Where it's at... May 2007

Human Be-In

Inside: One of those long, high bars, spacious and with a giant south-facing window. Open and stylish without being cold.

Provisions: On a sunny day it's all about a classy Euro-lager and an outside table.

Clientele: Named after a pre-Summer of Love gathering in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, Edinburgh's 'Human Be-In' is less psychedelic but just as much fun. Skinny folks are known to hang there, doing their Skinny thing.

Magic Moment: Friendly bar service. Still comes as a surprise…

Opener: "All those curves, and me with no brakes. No, I didn't say you're fat. I meant you're, you're, attractive…"

2 West Causewayside,
South Side,
Edinburgh,
0131 662 8860

The Ivy

Inside: Outdoor seating or an open fire. Come rain or shine, it's a cosy spot. There's also leather-studded, booth-style seating. Rather swish.

Provisions: What would you like? Nice beers on tap, surprisingly varied menu, with good prices.

Clientele: Everybody seems relaxed and groovy. Cool cats.

Magic Moment: At a recent gig, Boom Monk Ben pulled out Do The
Whirlwind by Architecture in Helsinki and in walked tray after tray of free snacks and nibbles. When was the last time you got given free mini spring rolls and pizza at a gig?

Opener: "Would you stop looking at me like that… Look at me like this instead." (Think an orangutan with serpent tongue) "Oh you cheeky devil, behave yourself."

157-159 North Street,
Charing Cross,
Glasgow
0141 221 1144