New Pubs

We checked out the pub, Molly Malone's this past Sunday. Its an Irish themed pub just a few blocks from our apartment. The weather was slightly crappy out, so what better to do than go to a pub? On the way out we met our little neighbor lady. She is an older lady that lives right above us. Whenever we meet her in the close, she chats and chats. On Sunday, she asked where we were going (like always) and we could not lie to her. I thought about it, but Mike told her we were going to Molly Malone's. We then found out everything she had heard in church that morning. I think she went home and prayed for our sinful souls going to pubs on a Sunday. We definitely felt slightly guilty after that, but went anyway. It was quite neat inside, and on Friday and Saturday nights they have live music, so I think we may head back this weekend to see if its any good. On St Patrick's Day the music and festivities start at 3pm here. I am trying to convince Mike to go, but the Scottish are serious drinkers and some can get rather violent when drinking... so, he's not sold yet.

Today we went to the Bon Accord. Its exactly in the middle of work and home. Could be dangerous for my walks home with Mike meeting me halfway... But... It was spectacular inside. They have a wide selection of whiskeys and have the real ales that we like. The real ales are really popular around here, and are usually better AND cheaper. The interior of this place is amazing. Their beer prices are slightly pricey, but their food prices are dirt cheap. We have heard that they will give tours of their cellar if you ask. We decided to ask when mom and dad are here. (Only 13 more days now!)

The Iron Horse

Today's new pub was 'The Iron Horse'. We, again, stumbled upon this pub by chance. The outside of the pub is pretty bland, but the inside was really pretty. There is a massive stained glass light cover that was gorgeous and the woodwork is amazing.
While we were talking, a big burly man approached us with a grocery bag full of cigarettes. "Can I interest you in any ciggies?" We stated that we weren't and he immediately moved on to the next table. Since cigarettes are so expensive here, he either has just came back from Gibraltar or held up a liquor store. I hope that it's Gibraltar, Mike is doubtful of this.

Pub Hopping

This weekend we met up with another International Student from Canada to check up some pubs we had read about. They were supposed to be great Glaswegian pubs and were listed in Scotland the Best guide as being the best of the unique and old unspoilt pubs of Glasgow. As there were three that were all right next to each other, we decided to hit them all at once. That and they are right near the Clyde, in a slightly sketchy part of town. Elise and I were glad that Mike was with us! Well... here is what we thought of the pubs we visited that evening...

The first pub was the Scotia Bar. Its a wee pub right near St Enoch Square (a fairly large shopping mall.) Mike really liked this one because of the architecture. He had written a paper on the social aspects of pubs regarding to class in London. As he was writing the paper he learned quite a bit about the structure of the old pubs and why it was that way, and so on. Well, this pub still had the original snug dividers, which he found really interesting. And this was the most interesting bar, but it also happened to be the most popular bar. Because of this we were not able to get seats, so only were able to look around. I suppose we'll just have to go back to check out the ales!

The next on the list was Clutha Vaults. Now given the name I thought it was going to be a lot more intriguing than it was. Just your normal hole in the wall pub. It did have really beautiful watercolors of the city up on the walls though. It was your typical Glaswegian pub though, complete with the staring regulars, and loud arguments over who knows what. More than likely football (soccer) as there was a big match over here that day.

The third pub of the night was The Victoria Bar, or the Briggait. This one wasn't as bad as the Clutha Vaults. There was a small band playing on one side of the pub and it was nice to listen to. The bar staff were nice, although fairly inattentive since again, there was a football game on the tele. I had the oddest beer at this pub though. It was called Belhaven's Best. It was okay at first, but then came the unmistakable stench of vomit. And it wasn't from someone in the pub, it was from my glass. The beer had the most horrendous smell of vomit and it was awful. I WILL NOT be having that again!!

Either way, I think that Elise thought we were crazy for (1) walking that close to the Clyde right before nightfall and (2) we actually took her to those pubs. After those three we headed to the wonderful O'Neill's for something to eat. Interestingly enough it was in a beautiful old building in the Merchant City and the interior was amazing! Out of all four we went to that evening, this would be the one we bring people to. Slightly sad since its one of many in a mega pub chain, but its still really wonderful!
(stay tuned for photos of the pubs later on in the week!)

4 February 2007

The State

Mike normally meets me on my walk home from work. He likes to get out after a long days reading through books and writing papers, but mainly I think he likes it because of all the pubs between the M8 and our apartment. The pub we normally stop at was closed for the week so that they can install their super-chilled system. SO, we looked around the corner and spotted 'The State.'
The inside of the pub was amazing. Lots of stuff to look at and the seats even looked like they were the originals. The bar maid was incredibly nice and took the time to recommend different ales to us as well. Not something you usually get in a pub, which was a pleasant surprise. AND it looks like they have quite a bit of live music as well in the evenings. Needless to say, we will be heading back to this pub in the future! 5 February 2007