The Clockwork Beer Company

Sunday hangouts in Cathcart are as scarce as stockings on nuns, which is why the Clockwork is a gem. It may be frayed around the edges, but then people don't come for the décor. You see, the exposed pipes on the ceilings aren't a cute postmodern touch, but working beer pumps – this is one of the few pubs in Scotland with its own brewery. Now mini-brewery beer always made me think of substances that taste like the Green Man's bath water pumped into bottles with hyperactive hobbits on the label. How wrong I was. Their organic lager is a match for the best Bavarian brews, and was the perfect accompaniment to the Mexican mains ordered by myself and my friend Jo. Mexican food should bite like a chihuahua, but sadly some pubs have a habit of neutering spicy fare. Thankfully Jo's Vegetarian Chilli had the right amount of kick, while my fajitas were packed with fresh and fruity flavours - the only low point being the rather stingy pile of tortillas. The desserts were classic comfort food – Jo's apple pie was the ideal combination of sweet and tart beneath a firm buttery crust, while my sticky toffee pudding thumbed its nose at the dental industry. We wobbled slightly as we left. There's no pun intended when I say that the Clockwork is the perfect place for winding down – and no doubt many a lost afternoon can be found down the backs of the armchairs.