WebNovDec18

www.westendermagazine.com | 1

2 | www.westendermagazine.com 

“The best Christmas for generations” 

Christmas and New Year may come 

only once a year but boy do we make 

them one to remember with Scotland’s 

largest house party here at Crieff Hydro. 

And as 2018 is our 150th birthday year – 

we’ve got double the celebration! 

What’s included: 

• Three to five nights accommodation 

• Endless entertainment 

• Free childcare for 2 -12 year olds 

• FREE leisure pool, gym and cinema 

3 Night 

Christmas Package 

Only £513 

per person 

3 Night 

New Year Package 

Only £810 

per person 

Self-catering 

breaks 

From £64 

per person, per night 

Book now crieffhydro.com/festive | 01764 655 555 

Terms: Based on two adults sharing standard double accommodation, arriving on 24 or 30 December 2018 for three nights. 

Self-catering breaks are a minimum of 5 nights. Hotel packages include all meals. Subject to availability, see website for full details.

www.westendermagazine.com | 3 

Contents 

Image I Gregor Reid 

Contents 

6 Regulars Fashion pages 

westender 

underwear 4 Editor’s Letter shoot 

13 25 A Mum’s Jian London Notebook 

Christmas 

14 Fashion, West beauty End Live & health 

with Greg Kane 

7 WIN! At Rainbow Room 

19 A west end 

International 

Christmas gift guide 

8 Animal prints go wild 

28 Up Front 

gypsy brewing 

30 

Shopping 

Restaurant review 

31 7 WIN! Tickets A 3 course to Country meal 

with Living wine Christmas at Rio Cafe Fair & 

WIN! 31 Christmas A weekend gift guide 

at 40 The Keeping Bruce it Arms local on 

32 Clarence Sweet Drive Liberty recipe 

34 Author’s Bookgroup 

meets Phil Differ 

Going out 

39 Jingle Belles at 

Kennedy 20 West End + CoLive 

40 with WIN! Greg A Kane style 

makeover 22 Top Things at Rainbow 

Room International 

41 Art Festive & culture Offers 

at Esteem Beauty 

42 

52 Cover 

100 years 

to Cover 

of 

Erskine celebrated 

at Food The & Hunterian drink 

44 

45 Restaurant 

Health Matters 

review: 

47 

Nonya 

Mum’s Notebook 

49 

46 Sweet 

Top Things 

Liberty 

52 

51 Bar 

Interiors 

review: 

article: 

Bank Place 

Christmas in colour 

55 Country comforts 

Westender living 

56 Hygge at home 

58 56 Atlas Creative kitchen kitchen 

makeover clearout 

66 61 Highland Legal Matters hideaway with 

Mitchells 62 Glorious Roberton glamour


Editor’s 

Letter 

T 

he festive edition is here and we’re 

bursting at the seams with all sorts of 

useful information to help you navigate 

this busy and, so often, stressful time of year. 

Christmas officially starts at the Country 

Living Christmas Fair at the SEC on the 

15th-18th November and we have eight pairs 

of tickets to be won – see Page 7! There’s a 

huge variety of different retailers from food 

and drink to furnishings and decorations to 

some really unusual gift ideas for people who 

are very awkward to buy for (thinking of you, 

Dad). For more inspiration on festive pressies 

head on to our annual Christmas gift guide 

on Page 31. This year we’ve covered five 

whole pages with inspiration from West End 

gift shops and bespoke local online retailers 

– it’s amazing what you find gets made in 

Finnieston! 

As for things to do this November and 

December, well, we’re spoiled for choice. 

Greg Kane shares his best of the gigs with 

us on Page 20 (Madonna Pop Discoteque 

Above: Suzanne Martin, Westender editor. 

Below: On location in Jordanhill Bowling Club on 

the ‘it’s my party shoot’ with model Ellie Hunton 

from the Colours Agency and Westender Stylist 

Jacki Clark. 

at SWG3 anyone?). While Tracy Mukherjee 

takes us on a festive tour of our city on Page 

22. With so much going on we’ve broken 

out of the West End and explored the wider 

environs of the city centre – well, the Santa 

Dash is pretty special and all for good 

causes. 

What I’m particularly enjoying this edition 

is Susan Robertson’s interiors articles from 

Page 56. My kitchen is a functional and at 

times unloved space – yet we spend so much 

time there. With a little bit of decluttering and 

TLC this could be a much more welcoming 

space for friends and family and I’m feeling 

inspired to spend a little time and a bit of 

effort to make it look its best for Christmas. 

And I do also want to bake Liberty’s Sugar 

Cookies on Page 46, I know how good they 

taste. So yes, the cat’s out the bag, I gorge 

myself on the goodies Liberty bakes for 

the Sweet Liberty pages – after the shoot 

of course! Gregor Reid, the Westender 

photographer, is much worse and can be 

found scavenging titbits just out of shot whilst 

shooting. Just don’t tell him I told you so… 

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone! 

Suzanne Martin



EDITOR 

SUZANNE MARTIN 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

GREGOR REID 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

EMILY DONOHO, 

MICHELE GORDON, 

GREG KANE, 

TRACY MUKHERJEE, 

ROBERTO PARRUCCI, 

SUSAN ROBERTSON, BRIAN TOAL, 

LIBERTY VITTERT 

HAIR & MUA 

TERRI CRAIG 

STYLIST 

JACKI CLARK 

WESTENDERMAGAZINE.COM 

INFO@WESTENDERMAGAZINE.COM 

07905 897238 

WESTENDER MAGAZINE IS ON 

FACEBOOK, TWITTER 

& INSTAGRAM 

Publisher: Westender Magazine 

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial 

contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions 

resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. 

Westender Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. 

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form – electronic, 

mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior permission of the publisher.

Country Living Magazine Christmas 

Fair is back at the SEC from 15-18 

November 2018. This annual Fair 

is viewed by many as the official start of 

Christmas, and a must for anyone wanting 

to find everything for the perfect festive 

celebration under one roof. 

We have eight pairs of tickets for this 

fabulously festive show to be won. Our lucky 

winners can source beautiful decorations 

and original gifts from gorgeous garlands 

and beautiful baubles, to glassware, scented 

candles and stylish cards. Arts and craft 

lovers can pick up haberdashery, ribbons, 

fabrics, sewing kits and craft essentials – 

everything required to get seriously creative 

this Christmas. 

The perfect day out wouldn’t be complete 

without a relaxing glass of fizz. The Viking 

Cruise Champagne Bar is a great place 

to review purchases, plan the rest of the 

day’s shopping or just relax with a glass of 

Champagne. 

To book tickets call 0844 581 1385 or 

visit countrylivingfair.com/ticket-prices. 

