Glasgow bar to close for £275,000 transformation

A well-known Glasgow bar will close for over a month to undergo a £275,000 transformation.

Van Winkle, formerly known as McPhabbs, on Sandyford Place, will serve its last drinks on March 30 before undergoing a revamp.

The venue will be transformed into Gael and Grain, a pub that will "celebrate" Scottish food, drink, and music.

The project is a joint effort by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and the venue's operators, Lomond Leisure Group, which has five other sites across the central belt.

This includes Mharsanta on Bell Street and the original flagship bourbon bar Van Winkle on Gallowgate.

Gael and Grain is scheduled to open in the middle of May, creating eight new jobs.

The investment will upgrade the pub throughout and carefully restore the outside of the building, which dates back to the mid-1800s, to fit in with the surrounding conservation area.

New signage and lighting will also be added, while a "smart" 30-seater alfresco area will be added to the front of the building.

The rear garden will also be renovated.

The inside of the pub will be fitted out with timber flooring, exposed brickwork, and leather seating, while the 64-seater ground floor will cater for drinkers and diners.

The basement will serve as an events space.

It will host everything from comedy nights and live music to private parties and business meetings.