On Glasgow’s Queen Street, Proud Mary has shuffled off this mortal coil and gone to the great bar graveyard in the sky.

In its place is Rocky O’Sullivan’s which is billed as a ‘New York Irish’ bar.

The idea seems to be a sort of Emerald Isle-themed dive bar inspired by The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York.

Lots of live music and sport are promised while the more athletic customers can show off their hand to eye co-ordination at the dart board.

Craic addicts

Apart from the steak ‘n’ Guinness pie, the menu perhaps owes more to the Americas than Ireland. Nachos, chicken wings and Cajun wedges sit on the starter section alongside haggis pakora.

There are baguettes and baked potatoes plus a mains section which includes choices such as fish ‘n’ chips, chilli con carne and Rocky’s burger.

Rocky O’Sullivan’s will be live on 5pm early next week.

The 5pm Dining blog takes its hat off to Irish bars. Fashions and fads come and go but the appeal of the elusive craic show no sign of waning.

Mediterranean flavours with a Glasgow twist

If you prefer tzatziki to tortilla nachos then you may wish to keep your eyes on Hope Street.

The former Bistro Beaumartin has been transformed into Halloumi, a new Greek restaurant.

Halloumi promises ‘Mediterranean flavours with a Glasgow twist’. Look out for souvlaki skewers, crisp salads and a selection of old faves which includes a classic lamb moussaka, spanakopita parcels and hearty stifado beef stews.

To be honest, we could just go a bowl of halloumi chips and a houmous dip right now.

We understand that Halloumi will be announcing a launch date in the next few days and they will feature on 5pm.

A fortnight on the Greek islands may be off the agenda this summer but Halloumi can offer some sunny Mediterranean flavours.