WIN! Westender Magazine has 

eight pairs of tickets to be won! 

For your chance to win go to 

westendermagazine.com and click 

on competitions by the 8th Nov’18. 

RRI 

I 

Westender www.westendermagazine.com Magazine Competitions | 7 

by John Parker 

t’s nearly Christmas and what a year it’s 

been for us at Rainbow Room International. 

We recently received the fantastic news 

that Paddy McDougall from our Rainbow 

Room International George Square salon 

received the ‘It Guy’ award at this years 

‘Most Wanted’ It List Awards 2018. We will 

also be attending the British Hairdressing 

Awards in London where our team is up for 

three awards including the prestigious British 

Artistic Team of the Year. And for the first 

time our very own Designer Stylist, Summer, 

will be attending. 

Summer started as an assistant at our 

Great Western Road salon and has worked 

her way up the promotion ladder and is now a 

Designer Stylist at the salon and a part of our 

Rainbow Room International Artistic Team. 

She is a testament to our Rainbow Room 

International brand and a prime example of 

how you can join as an assistant and work 

your way up the ranks. 

We are currently looking for new 

assistants in the salon, so if you are 

interested in being a part of our Rainbow 

Room International team please do get in 

touch; give us a call at the salon. 

follow – Rainbow Room GWR 

Rainbow Room International 

607 Great Western Road G12 8HX 

0141 337 3370 

rainbowroominternational.com 

WIN! Rainbow Room International 

are offering one lucky reader a hair 

makeover in their Great Western Rd 

salon. For your chance to win go to 

westendermagazine.com and click 

on competitions by the 31st Dec’18.

86 | www.westendermagazine.com

Photography 

Stylist 

Make Up 


Gregor Reid 

Jacki Clark 

Terri Craig 

‘tis the 

season



cape, Catherines of partick 

jewellery, nancy smillie 

dress, Top shop 

shoes, office

Dress, zara. SHoes, office. bag & jewellery, liquorice tree 

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12 10 | www.westendermagazine.com 

dress, asos. bag, pink poodle. jewellery, liquorice tree. shoes, office

www.westendermagazine.com | | 13 11 

dress, asos


dress, biba @frasers. Bag, pink poodle. shoes, office

www.westendermagazine.com | 13 15 

model neesha graham 

MUA terri craig, terricraig.co.uk 

stylist jacki clark, jackiclark-stylist.co.uk 

photography gregor reid, gregorreidphotography.com 

shoes, office 

bag, top shop 

necklace, liquorice tree. 

dress, catherines of partick


skirt, top, choker & shoes, top shop 

necklace, nancy smillie 

jacket, pink poodle 

opposite page - dress, asos. necklace, nancy smillie

www.westendermagazine.com | 15 17 

Location jordanhill bowling club 

model ellie hunton @coloursagency.com 

Hair and MUA terri craig, terricraig.co.uk 

stylist jacki clark, jackiclark-stylist.co.uk 

photography gregor reid, gregorreidphotography.com

18 | Westender www.westendermagazine.com 

Magazine Promotion 

What’s in BETTY’S Wardrobe? 

Eyewear brand IOLLA are putting all eyes 

on you. With the launch of their new 

Eyewear Wardrobe campaign, the 

brand is putting the spotlight on the IOLLA 

community to share what inspires their 

eyewear choices each day. Whether it’s for 

different sides of your personality, different 

seasons or purely for comfort, there’s no 

perfect rhyme or reason to which frames you 

should wear each day. IOLLA believes your 

choice of frames should be just as unique as 

you are. 

Choosing which pair of glasses to wear 

each day is a statement of style, which is why 

IOLLA are continuing to make the process 

as fun and as easy as possible with their new 

Eyewear Wardrobe case. And with space 

for four pairs of glasses, it’s the perfect 

companion for storing all of your favourite 

frames, almost like a mini walk in wardrobe 

for the short and long sighted. 

To coincide with the launch of the Eyewear 

Wardrobe, IOLLA are teaming up with Forever 

Yours Betty, who will be hosting four styling 

days in their showrooms and inviting you to 

come along and ‘Be Styled By Betty’. 

Throughout November, you will have the 

opportunity to gain some invaluable styling 

advice from fashion blogger and style editor 

Sheri Scott, who is known for her eyewear 

collection and impeccable style. If you are 

unsure of which frames may suit you, this true 

Scottish style icon will help you to expand 

your Eyewear Wardrobe, and you’ll be sure to 

have fun doing it! 

If you haven’t heard of IOLLA before, it’s 

a brand that focuses on bringing fashionable 

eyewear within the reach of everyone. Gone 

are the days of having to choose a singular 

frame to go with every outfit. At IOLLA, the 

frames are stylish and affordable. Costing 

a flat rate of £65 no matter which frame 

you choose (that includes frame cost, 

prescription lenses, coatings and even lens 

thinning), shopping for a new pair of 

glasses has never been easier. 

With a wide range of unisex styles to 

choose from, there’s something for everyone 

at IOLLA. Whether you prefer big, small, bold, 

tortoiseshell, cat-eye, metal or round frames, 

you’ll be sure to find something that fits 

your fancy. Available to purchase 

online or instore at their Finnieston 

and Stockbridge showrooms, 

there’s plenty of choice to create 

your own personal Eyewear 

Wardrobe. After all, life’s too 

short for only one pair!

Westender www.westendermagazine.com Magazine Promotion | 19 

BE STYLED BY BETTY 

Thursday 15th Nov & Thursday 29th Nov, 5-8pm 1313 Argyle Street, Finnieston G3 8TL 

Thursday 8th Nov & Thursday 22nd Nov, 5-8pm 22 North West Circus Place EH3 6SX


LIVE 

November 

Kacey Musgraves 

Friday 2nd November 6.30pm 

SEC Armadillo, sec.co.uk 

LGTBQ rights, futurism, Acid? 

You don’t have to be a dedicated 

student of Nashville’s history to 

know that this is not the usual fare 

dished up by Music City’s mainstream 

stars and Kacey Musgraves is 

definitely a different kind of outlaw 

country music starlet. Born 30 years 

ago in Texas, this controversial and 

prolific country singer/songwriter 

wrote her first song aged nine, had 

forged a successful career playing 

Texas Swing music by her teens and 

in her 20s had established herself 

as a prominent artist in the global 

country psyche. 

She is out promoting her seventh 

studio album 'Golden Hour'. 

Choice Tracks: 

Kacey Musgarves 'Lonely Weekend' 

Soul II Soul 

Saturday 3rd November 6.30pm 


As soon as you hear that Graham 

Central Station drum sample on Soul 

II Soul’s iconic 'Back To Life' you're 

immediately transported back to the 

summer of 1989. Ah, those heady days 

how I miss them so. 

