If you want to top up your tan then Glasgow is probably not ahead of Ibiza, Cannes and Kos on your sunshine destination wish lists.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t get a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle around these parts. At Isleña, a new restaurant and cafe on Bell Street in the Merchant City, it’s all about sunny flavours delivered in a bright, cheery and laidback environment.

There is a central bar where customers can sit and shoot the breeze and the premises have large windows onto Bell Street – perfect for watching the world stroll by. Alternatively, you could follow the action in the open plan kitchen.

Isleña calls itself a chiringuito or Spanish beach bar. Decked out in blues and whites, it is all very coastal. Squint and you might just be in San Sebastian.

Fresh and simple

The menu is fresh and simple. The dishes are just the sort of thing that you might find in any seaside spot from Valencia to Santorini although it could be argued that there is a subtle Spanish focus. Options such as the hake, clams, ham and sherry certainly smack of España as do the mojo potatoes or the picante chorizo in cider.

The seafood section is a belter with sea bream baked in salt; a tuna steak with salsa verde and langoustines all appealing to this 5pm Dining blog scribbler. The veggie options look good too. I could just go a spinach and chickpea empanada.

Naturally, meat-eaters are not overlooked. From sirloin steaks with rocket and pecorino to lamb chuletas or chops, there is plenty to chew over.

There is a thoughtful wine list and we are chuffed at the choice of sherry. Few things beat a chilled glass of Manzanilla with a plate of crispy pig’s ears.