While most of were making merry over the festive period, some restaurateurs and bar owners were bedding in their new businesses and organising a gin festival in Glasgow.

In particular, we will mention The Foxy Fiddler which recently opened on Edinburgh’s Morrison Street.

It has sprung up in the glass fronted premises which briefly housed The Priory bar and kitchen.

As well as a full drinks range, there is a busy kitchen. Showing live sports via Sky seems to be a large part of the offer.

There is a basement space which, if memory serves, used to house popular salsa classes back in the dim and distant past.

The grub available ranges from fish ‘n’ chips to  chicken fajita melts via Sunday roasts.

There is a list of classic cocktails. However, we were tickled by their board advertising drinks for those attempting a dry January.

Who wouldn’t be tempted by a dry white wine, dry Martini or a refreshing pint of dry cider?

Gags aside, they do, of course, serve a range of booze-free tipples.

Gin Festival in Glasgow

Switching to the other side of the M8, what’s billed as the UK’s biggest and oldest gin festival is coming to Glasgow for the first time in March.

Gin Festival Glasgow 2017 will be at The Briggait From Friday 3rd March to Sunday 5th March with six different sessions over the three days.

Entry is £9.50 per person plus booking fee which gets you admittance, a badge, a glass and a brochure.

There will be live music and entertainment, talks from gin industry experts, food and over a hundred gins to try.

The festival will operate a token system. Each token is a fiver and will secure a single measure of gin, garnish and Fever Tree mixer.

Chin chin!