1989 was a good year for Soul II 

Soul, they had top ten hit singles on 

both sides of the Atlantic and their 

debut album went on to sell over 

five million copies worldwide. Soul 

II Soul (Jazzy B, Nellee Hooper and 

singer Caron Wheeler) proudly put 

British soul music firmly on the map 

back then and they are still doing it 

now. 

We’ve played with them at a few 

festivals this Summer and Soul II 

Soul are a great live experience that 

deliver their own distinct brand of 

sophisticated, atmospheric, funk 

jazz hip hop. 

Choice track: 

Soul II Soul ‘Keep On Moving’ 

Danny Goffey 

Sunday 18th November 7.30pm 

The Hug and Pint, thehugandpint.com 

Danny Goffey is the drummer from the 

band Supergrass, who’s singer Gaz 

Combes also released the brilliant 

'World’s Strongest Man' album earlier 

this year. Go have a listen to it. 

They’re a prolific lot this bunch from 

England’s green and pleasant land… 

Eton, Oxford. 

But I’m not going to hold that 

against him because Danny Goffey's 

music is lyrically well thought 

out, rhythmically assured and very 

cleverly produced with hints of Beck, 

Blockheads and Blur. 

His offerings are much more playful 

than his bandmate’s solo efforts, 

but no less compelling. Big Audio 

Dynamite comes to mind too when 

listening down to his latest album 

'Schtick'. Good stuff. 

Choice Track: Danny Goffey 

'Let It Happen'


by Greg Kane 

December 

Courtney Pine & Omar 

Wednesday 12th December 8pm 

Òran Mór, oran-mor.co.uk 

Multi instrumental jazz musician 

Courtney Pine presents ‘Black Notes 

from the Deep’ featuring guest 

vocalist Omar. 

This very special project brings 

together two of the UK’s finest jazz 

and soul talents composing, recording 

and performing new original material 

together for the first time. 

With ‘Black Notes from the Deep’ 

Courtney Pine returns to the tenor 

saxophone and features the vocal 

talents of UK soul star Omar, whose 

1992 hit single ‘There’s Nothing Like 

This’ established a truly unique and 

instantly recognisable ‘signature’ 

sound. 

These two sound great together and 

hopefully this is the beginnings of a 

long and fruitful collaboration. 

Choice track: 

Courtney Pine Feat. Omar 'Rules' 

Paul McCartney 

Friday 14th December 6.30pm 


One of my Beatles loving friends 

always asks, ‘why doesn’t McCartney 

just have Ringo on drums, Jeff Beck 

and Clapton on guitars, Rick Wakeman 

on keys… put a supergroup together to 

play all those amazing songs?… it’d be 

brilliant!' 

Good question. Well, he doesn’t even 

employ a real string section to play 

'Yesterday' or 'Eleanor Rigby' or a real 

horn section to play 'Got To Get You 

Into My Life' or 'Lady Madonna'. Weird 

that. A clue as to why may be found 

in the story that one of his session 

guitarists’ tells of Paul handing him 

a tenner and asking him to go and get 

fish suppers for everyone during a 

break at a rehearsal at his studio in 

Campbeltown. There were over twelve 

people to feed! Seemingly he’s tight is 

oor Paul. 

Nevertheless, it’s PAUL MCCARTNEY. 

In Glasgow. Live. You Have To Go! 

He’s out promoting his new solo album 

'Egypt Station', which is really very 

good indeed. 

As you can probably tell by now 

my answer to the 'who is your fave 

Beatle?' question is always Lennon. 

Choice Track: Paul McCartney 

'Jenny Wren' 

Madonna Pop Discoteque 

Saturday 22nd December 11pm 

SWG3, swg3.tv 

The best Madonna tribute night in the 

world is coming to Glasgow. The 'Into 

The Groove Tour' rolls into town just 

in time for Xmas. 

'…Prepare to be catapulted from the 

80s , 90s , 00s and back again as you 

take a 'feel good' journey with the best 

pop and disco classics blended with 

the greatest hits from Madonna…' 

With the party coming right at the 

height of the festive season, you can 

be guaranteed that this will be one of 

the biggest nights of the last weekend 

before Dec 25th. 

Aw come on, IT’S XMAS! 

Choice track: Madonna 'Like A Virgin'


Top Things To Do 

in the West End 

by Tracy Mukherjee 

Top for Autumn Magic 

Our dear Botanic Gardens have always been 

magical to the thousands who flock through 

their gilded gates each day. But come nightfall 

in October and November, the gardens will take 

on a whole new mystical glow. Running until 

the 11th November, the GlasGLOW event will see 

the Botanics transformed into a fantasy realm 

with an ethereal light and sound show. Walking 

around, the familiar grounds will take on a whole 

new form: a fantasy world of dragons, fire pits 

and much much more. The magical journey will 

take around 90 minutes but you are welcome to 

hang around for a hot toddy or warming bite to 

eat. There will even be the opportunity to toast 

some mouthwatering marshmallows. I very much 

doubt it will be on a dragon’s fiery breath, but I 

could be wrong… 

GlasGLOW, Glasgow Botanic Gardens 

Sat 27th Oct – Sun 11th Nov 

fffitison.com/glasglow 

Top for Theatre 

Spoiled for choice is the term that comes to 

mind in terms of theatre events this winter. 

In November Websters Theatre presents The 

Cripple of Inishmaan. This lilting Irish comedy 

relays the story of the real life events of a 

Hollywood production being filmed on the 

island of Inis Mor in 1934 with the fictional life 

of a young disabled man desperately wishing 

to be part of the documentary. For its 2013 run 

in London’s West End the play starred Daniel 

Radcliffe. The Giffnock Theatre Players proudly 

present their interpretation of the play for three 

nights at Websters. 

