Glasgow venues round-up: October 2021

Doppio Malto

Doppio Malto is a kitchen and brewhouse concept restaurant which originated in Italy and has branches across mainland Europe. Glasgow was selected as the site for the company’s first UK restaurant, taking up residency on George Square in the building which once hosted Jamie’s Italian. The menu features a lot of familiar faces (pizzas, pastas, burgers) but their loaded sizzling barbeque plates are an area of particular achievement. A wide selection of craft beers are available from their long line of rotating taps, and all the beers are devised and brewed in the company’s two breweries. Staff are in the know on taste profiles across the range of drinks, so it’s worth asking for pairing recommendations. A must visit for beer fans. 7 George Sq, G2 1DY

Vega

Located just seconds away from Central Station, Vega is located on the top floor of Glasgow’s latest uber-hotel Yotel, from the recognisable chain behind Yo! Sushi and other Yotels across the globe. Vega is their rooftop restaurant/bar/bowling alley (no, really) which is open to the public, and dining at Vega is quite a spectacle. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer fantastic views of the city, as far across as the river during the daytime. At night, meanwhile, the personality of the place really comes to life, with the velvet seats and marble tabletops lit up by a riot of neon. The food menu is basically bowling alley stuff done well – burgers, tacos, baskets of topped chips. It would be remiss not to try and hit some pins. As far as bowling goes, this is certainly the most photogenic spot the city has to offer. Even the bowling balls are stylish, and the bowling shoes? Optional. 260 Argyle St, G2 8QW

Broken Pony

At the end of Dumbarton Road, nestled in the increasingly hip Thornwood area, is the latest venture from the team behind Kelvinbridge’s iconic bar Inn Deep. Broken Pony is a versatile spot: strong bistro vibes carry this place through seamlessly from day to night, with a well-stocked bar as well as a short and considered cocktail list gives a sense of Broken Pony’s night-time ambitions, while freshly brewed coffee and hearty brunch options showcase a daytime space that is welcoming and child-friendly. The walls of the minimal stylish interior (think Mackintosh) are lined with the work of local artists, so that Broken Pony fits right in where it sits in Thornwood, cool and community-minded with a terrific sense of place. 734 Dumbarton Rd, G11 6RD

Abandon Ship Bar

Founded ten years ago, things have moved quickly for this one-time T-shirt company. Abandon Ship is now recognisable as much more than just a clothing brand: they are – in their own words – an “art, ethos, lifestyle” company, with a successful Dundee bar under their belt. It was only a matter of time before they brought their distinctive nautical rock and roll stylings to Glasgow’s city centre. Located on Mitchell Street, the Abandon Ship bar is organised chaos: arcade machines, a photobooth, a pickleback shot station, table service, a thorough cocktail menu. For fans of tequila and bourbon, there are some innovative offerings. The bar leans into the brand’s shiny and slick version of rock and roll: the music is loud, the drinks are strong, and the neon never burns out. 43 Mitchell St, G1 3LN

Roberta’s

Taking up the spot where St Vincent Street meets Hope Street once occupied by Iberia, Roberta’s is a bold and confident Italian restaurant on one of Glasgow’s busiest dining thoroughfares. Making good use of its prime city centre real estate, the sprawling corner spot has been refit to perfection. Considering the stylish surroundings, prices are reasonable (pizzas begin at £7, pastas at £8). An open pizza kitchen takes centre stage where chefs can be seen tossing dough for their classic Neapolitan-style pizzas. The long cocktail bar where mixologists shake up espresso martinis feels like a bar within a restaurant – lined with bistro stools and open to walk-ins who aren’t dining. 140 St Vincent St, G2 5LA