Dundee venues round-up: May 2024

Roots

After trendy vegan pub Rad Apples closed its doors last year, its much-loved music venue Conroy’s Basement was missed by Dundee’s gig-goers. But this spring, the basement reopened as inclusive music venue Roots. With an aim to support the city’s grassroots entertainment scene, the aptly-named venue has hosted a variety of music nights from metal and punk to indie and singer-songwriter, as well as comedy and even burlesque shows. The Apples may have fallen, but Roots is sprouting green shoots in time for a summer of live gems. 51-53 Meadowside, DD1 1EQ

Höfn 

Opened by Bank Street Tattoo artist Graham Cameron, Höfn is a sophisticated addition to Dundee city centre’s coffee shop offering. Tucked down a lane away from the high street bustle, its sleek, Scandi minimalism combined with generous pastries and high-end light bites make for a slightly more cosmopolitan feel than is common in Dundee’s cosy café scene. Here you’ll find plenty of trendy young folk in various colours of beanie enjoying an array of delicious, if slightly steeply priced open sandwiches. The name Höfn (the Icelandic word for harbour) is a nice touch too, paying subtle homage to Dundee’s riverside locale. 7 Bank Street, DD1 1RL

Black Mamba

Asian-Spanish fusion isn’t the most instinctive combo, but at Black Mamba, it works. The restaurant, which moved in where student favourite Tonic used to be on Perth Road, has been a roaring success since it opened in late 2023, as it combines Asian flavours and recipes with a tapas style of dining. Small plates abound with an array of options for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike, making it a perfect place to eat with large groups. The plush, modern renovation of the restaurant makes for a big-city feel, and the cocktail menu is mouthwateringly extensive, so leave the car at home. 141 Nethergate, DD1 4DP

CUPP

Boba tea franchise CUPP has landed on Dundee’s Reform Street, with customers literally queuing down the block to sample the Taiwanese ‘drink you can chew’. Tapioca balls are the fun feature of this viral drink, and the small but mighty CUPP store in Dundee offers a large range of flavours, from fruit teas (made with real fruit puree) to matcha and even hot boba. Since bubble tea is a culture all of its own, the shop also sells plush toys and merchandise for superfans of the drink. 33 Reform Street, DD1 1SH