In terms of Pantos, Oran Mor’s offering this year 

is The Lying Bitch and the Wardrobe. Written 

by Morag Fullarton, this is the rousing tale of an 

evil Empress ruling with an iron fist the mythical 

kingdom of Escozia. Banning all wondrous 

delights (even tablet!) her subjects can take 

no more when, horror of horrors, even singing 

is vetoed! It’s up to a select band of heroes to 

overthrow the evil Empress and get her exiled to 

Goolag Achiltibuie… 

The Cripple of Inishmaan 

Webster’s Theatre 1st – 3rd November 

fffwebstersglasgow.com 

The Lying Bitch and The Wardrobe 

Oran Mor, Mon 26th Nov – Sat 29th Dec 

ffforan-mor.co.uk. Adult themes 14yrs+ 

Top for Christmas Festivities 

It simply isn’t a Glasgow Christmas without a 

clootie dumpling, a Broons annual or indeed 

a good old family fight on Christmas Day. Add 

to that the regular Glasgow Loves Christmas 

events and you have the recipe for a perfect 

Weegie Christmas. The annual Light Switch On 

in George Square is on Sunday 18th Nov with 

those lucky folks who get picked from the public 

ballot watching the square burst into life. If you 

aren’t lucky enough to see the lights on that first 

evening, fear not. There will be plenty of other 

reasons to visit the city centre over the festive 

period. Glasgow’s Style Mile Carnival on the 25th 

of Nov is an event not to be missed. The carnival 

will see a host of festive fairytale costumes 

with acts and performances throughout the 

afternoon getting Glasgow well and truly into 

the holiday spirit. The Christmas Markets also 

make a welcome return to St Enoch and George 

Square, bringing a touch of Weihnachtsmarkte 

to our Scottish shores. And for those scrooges 

who even question the existence of St Nick? Well 

they better watch out as the Glasgow Santa Dash 

and Santa Bungee will see more Santas grace 

the Glasgow streets than Range Rovers outside 

Glasgow Academy at home time! Sometimes 

there is an excuse to leave the West End and the 

city events at Christmas are great to support. 

Glasgow Style Mile Carnival, Sun 25th Nov 

2.30-3.30 commencing St Enoch Square


Top Things To Do 

in the West End 

Glasgow Christmas Markets 

St Enoch Sq Fri 9th Nov – Sun 23rd Dec 

George Sq, Sun 25th Nov – Mon 31st Dec 

Glasgow Santa Dash, Sun 9th Dec 

fffglasgowloveschristmas 

Santa Bungee, Riverside Museum 

Sat 1st – Sun 2nd Dec 

fffglasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org 

NB. Keep an eye out for more information 

on the Byres Road Tree Lighting Ceremony, 

on the 25th November: unavailable at time 

of going to press. 

Top for Festive Night Out 

Head to Cottiers to hear renowned Celtic band 

Bahookie 'The Fire and The Fiddle'. This recent 

tour has taken the band all over the world. These 

prestigious musicians blend folk/ceilidh music 

with urban dance and rock, producing a unique 

Scottish sound. With these guys at the helm, 

those dancing feet aren’t going to stay still for 

long. 

Finally, oh the sparkle of a Christmas party 

dress! It’s one of the highlights of the year, 

getting dressed up for the annual knees up. We 

know that The Gatsby Club ball is a huge event 

in the summer. But the Winter Ball? Well that’s in 

a whole other league. Scotland’s biggest 1920’s 

themed event is a heady mix of cabaret and club, 

where the dress code is go big or go home! Once 

in your life you have to attend this candle-lit 

event and immerse yourself in a bygone age. 

And at Christmas? I can’t think of a more perfect 

time to don a flapper dress and shimmy away to 

the Charleston. 

Bahookie: The Fire and The Fiddle, 

Cottiers Theatre, Fri 7th Dec 7.30 – 1pm 

fffcottiers.com/events 

The Gatsby Club Winter Ball, Glasgow 

University Union, University Avenue 

Sat 24th Nov, 7.30pm -2am 

fffthegatsbyclub.co.uk 

Top for Unusual Gifts 

More often than not Christmas comes around 

and we have no idea what to do for that oh-so 

rare commodity, an original gift. But Santa’s 

elves, otherwise known as the West End’s ever 

so talented crafting community have Christmas 

sewn up with a host of market dates for you to 

pencil in the diary. First off, the regular Granny 

Would Be Proud marketeers will be displaying 

their wares throughout Nov and Dec. This market 

has a strong focus on retro and vintage items as 

well as promoting local, talented crafters. 

Along the road, the institution that is Byres 

Road Makers Market will be holding their last 

monthly market before Christmas in November 

so be sure to note the date. This boutique market 

showcases everything from jewellery and 

cushions, to handmade lampshades. Heading 

towards Woodlands, Nice Markets will be 

hosting eco friendly gift markets in Nov and Dec. 

Pop along to the market and pick up a no guilt 

gift, with little packaging, sure to reduce your 

ecological footprint. Finally, Tea Green Festive 

Markets return to the Botanics in Nov/Dec. 

A contemporary craft and design and fine art pop 

up event, these gifts are sure to bring a smile on 

Christmas morning. 

Granny Would Be Proud 

Hillhead Bookclub, Vinicombe Street 

Sun 26th Nov, Sun 17th Dec, from 12 noon 

ff/Granny Would Be Proud 

Byres Rd Makers Market, Hillhead 

Library Sat 24th Nov, from 11am 

ff/Byres Road Makers Market 

Nice Markets, St Silas Church, Park Road 

Sat 3rd Nov, Sat 15th Dec 11am – 4pm, 

ff/Nice Markets Eco-Friendly Focus 

Tea Green Festive Market, Glasgow 

Botanic Gardens, Sat 3rd – Sun 4th 

Nov, Sat 8th – Sun 9th Dec, 10am – 4pm 

ff/Tea Green Festive Market


'Learning Through Play' 

Places available. 

To book your visit call Maureen on 0141 357 0231 

www.derbystreetnursery.co.uk 

maureen@derbystreetnursery.co.uk 

1 Parkgrove Terrace, Glasgow G3 7SD 

PI ATES 

*Flexi-Class passes available * One-to-ones 

* Relaxing *Suitable for Beginners & Advanced 

Great for Runners, Cyclists, Golfers, Desk Workers.. 

*Post Natal * Botanic Gardens, Partick & Hyndland 

www.pilatesglasgow.com 0787 647 3381 

kerrystewart07@hotmail.com


Endmum’s 

West 

notebook 

by Michele Gordon thelanguagehub.co.uk 

As many of you know, Christmas is my 

favourite holiday of the year: the 

excitement of things to come, 

the lights and decorations, the smell of 

Christmassy things, to see the children 

bursting with anticipation for days on end 

and to have a little extra time to do things as 

a family – all this makes me smile and look 

forward to December. 

I admit, it can be a very stressful time, but 

I say it’s all a matter of planning. I am part 

German after all! I try to buy presents well in 

advance, have a list of food and drink I need 

to buy and reduce the amount of Christmas 

cards I post. This way, I try to make ensure 

that we actually enjoy advent too, not just 

Christmas Day. 

At The Hub, we will be celebrating the 

first of advent (2nd December, 2 – 4pm) with 

an event for everyone. There will be singing, 

arts and crafts and lots of yummies to eat. 

Two weeks later on the 15th December we 

will be holding our Christmas party at Partick 

Burgh Halls from 2 – 4pm. All our students 

get the chance to present a little something 

in another language to the audience (if they 

want). 

