 can (400ml) Coconut milk 200g Spinach ½ Lime Rice (1 packet of micro rice will do)

Preheat olive oil in your saucepan to a medium heat. Once ready, add your onion and let it cook until soft for roughly 5 minutes and then add the garlic and ginger for a further one minute.

Add the red Thai curry paste, peanut butter, coconut milk and 200ml of water to the pan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20-30min or until the sweet potato has softened, stir in the spinach and lime juice then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Your curry is now ready to go! Serve with rice and naan bread (vegan if you can find it!).

LOADED POTATO (SERVES 4-6) (2HR) Having company over and want something to impress? Try your hand with these potato skins!

They’re good for your budget and just what you need before going out for the night! ½ cup Sour Cream and Chive dip 6 medium-sized Potatoes (approx. 1kg) 1 head of Broccoli diced into small pieces 1 clove of Garlic finely chopped 2 cups of grated Mature Cheddar 250g Diced and Cooked Smoked Bacon Salt and pepper Olive oil

Preheat oven to 200°C. Prepare your potatoes by cleaning them, pricking them with a fork on both sides then seasoning with olive oil and salt. Bake in the centre of the oven for 45min or until thoroughly cooked. Let cool for 15min and reduce oven temp to 180°C. Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, cut the potatoes in half along the length. Scoop out most of the potato from each half (but leave enough so that the skin holds its shape), transfer to a bowl and mash.

Add the sour cream, broccoli, garlic, cheese and bacon to the bowl mixing it all together, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Refill the skins with the contents of the bowl and top each half with more grated cheese.

Return the halves to the oven for approx. 30min until the cheese melts and the potatoes have been cooked through. Let them cool for 5 minutes then enjoy!

TUNA MAYO PASTA SALAD (SERVES 2) (15MIN) This is a quick, easy and delish go-to! This pasta salad is also good to eat cold so try doubling up the recipe and sticking some leftovers in the freezer for the next day’s lunch!

200g Fusilli pasta (any shape will do) 1 x 185g cans of tuna, drained 200g canned sweetcorn 2tbsp mayonnaise Salt and Pepper Optional: ½ a bunch of spring onions finely sliced (remove roots and dark green leaves)

Boil the pasta as specified on packaging, then drain.

Add tuna, sweetcorn, mayonnaise, spring onions, salt and pepper to taste.

STAYIN Yes, embarking on your new life as a student is an exciting, perhaps daunting prospect, but there are a few things to keep in mind when going out to make sure you keep safe. For one, ensuring your sexual health is paramount. While some STIs – chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts – can respond well to treatment, the risks of unprotected sex cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to HIV. HIV contraction and prevention are often surrounded by myth and misunderstanding, but quite simply HIV is preventable with safe-sex practices such as using a condom or dental dam as well as lubricant. Don’t be frightened, but don’t be complacent: no one is impervious to the virus. For those in the Glasgow & Clyde region, visit freecondomsglasgowandclyde.org to find a venue near you that stocks free condoms.

Universities and colleges often supply free condoms and lube, as well as gay-friendly clubs and bars.

There are excellent facilities that cater to LGBT+ people in need of sexual health services throughout Glasgow. For example, The Steve Retson Project is a specialist sexual health service for gay and bisexual men or men who have sex with men, located in Sandyford Place. They offer

rapid HIV testing with results in 60 seconds, PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual exposure to HIV) and hepatitis vaccinations, which is a vital precaution of which many MSM are unaware. Just as importantly, the centre provides emotional health services that are supportive, non-judgmental and sensitive to your needs. Plus you can make an appointment without consulting your GP first.

Furthermore, the Sappho Service within the Sandyford provides care for lesbians and bisexual women, offering cervical screenings, STD testing and treatment and safe-sex advice.

