Heard It Through The Grapevine

Last month Ivy bar in Glasgow moved to its new home on the west end of Argyle Street, occupying the space formerly held by 54 Below. Over the past two years Ivy has become one of the most impressive bars in the city, boasting an impressive music policy and the biggest selection of rum of any bar in Scotland. In 2007 Ivy received the Best New Bar award from the Theme Bar & Restaurant Magazine and has increased in popularity among Glasgow’s crowd of discerning drinkers ever since.

Ivy’s regular nights include OOFT Music’s Black Magic Rum Club and Stuberry Jam, where pub visitors are invited to jam with the in-house band. Ivy has attracted a lot of musical talent during its time on North Street, with both local acts and artists from further afield performing in the upstairs bar. The bar’s music policy has close ties to the house, hip-hop and electronica record label Five20East, home to The Revenge, OOFT Music, Deportivo Street Team, Ruff Jamz and others. As well as providing some excellent DJ sets from local artists such as Record Playerz, Freakmenoovers, Harri and Boom Monk Ben, Ivy has also been the venue for some of the finest intimate gigs to grace Glasgow in 2008. Canada’s finest export and national treasure, Cadence Weapon, performed to a crowd of around 150 people on his Afterparty Babies tour last year. Glasgow’s Numbers crew also put on artists at the Ivy, including Hudson Mohawke, with great success.

Following the launch night on 31 January, Ivy looks set to continue its stellar music line-up each month. The Black Magic Rum Club returns on 5 February and The Revenge appear on 20 February with a big, fat Skinny seal of approval. Highly recommended.