But there are plenty of other events for 

families to choose from in the West End, 

starting at the end of November. Join one of 

the many Christmas lights switch on events 

in and around Glasgow. The one on Byres 

Road will be on the 25th of November on 

Vinicombe Street. Then, on the following 

weekend, 1st and 2nd of December, the 

Riverside Museum will be hosting its 

Christmas Festival with a Santa bungee 

event for charity. The festival is free to attend 

between 11am – 5pm on both days. 

Or maybe you prefer to go to the Scottish 

Mask and Puppet Centre (8-10 Balcarres 

Avenue). On the 1st of December at 12pm 

they will be showing ‘The Snow Child’, £5.95/ 

ticket but there are also Christmas themed 

shows scheduled on the 8th, 15th and 21st 

of December. And if, by the 8th of December, 

you are still in need of some gifts visit the 

Tea Green Festive Market at the Botanic 

Gardens between 10am – 4pm which 

promises to ‘showcase the best of Scotland’s 

Independent creative talent’. 

For those who are looking for Christmassy 

music a little earlier in December, check out 

this year’s Christmas Carols at Wellington 

Church (77 Southpark Avenue) on the 13th of 

December at 7.30pm, £10/ticket. 

On the 21st, we will be taking the kids to 

Websters Theatre to see this year’s panto 

‘About Britney and the Beast’. We have been 

going here for a few years now and really love 

the shows. The panto will run from 1st Dec 

2018 to 5th Jan 2019, if you’re lucky, grab a 

table and have a bite to eat before the show. 

However, you can also just buy drinks at the 

bar and take them in to the theatre with you. 

I’m not sure if we’ll manage any of the 

Christmas Markets this year, I’m personally 

not keen on masses of people in the city 

centre. I’m still hoping that one year there 

will be a small, cosy market on Mansfield 

Park. Christmas Markets are great for getting 

you into the mood however: lovely smells, 

Christmas music, mulled wine and lovely gift 

buying opportunities. 

This year, we will be spending the festive 

period with my entire family – the first time 

ever since I met John and had two children. 

I’m looking forward to it and hope you all 

have a lovely time with friends and family too. 

Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Start ins 

neue Jahr!


Merry Christmas from SPiRiTO! 

Rustic bunting £7.99; Lights £20; Prosecco snow globe £17 

* gifts * decorations * cards * 

317 - 319 Crow Road, G11 7BU 0141 337 3307 www.spiritogifts.com


Your Glasgow Contact 

Luxury Lifestyle Management in Glasgow and across Scotland 

Ready for Santa yet? Panicking about 

just the right gift for that very special 

someone, or have an event you just 

don’t have the time, or indeed the headspace 

to organise? Liz at The Glasgow Contact 

could just be your new best friend! 

With an extensive background spent 

working in the Contracts and Procurement 

arena for a major global FTSE 100 company, 

Liz is used to delivering solutions to meet 

customers’ needs, expectations, values and 

deadlines. The training and development 

invested in her by such an employer are also 

highly transferable to her new venture. 

So it’s time to get your lifestyle organised 

to ensure Christmas is not the usual last 

minute panic – have a look at Liz’s website, 

give her a call or email, you won’t regret it. 

Of course it’s not just for Christmas, and 

there are many more lifestyle services The 

Glasgow Contact can provide, but this 

would be a great time to try this company to 

enhance your life. 

Maybe help with a special gift would 

lessen the stress? Liz can supply a suitable 

list tailored to your requirements and 

budget for your selection. Need it bought 

and wrapped? Not a problem. Dressing the 

house, sourcing the right tree for the height 

and size of your room, and not having to deal 

with tricky tree lights or pesky needles are 

amongst the services The Glasgow Contact 

can provide. The main reception room, or 

indeed the whole house can be dressed for 

your arrival, or if you prefer, the tree up but 

decorations left ready for you and your family 

or friends to enjoy putting on yourselves, with 

mulled wine in hand, of course! 

Visitors arriving for the Festive period? 

Get Liz involved now and have suitable 

accommodation organised early, with 

maybe some music, cultural events or visits 

to historic landmarks included to keep all 

entertained while visiting our exciting city or 

beautiful country. Need suitable transport 

organised? Your Glasgow Contact can 

source that too with connections to a top 

Scottish car fleet service – including limos. 

Event organisation takes time, effort and 

attention to important minutiae. Maybe it’s 

not where your talents lie? Liz offers a great 

service for people who are either too busy, 

simply want to do something else with their 

time, or just need some help. 

It’s a bit of luxury for sure, but life’s for 

living, so let The Glasgow Contact take the 

strain and let you get on with living your life 

to the full. 

The Glasgow Contact 

theglasgowcontact.com 

liz@theglasgowcontact.com 

07530 344645


This boutique Makeup School is 

produced and ran by Westender’s 

own makeup artist Terri Craig. 

YOU School of Makeup offers a wide range 

of courses from private makeup lessons 

to Beauty Guild accredited short courses. 

We are celebrating early this year by 

offering Christmas gift vouchers to 

Westender readers. 

Just email and quote Westender and 

you will receive your gift voucher which 

allows you to buy one course and 

get the second half price! 

Email: hello@youschoolofmakeup.com 

Call: 07710 413906 

For latest offers please see Facebook 

and Instagram 

YOU School of Makeup 

@youschoolofMakeup


Images I Gregor Reid 

Christmas arrives at Hyacinth House 

When you have twenty years of 

landscape gardening experience 

under your belt, have completed a 

two year floristry course at Langside College 

and spent two years working at Helensburgh 

Flowers: what do you do when you see a 

former garden centre unit come up for sale 

in your old neighbourhood in Anniesland? 

If you’re Gary MacLean – you go after the 

dream and set up your own business. 

‘We knew the potential of this old unit 

and jumped at the chance to rejuvenate the 

building and space,’ says Gary. ‘After the 

refurbishment work was completed previous 

customers would come in and say it “was 

like meeting an old friend again”, customers 

old and new are delighted with what we’ve 

achieved with the space. 

‘We are florists 

and have a 

strong wedding 

flower business, 

but house 

plants are really 

on trend right 

now and I have 

always loved 

cacti and other 

succulents 

– a hangover from my horticulture days – 

so we have an expanding stock of indoor, 

and outdoor garden plants which are great 

gifts too. 

‘With plans in the pipeline to convert 

the side building to a cake and coffee shop 

we are buzzing with ideas! For now we are 

setting up dates for our Christmas wreath 

making and decorating classes and our large 

stock of Christmas trees arrive the last week 

of November. This is very much a well-loved 

community space and everyone is welcome.’ 

Christmas Wreath Making Classes 

Wreath Making £45: 29th November 

& 6th December 

Wreath Decorating £45: 30th November, 

1st, 7th & 8th December 

Maximum number per class: 8. 