The clinic also offers support regarding fertility, period problems and counselling relevant to any important issues you may be facing. LGBT+ people living in Edinburgh can access a wealth of services available to the LGBT+ community through organisations such as LGBT Health and Wellbeing. It is essential to be in complete control of your sexual health, and regular health screenings allow you to enjoy life to the fullest and be the best version of yourself.

And of course, the pressures of beginning your new life as a student can take a toll on your mental health; moving out, starting university and coming out can be overwhelming experiences, and you may need someone to talk to. But remember that help is always at hand, and you

G

LGBT+

SAFE

can reach out to the LGBT Helpline Scotland on 0300 123 2523, while your on-campus organisations are an invaluable resource to ensure you keep your head above water.

And a few final tips: on a night out, have your wits about you. Always have a local taxi

number in your phone, don’t leave your drink unattended, update your friends if you leave the group and tell them where you’re heading, and remember that consent is non-negotiable.

And drink water between drinks. Trust and believe, you’ll thank us the next day.

LGBT+ by Jonny Stone Page 53

LGBT+

Whether the closet is nothing but a distant, dusty memory, or whether you’re only now embracing who you really are, throwing yourself into college or university life is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and explore your LGBT+ identity. And when you happen to be doing so in a country ranked by the Rainbow Europe Index as the best country for LGBT+ equality in 2015, you could not be in better hands. So brace yourself and welcome to the club! SNACK is here to become your best Judy and guide you through life as an LGBTQ+ fresher (unofficial homework: create a fact file on Judy Garland. It will help contextualise our last reference).

COMING CLEAN At this exciting time, when your mind should be preoccupied with crucial matters such as learning to boil instant ramen and navigating your way through the perfect hangover cure, you may be considering coming out of the closet. Don’t get me wrong: coming out is no easy thing, even for the proudest among us. But it is normal to feel anxious, and crucial to be realistic in preparing for whatever outcome coming out can have (if

you live at home, for example, set up a plan B sleepover with a friend in case the folks need some space). The most important thing to remember is that there is no right time to come out: only you can and should decide that. Nor is there a tried and tested method. Perhaps doing so with a close friend first will ease you in, before broadening the circle and so on. Disclaimer: you will spend your entire life coming out to people. You will learn, however, that doing so becomes your favourite thing to do. For further tips and support on coming out, head to Stonewall Scotland to find a superb range of resources.

And this may be your first time frequenting the Rainbow Set: not all of us grew up in big cities with vibrant gay scenes, after all, and the prospect of jumping in at the deep end can feel daunting.

Venture out to bars and clubs in a crowd of friends to ease yourself in, and be confident! You may well find your chosen family.

PUTTING THE CAMP IN CAMPUS The freedom of life as a student and exploring your sexuality can be overwhelming for even the boldest among us. Thankfully, most universities and colleges offer excellent support services for LGBT+ students, and societies around campus can make your uni experience even better. Within Glasgow alone, each university has a distinctly gay-friendly society. The University of Glasgow, for example, is a celebrated Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion and boasts several bodies around campus that support and celebrate LGBT+ students and staff. GULGBTQ+ is one of the largest societies on campus and are proactive in promoting inclusivity on campus. Aside from putting on amazing events and running campaigns

FRESHERS GUIDE throughout the year, GULGBTQ+ was shortlisted as Student Group of the Year at the first annual LGBT Scotland Awards in 2015. Strathclyde also boasts a great LGBT+ society which runs different events throughout the year including social evenings, film screenings, political campaigns and trips to local LGBT friendly venues. Events are also organised specifically to coincide with LGBT History Month. Strathclyde’s LGBT+ Union is an excellent platform to socialise, become active in political activism, and get your Harvey Milk on!

