Glasgow bar to close and reopen as Scottish pub with Irn-Bru cheesecake on menu
Van Winkle will shut its doors on March 30 for a £275,000 revamp, before reopening as Gael & Grain - which promises a unique take on classic Scottish comfort food.
The firm behind a top west end bar has announced it will close later this month before reopening with a new look following a £275,000 revamp.
The refurbishment of Van Winkle (formerly the iconic McPhabbs) on Sandyford Place will see it transformed into Gael & Grain, a pub celebrating Scottish food, drink and music. It will open in mid-May, promising a unique take on classic Scottish comfort food with dishes such as haggis lasagne and Irn-Bru cheesecake.
The project is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and the venue’s operators Lomond Leisure Group, who have five sites across the central belt including Mharsanta on Bell Street and their original flagship bourbon bar Van Winkle on the Gallowgate.
The firms say the investment will upgrade the pub throughout, carefully restoring the outside of the building – which dates back to the mid-1800s – in keeping with the surrounding conservation area and adding new signage and lighting. A smart 30-seater alfresco area will complete the look at the front, and the rear garden will have a makeover too.
A stylish new internal décor will incorporate natural materials like timber flooring, exposed brickwork and leather button-back seating, alongside fabrics and wallpapers designed in Scotland.
The 64-seater ground floor will cater for drinkers and diners, and the basement will act as an events space, hosting everything from comedy nights and live music to private parties and business meetings.
The drinks selection will follow suit with a range of malt whiskies and Scottish gins. Gael & Grain will also showcase Scottish music – from traditional musicians to contemporary bands.
At the same time as developing Gael & Grain, the Lomond Leisure Group will open a new restaurant – Kirk O’The Lochs – in Tarbet and refurbish the beer garden at Van Winkle on Gallowgate for the summer.
Lomond Leisure Group director Derek Mallon said: “It’s an exciting time for Glasgow. Its independent pub, bar and restaurant scene is going from strength to strength, putting the city on the map for hospitality.
"For a small country, Scotland punches above its weight when it comes to the food and drink it produces and is widely recognised as having some of the best meat and seafood in the world. There’s growing demand for great Scottish food and drink, and Gael & Grain will aim to meet this in a relaxed, welcoming pub setting.”
Star Pubs’ operations director for Scotland Matt Dyson said: “We’re delighted to be backing the Lomond Leisure Group in their plans to develop another fantastic venue in Glasgow.