Price includes materials, glass of fizz and 

nibbles. Call or email to book. 

Quote WESTENDER and receive 10% 

discount *excludes wreath making classes 

Hyacinth House Floristry 

950A Crow Road, Anniesland G13 1JD 

hyacinth-house@outlook.com 

0141 571 3517

Find the perfect present this christmas AT 


1103 Argyle Street, Finnieston, G3 8ND 

Come and discover our SHOPS, MAKERS, FOOD, STUDIOS AND MORE. 

OUR LANE IS OPEN 7 DAYS, FIND SOMETHING DIFFERENT EVERY VISIT. 

EXTRA FESTIVE FUN AND CHRISTMAS TREATS ON THESE DATES: 

24TH NOVEMBER, 1ST DECEMBER AND 8TH DECEMBER. 

LATE NIGHT OPENING EVERY THURSDAY THROUGHOUT DECEMBER. 

PLEASE CHECK ONLINE FOR MORE INFO ON INDIVIDUAL OPENING TIMES. 

www.thehiddenlaneglasgow.com 

Find us on Facebook and INstagram, Show us what you’ve found! #IFOUNDTHEHIDDENLANE


Christmas 

a merry west end 

Gift Guide 

for home 

Still Game Tree Decs, Set of 

two £6, Bonnie Bling 

Fallen Leaves Scented Soya Wax 

Candle £21.99, Cassiopeia 

Cabinet by Mustard Made 

£129, CoLab Store 

House Doctor Angel £6 

Hoos 

Gold Cone, £19, Multi-flashing Baubles 

(8 on wire) £15, The Store Interiors 

House Doctor Xmas Car £17 

Hoos 

Katie Loxton Diffuser £22 

Papyrus 

Abraham Moon Blanket £79.95 

Nordic Outdoor 

Pom Pom String Lights £34 

Spirito

32 | www.westendermagazine.com

for her 


Reindeer Christmas Socks 

£16, Spirito 

Festive Duke Necklace 

£40, Bonnie Bling 

Four Ones Necklace 

£150 CoLab Store 

Front & Rear Bike Light Set £20 

Bikechain 

Eyewear Wardrobe Case £35 

Iolla 

Katie Loxton Bracelet Cracker 

£16, Papyrus 

Green Agate Set On Gold Plated 

Steel Cuff, £39.50, Cassiopeia 

Dale of Norway Seefeld Sweater 

£219.95, Nordic Outdoor 

Busy B Perfect Planner Diary £16.99 

Liquorice Tree 

Bairn Mini-messenger available in 5 colours 

Handmade in Scotland, £135, Trakke


Contemporary Garden Rooms designed and built in Glasgow 

that can be tailored specifically to your space or budget! 

Garden office, extra bedroom, art/music studio 

or teenage space, just a sample of the uses for 

our highly-insulated and fully-finished Rooms. 

They don’t require planning permission so are a 

fantastic alternative to an extension. Call 0141 

370 6102 to arrange a free quote and site visit. 

www.outsideingardenrooms.co.uk 

outsideingardenrooms

for him 


Scottish Candle Range £20 

Spirito 

TrueConnect True Wireless 

Earbuds £149.95, RHA Media 

Pig & Hen Camouflage Bracelet 

£49.50, CoLab Store 

Harris Tweed Flask and Cufflinks Set 

£36.99, Cassiopeia 

Bramble Scotch Whisky Liqueur £9 for 

100ml, Demijohn 

Dale of Norway Myking Hat 


Men’s Emergency Kit Harvard Tie 

£9.99, Liquorice Tree 

Chilly’s Water Bottle £20 

Papyrus 

Bannoch Backpack Handmade in Scotland 

£260, Trakke 

Raleigh Motus from £1650 

Bikechain


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HILLHEAD 

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GY COMPUTING 

Microsoft Specialist 

Evenings and Weekends 

Home Visits 

Competitive Rates 

Fully Insured 

No Call Out Charges 

20% 

off computer repairs when 

you quote ‘Westender18’ 

Check out my reviews on 

Gregor Young | 07398 715157 

hello@gycomputing.co.uk 

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for kids 


Jellycat ‘Drake’ Dragon 

£39, Papyrus 

Newborn Hat £16 

Spirito 

Children’s Mittens £20 

Cassiopeia 

Sophie la Girafe Christmas Set 

£29.99 Cassiopeia 

Raleigh Atom from £120 

Bikechain 

Light My Fire ReKit 


Doudou et Compaigne Licorne 

Glitter Unicorn £28.99, Liquorice tree 

Olliella Strolley £79 

Hoos 

Banana Bumbag Handmade in Scotland 

£50, Trakke 

MA390 Wired Headphones £19.99 

RHA Media


FINE, SEASONAL PRODUCE 

Fresh fish and shellfish, 

poultry, game,vegetables 

and deli selection. 

Open Tue-Sat 8am-5pm 

Christmas orders accepted 

till 8th December 

10% discount to Westender 

readers till 31st Dec 2018 

WILSONSCATCHOFTHEDAY.CO.UK 

71 HOULDSWORTH STREET G3 8ED (NEAR SKYPARK) 

T 0141 204 4456 M 07732 101843

for foodies 


The Liqueur Gift Box £90.55 

Demijohn 

Highland Coo Glass Chopping Board 

£25, Cassiopeia 

Sipsmith Gin Truffles £15 

Spirito 

Wild Fig Chutneys, Sauces and Marmalades, 

£5.45 – £5.95, George Mewes Cheese 

Plant n Grow Proseccolicious Botanical 

Growing Kit £16.99, Liquorice Tree 

West End Suppliers 

Bikechain 1417 Dumbarton Road G14 9XS bikechainglasgow.co.uk 

Bonnie Bling Studio 15 Argyle House The Hidden Lane 1103 Argyle Street G3 8ND bonniebling.co.uk 

Cassiopeia 165 Hyndland Road G12 9HT cassiopeiaonline.co.uk 

Demijohn 382 Byres Road G12 8AR demijohn.co.uk 

George Mewes Cheese 106 Byres Road G12 8TB georgemewescheese.co.uk 

Hoos 715 Great Western Road G13 8QX hoosglasgow.co.uk 

Iolla 1313 Argyle Street G3 8TL iolla.com 

Liquorice Tree 431 Great Western Road 0141 339 0648 liquoricetree.com 

Nancy Smillie Shop 53 Cresswell Street G12 8AE nancysmillieshop com 

Nordic Outdoor 687 Great Western Road G12 8RA nordicoutdoor.co.uk 

Papyrus 374 Byres Road G12 8AR papyrusgifts.co.uk 

RHA Media rha-audio.com 

Spirito 317-319 Crow Road G11 7BU spiritogifts.com 

The Store 26 Munro Place G13 2UP thestoreinteriors.co.uk 

Trakke trakke.co.uk


let’s go for a walk down 

Clarence Drive 

In an age when high streets up and down the country 

are struggling in an ever changing and harsh economic 

climate, how heartening to see new, and established, 

businesses opening and thriving. A walk down Clarence 

Drive convinces Suzanne Martin that hard graft, passion and a unique 

product or service spells success in the West End. 