Each university and college throughout the country is likely to have groups that cater distinctly to LGBT+ students. Edinburgh University also has its own award-nominated society, BLOGS, as does St Andrews University, which boasts a strong sense of community and throws their amazing Glitterball. Other universities in Edinburgh, like Heriot Watt, Napier and Queen Margaret, also have LGBT+ societies welcoming people of all identities. Getting involved with groups like these is a great way to meet other LGBT+ people on campus, and you may find your time spent with like-minded people becomes the most worthwhile of your student experience. And besides, who throws a better party than gays? Be sure to look into LGBT+ friendly sports clubs like Frontrunners, an inclusive running group, to keep your health tip top and meet new people.

NIGHTLIFE In Glasgow, Merchant City boasts the lion’s share of LGBT+ friendly spaces. Delmonica’s, for one, has been entertaining the masses since 1991 with karaoke, visiting DJs and quiz nights on a Thursday night. However, Wednesday night brings you Suck!, an exuberant showcase of some of the city’s finest drag queens. Your first voyage

into Glasgow’s gay nightlife will most likely take you to Polo – the home of cheesy pop, cheap drinks and mournful mornings after – but with venues like Katie’s, Speakeasy and AXM, you are well and truly spoiled for choice. And to soothe the pain of seeing not a single Scottish queen on Drag Race UK, I implore you to explore Glasgow’s drag scene: we have an army of fierce, funny and diverse drag kings and queens all over the city, so give them your money and become their biggest fans, already! For an alternative to these venues, The Flying Duck hosts a lot of diverse club nights that offer something a little different. Their events are always inclusive and they offer a safe space policy, so everyone can boogie with ease, and gender neutral toilets. It’s also a lovely pub – with a Sega Mega Drive – and they happen to be one of the city’s finest vegan establishments, too.

Our nation’s capital, of course, boasts a vibrant gay scene. Edinburgh’s “Pink Triangle,” centred around the top of Leith Walk just off Princes Street, brings you the city’s best gay bars and clubs within walking distance. CC Blooms is the city’s biggest and brightest and something of an institution. It doubles up as a restaurant during the day and a wild club at night. But don’t overlook the likes of the Regent Bar, Planet Bar, which is the city’s longestrunning gay bar, and Victoria Bar. Café Nom de Plume also happens to be Edinburgh’s LGBT Centre.

Theatre by Carla Jenkins Page 55

CROSSING THE BRIDGE 12:00

‘Alright, time’s up. Pens down!’

12:01

The empty tick-tock of the clock is suddenly swamped by a rising tide of chatter. What did you write? See what I said was – oh yes the one I answered was… I’m already over it.

A breath I didn’t know I was holding tumbles from my mouth. It’s done. It’s done.

12:15

They open the door. I’m out of my seat like a shot. No coat to pick up, no bag of notes I’d fooled myself I’d read in the tense fifteen minutes outside the exam hall. My feet pick up speed on the spongy green linoleum. One-two-three. One-two-free. I’m almost skipping out into the sunlight. Goodbye university. So long classmates. See you in five months.

It’s a beautiful day.

12:28

I see he’s already parked outside. He’s stood by my front door, and he waves when he sees me turn off West Richmond Street. I’m not a hugger. But he’s five-foot-four to my five-foot-six, and I owe him this indulgence. He ruffles my hair. ‘Hello short-arse, congratulations are in order!’

I know he’s still trying to pretend it doesn’t bother him that I’ve outgrown him. I elbow him away and thank him for the lift.

He doesn’t mind. He’ll give me a hand with all my bags.

12:45

Edinburgh traffic is good, and we’re making good progress through the city. He’s feeling generous, so I’m controlling the music. He’s being polite, but I know he hates most of my choices – indie rock, eighties pop, folk classics. We haven’t shared an iTunes library since he was in early high school. ‘Trust me!’ I say. ‘I saw them live at Sneaky’s, they’re good – they’re from Fife, you know!’

He half-heartedly taps to the beat on the side of his steering wheel.

I wish he would just tell me what he wants to hear.

12:48

We stop at a red light.

