Photo of
April 4, 2019

Every time we blink, a new restaurant or bar opens its doors in Glasgow. And we couldn't be happier.

We'll start with The Palais Bar which recently opened in Dennistoun. On Duke Street, to be exact. Main pic, from Facebook, shows the bar's exterior.

Formerly The Duchess, it is billed as a neighbourhood bar looking to serve the rapidly changing local community.

Its name comes from the fact that the former Dennistoun Palais dance hall used to pull in the crowds just a hop, skip and a jump away from the bar's location.

After a fire in 1936, The Palais dance hall was rebuilt in 1938 and, for a while, its 1800 capacity meant it was the biggest dance hall in Glasgow.

Houghmagandy

It became a supermarket in the early Sixties but not before it was immortalised in Hamish Imlach's song Cod Liver Oil and the Orange Juice.

Hugely popular in its time, the song was about the sweet seduction of Hairy Mary at the dancing and contained the line: 'Does this bus go tae the Dennistoun Palais? Oh-ho, I'm lookin' fur a lumber'.

We are not going to speculate on anyone's chances of finding houghmagandy at The Palais Bar but they will find cocktails, beers, wines and an appealing food menu.

As well as pizza, burgers and dishes like the beer-battered fish and chips, The Palais Bar also has daily specials.

We liked the sound of the black pudding and haggis Scotch egg with crispy sweet potato and banana ketchup.

Naturally, veggies and vegans have plenty of choices on the ever evolving menu.

As well as a pub quiz every Thursday, the bar is planning on running acoustic music sessions on Sunday afternoons.

Smokey Trotters at Dirty Duchess

The Smokey Trotters Kitchen serves burgers and more.

The Smokey Trotters Kitchen serves burgers and more. Pic: Facebook

Moving over to The Dirty Duchess on Argyle Street, we see that, from today, the Smokey Trotters Kitchen is rattling the pans.

Look out for options such as the KFC - fried chicken, gochujang, garlic mayo, and Asian slaw.

Chef Nico Simeone has announced the next theme for his Six by Nico restaurants in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

From Tuesday 16th April, the restaurants will be running a six course menu themed around the cities visited by the Orient Express.

Think ricotta anglotti with peperonata for Milan and chicken schnitzel with white asparagus for Vienna.

25 years of The Garage

Last but not least, the latest edition of Dram magazine has a good interview with Donald MacLeod as he celebrates 25 years of The Garage in Glasgow.

If you have ever spent a night dancing or watching a gig in the Sauchiehall venue then you'll enjoy hearing Mr MacLeod's memories of running the place.