WORDS SUZANNE MARTIN IMAGE GREGOR REID 

The last few years have seen numerous 

changes on the short parade of shops 

on Clarence Drive. Units have closed 

down and new businesses have come in to 

serve a discerning West End community that 

loves its independent retailers. So who’s who 

and what are they bringing to the area? 

Matthew at The Good Spirits Company 

was my first port of call. With two city centre 

stores already under his belt when the old 

Peckham & Rye unit came up he jumped at 

the chance: perfect location and licensing 

already in place! With an eclectic range 

and knowledgeable staff, Matthew has 

achieved what he set out to create – the kind 

of store he’d like to shop in full of exciting 

and delicious products not found in the 

supermarkets. 

With bottles open to taste at the weekends 

as standard, in the run up to Christmas 

Matthew and his team will be holding a 

further series of inhouse pouring sessions 

with select suppliers. Check out their social 

media for more information nearer the time. 

With every single bottle hand-picked by 

Matthew there’s scope for some truly exciting 

and usual gifts. The team are currently 

refining their own Christmas cocktail recipes 

to bottle as the perfect stocking filler – I’d 

be delighted with that in my stocking come 

Christmas morning. 

Next door Llicorella Deli is reaching 

its first anniversary as this edition hits the 

streets, and owner James wouldn’t be 

anywhere else. With a passion for cheese 

unsurpassed by anyone I’ve ever met before 

James keeps a small discerning stock in 

the deli but can order anything special in 

with 24 hours notice. With three different 

cheese suppliers each with unique cheese 

not found elsewhere, including the winning 

goats’ cheese for 2017 – James can keep you 

happily chatting on his favourite subject. 

With fourteen years in catering, many 

of those as a sommelier, James had the 

contacts he needed to open his own deli 

when the opportunity arose. With fresh 

fruit and vegetables delivered every day 

he’s open, the made-to-order gourmet 

sandwiches he serves are fresh and served 

with his own fig glaze or herb dressings and 

on his own bread. Getting in to work every 

day at 6.30am to mix and prove his own 

bread for that day’s fresh loaves and lunch 

rush is part of James’ day. After which he 

heads home to walk his daughter to school 

before making it back in for 9am and the 

coffee and cake crowd. 

The 16th November sees Llicorella and 

The Good Spirit Company teaming up for a 

Wine Fair at Hughenden Rugby Club – it’s 

a ticketed event so remember to book via 

either store. James will host a cheese stall 

and be taking orders for cheese hampers 

for Christmas. These will include cheese, 

great coffee and vouchers to be used in both 

Llicorella and The Good Spirit Company. 

At the other end of the longevity scale 

Hely Hair Studio first opened at 25 Clarence 

Drive in 1944 – and moved back in 2013! With


three generations of hairdressers, starting 

with Robert Hely back in 1924, current 

owners, siblings Gary and Sindy Hely, are 

part of Glasgow Hairdressing royalty. 

Open seven days a week Hely Hair Studio 

is a hive of activity with twelve full and parttime 

stylists working from the premises. Gary 

is passionate about hairdressing and only 

works with the best people and products in 

the industry. 

With an Express Pamper Bar by La 

Biosthetique in addition to the hairdressing 

services Gary and his team offer, clients 

can enjoy a make-up refesh after a cut and 

colour to head straight out into town. And 

booking couldn’t be easier with their 24/7 

online booking service. Gary uses Paul 

Mitchell in-salon products and Schwarzkopf 

Professional for colour finding clients are 

much better at looking after their hair 

than before and demand the best in-salon 

treatments. 

As a resident Westender moving salons 

back to the West End from Sauchiehall Street 

was a no-brainer: Gary and Sindy love the 

community feel in Hyndland. 

Next door to Hely is clothes boutique 

Solo – a Hyndland stalwart long on Hyndland 

Road. Since Samantha took the reigns back 

in 2012 fashion lines have included Marc 

Cain, Jane Luchka and Herno Coats, among 

others, to appeal to the fashion forward 

professional woman. With a background in 

fashion buying for a major chain in London, 

Samantha came to Solo with fresh ideas 

for her new venture. Six years on she offers 

a personal shopping service and style 

consultation in-store – though these must be 

booked first. 

With long serving and knowledgeable 

assistants looking after valued clients 

the future for Solo on Clarence Drive 

looks rosy. 

Newcomer Campbell’s of Hyndland 

has caused a quickening of pulses since 

Crawford opened its doors back in August. 

With a 35 year pedigree of cheffing in such 

illustrious venues as London’s two Michelin


We are playing with the theme 

of Bold and Blush wash colouring 

from Schwarzkopf this coming 

season to add shine and 

sparkle to your party look. 

Express yourself with one of the 

Intense Bold colours for brown to 

blond hair or a softer look with the 

pastel shades of Blush Wash for 

Blondes. Let us Inspire and brighten 

up your festive season. 

Bold & Blush 

Hair Salon of the Year 2018 - Glasgow 

2018 Scottish Enterprise Awards 

helyhairstudio.co.uk 

0141 332 6068 

25 Clarence Drive G12 9QN 

HYNDLAND 

Services Available 

7.30am–10pm Open 7 Days 

Mail: Drop & Go / Parcelforce Express Services 

Driving: Vehicle Tax 

Travel: Foreign Currency / Travel Insurance / Travel 

Money Card / National Express - Tickets 

Lotto prize payments / Lotto ticket sales 

Hyndland Post Office & Premier 

37-39 Clarence Drive G12 9QN 

0141 337 6227


starred Pied à Terre, Crawford was ready to 

move back to his home city of Glasgow and a 

new challenge. After a successful year down 

in Partick the opportunity arose to expand to 

Hyndland and the rest as they say… 

Before setting up either venue Crawford 

spent four months travelling right around the 

coast of Scotland speaking directly to the 

fishermen whose produce he liked the most 

and setting up accounts with only the best. 

Now we can enjoy Loch Fyne oysters and 

kippers, Shetland salmon, and haddock, cod 

and lemon sole directly off the boats as they 

come in at Peterhead – provenance is all. 