Shuffle has finally struck gold. He turns to me and grins. He recognises this song. Do I remember road trips with Dad back in the day? Of course I do. Cramped in the back-seat of the Subaru, windows down, Fleetwood Mac. The seatbelts straining against our chins as we played air-instruments.

The light turns green.

13:17

We’ve pulled to a halt again before we reach the Forth Road Bridge.

Traffic is moving at a crawl.

13:20

Someone cuts into the lane out of nowhere. I’m informed that, on no uncertain terms, the man is a wank.

13:35

I stare at the Queensferry Crossing as we drive parallel across the water. ‘You think they’ll finish that on time?’ I wonder out loud.

‘Imagine that! Finishing on time!’ he laughs. ‘I thought it was supposed to open end of this month.’

‘Dunno,’ I shrug. ‘Looks finished to me.’

We sit in silence for a moment, contemplating the bridge.

‘I like this one better,’ he says eventually.

‘Like, visually? Or driving on it?’

‘I like the view from it. I’m… I dunno. Why did they build a new one?’

I look at the criss-crossing suspension wires. We pass under the first arch. ‘Things change, I guess. They had to adapt.’

The car thunks over the joins in the bridge.

‘I also like the old one,’ I say, ‘I reckon probably because we’re just not used to things being different. But the new one’s impressive.’

He laughs slightly. ‘Aye. Guess so.’

The music swells, filling the silence around us. I count the beats.

13:40

‘So how is uni?’ he asks.

Well, uni finished about an hour and a half ago.

‘You know what I mean. Apart from exams, how’s it been?’

Oh same old, same old. Five friends. More alcohol than necessary.

I sure am gonna miss them all when we graduate. It’s been a lot of fun.

He laughs at that. Drinking? That’s new. Besides, graduating isn’t the end of it all – even if I’m going back and they’re not.

‘Just because you move apart, doesn’t mean you stop being friends.’

It’s older brother wisdom that I didn’t ask for.

But I’m kind of glad I got it.

I might as well share some of my more hilarious misadventures. He laughs – call those misadventures? Child, please. Let the master talk.

13:54

We’re in deepest Fife now. We’ve lost the motorway signs; they’ve faded away to green hedgerows and half-tumbledown stone walls.

Give way to oncoming traffic.

I pause, catching my breath; settling back into my seat to watch the familiar towns as they begin to emerge and then whirl away on the roundabouts. We’re both quiet. I want to say it’s a companionable

silence, but there’s a pressing need in the back of my throat to cough up more words.

13:59

He has to tell me something.

14:00

My breath catches in my throat.

I wish it didn’t.

14:01

Tell me.

14:01

This is torture.

14:02

‘So,’ he says. ‘I’m gay.’

14:02

Wait, what?

14:03

‘Before you freak out–’ I can’t stop myself – – I laugh. I laugh and I laugh and I laugh and there are tears rolling down my face. Freak out? Why in the world would I freak out?

He doesn’t have a good answer. Only that our parents were shocked. I bring myself back from laughing with an ugly choking snort.

I’m not our parents. He never needed to tell me – and it doesn’t change a thing. Not to mention, I mean, I’m not surprised. I remind him gently why we stopped sharing an iTunes library. Sometimes, things stick in your head – even if you wish they wouldn’t. He swears. Then he laughs, and I laugh again. We laugh together.

14:07

A familiar song bursts through the speakers. We grin at each other. He winds down the windows. Fresh air buffets through the car. I crank up the volume.

My hands thud down, drumming the glovebox. He takes on the lyrics and I harmonise with him at the chorus.

Don’t stop.

By Kirsty Souter

Story submitted as part of Scottish Book Trust’s Blether Campaign.

Book Week Scotland 2019 runs from 18th to 24th of November, with events across the country. scottishbooktrust.com

.

Open 7 days a week Student Discounts + Special Offers

Gift Vouchers Available

129 Lauriston Place, Tollcross, EH3 9JN

www.EdinburghArtShop.co.uk