From the 1st of November Liz at the 

Hyndland shop can take orders for their new 

home delivery service – invaluable for older 

residents in tenement flats. Simply order 

before midday and supplies will be delivered 

by 5pm that day. Also launching the same 

day will be Crawford’s cook-at-home packs 

for home chefs. With all the ingredients from 

fish, shellfish, or meat, to vegetables, spices 

and sauces: everything will be contained with 

the recipe method for a great tasting home 

cooked meal from a Michelin trained chef. 

Now that is pretty special. 

Also very upbeat is Paulo next door in the 

local chippy. Having been on Clarence Drive 

for twelve years it’s only Paulo’s and pizza 

bar Casa Blanca that have survived the test 

of time. Over the past year Paulo has seen 

a definite rise in footfall on the street and 

can only see that improving with the new 

businesses coming in and no empty units. 

With top quality whiting and angel 

haddock on offer, Paulo’s does a roaring 

trade at lunch time with the local high school 

kids. Praising the school and the great kids 

there Paulo even began opening before break 

to supply hungry learners with top breakfast 

stalwarts – a roll and square for me please. 

Always testing the demand Paulo began 

opening on a Sunday four years ago to test 

the uptake and now is open seven days a 

week to keep locals in their fish and sausage 

suppers. He puts his success down to always 

buying the best stock and having really nice 

regulars. 

Newest kid on the block is 

a local branch of Subway – 

causing much excitement 

amongst Hyndland 

Secondary school kids. 

I haven’t seen it but 

apparently the queue at lunch-time is the 

stuff of legend. Now, not everyone loves a 

chain but Harpreet and his team are serving 

up salads, wraps and baguettes and snackloving 

locals are buying it up. 

Longest serving member of the Clarence 

Drive business community accolade goes to 

Farhad at Casa Blanca. With 15 years on the 

drive selling his freshly made pizzas, pastas 

and barbequed meats, Farhad’s love of the 

area and its community really comes across. 

When his first child was born regulars came 

in with cards and gifts and Farhad was really 

touched by the network of clients, and now 

friends, he’d won with his food and friendly 

personality. 

Casa Blanca was born out of a desire to 

produce restaurant quality Italian food as 

a great quality takeaway option. The idea 

that takeaway food is merely ‘junk food’ was 

wrong to Farhad and all of his pizza bases 

are made freshly in-store every day, as are all 

his pasta sauces. With pizza topping choices 

of parma ham, artichoke and sun dried 

tomatoes Casa Blanca’s restaurant standard 

fare has kept Westenders coming back for a 

decade-and-a-half and long may it continue. 

Generally lovely guy to be around, 

Gurdeep at the Hyndland Post Office 

and Premier Store, is an advocate for the 

Hyndland community and his great staff – 

a sentiment generally shared. 

Gurdeep’s children went to 

Hyndland Secondary School so 

when the opportunity to buy the 

Hyndland Post Office arose he 

was quick to see its potential in 

such a lovely area. Prior to 

Gurdeep coming onboard 

six years ago the branch 

was actually up for 

closure and upset locals 

had to set up a petition 

to keep it open. Now a


major refurbishment later and the post office 

service and Premier store are booming. 

Open seven days a week and with full 

post office services available from 7.30am to 

10pm, the same as the store, Gurdeep has 

gone from offering euros only to a full foreign 

exchange service of 28 currencies. He is very 

proud as he relates this to me, and so he 

should be – it’s a major achievement when so 

many other small businesses are struggling 

and being consolidated into much bigger city 

centre based units. Gurdeep is keeping it 

local and Hyndland locals vote with their feet, 

straight into his store. 

Last visit is to Shannon, one quarter of 

the all-female management team at The 

Hyndland Fox. Part of the G1 Group under 

Stefan King, The Fox has a relaxed vibe 

just right for the casual brunch crowd, great 

coffee for the young mums, and a casual 

dining atmosphere as the lights are dimmed 

and candles lit for the evening diners – it’s a 

real community go-to space. 

Shannon has been at the venue for two 

years and knows all the regulars but notes 

there has been an upturn in new faces as 

fresh businesses have opened on the road. 

This bodes well for their busiest time of the 

year – the festive period. With loads of events 

and offers planned it’s her favourite time of 

the year, though the working hours are long. 

Shannon plans all the events from the live 

sets on a Friday and Saturday evening to the 

Gingerbread Man Decorating classes coming 

up for families. Keep an eye out on Facebook 

and Instagram for more details and loads of 

Festive special offers – including their popular 

Twelve Offers of Christmas each day from 

the 1st to 12th of December. With the Festive 

Cocktail list and Winter Warmers primed and 

ready and a 20% discount card for Hyndland 

locals Monday-Fridays, the team at The 

Hyndland Fox have Christmas sorted. 

Speaking to all the businesses on 

Clarence Drive one thing in particular is 

clear – they all really do like each other, a lot. 

Shannon at The Hyndland Fox will pop into 

Gurdeep at the Post Office for change, James 

at Llicorella will send customers next door to 

The Good Spirit Company for a wine pairing 

with one of his speciality cheeses. It’s a nice 

thing. It should be celebrated. 

CRAFT BEERS & ALES 

WINE & CHAMPAGNE 

SHERRY, MADEIRA & PORT 

FINE WINE 

WHISKY, BOURBON, GIN 

VODKA, RUM, TEQUILA 

CIGARS & BRANDY 

21 Clarence Drive, Glasgow G12 9QN 

0141 334 4312 

thegoodspiritscoclarencedrive 

@GoodSpiritsCoCD 

goodspiritsclarencedrive 

clarencedrive@thegoodspiritsco.com 

www.thegoodspiritsco.com 

Hyndland 

Train Station

@ 

Nonya 



Reviewed by 

Roberto Parrucci 

Discovering Nonya’s menu reminded 

me of what my personal food guru 

Anthony Bourdain used to say about 

East Asian cuisine, ‘the crunchy and tender, 

the sweet and salty, the hard and soft, the 

warm and cold – all mixed to emphasize 

the philosophical orientation behind Asian 

culture’. 

The interior is beautifully laid out, with 

classic Southeast Asian touches that really 

give a sense of how much work has gone into 

achieving the best of west meets east. 

From the mottle-green table tops to the 

backroom with fluttering palms and classic 

rattan lighting, I instantly had the feeling 

of being one of Graham Greene’s stuffy 

European expats supplanted in a foreign 

land. 

Helped by the attentive waiting staff I 

opted for some spinach and bamboo shoot 

dumplings with chilli soy sauce on the side. 

Aside from being massive, the dumplings 

on their own were delicate in texture with 

crunchy bits of bamboo shoots giving bite 

among the tender spinach. 

I followed with grilled coconut chicken 

with gravy and rice on the side. I must say, 

in terms of spice, I expected ‘the beast from 

the east’, but a storm of flavour didn’t quite 

materialise. Yet, I also appreciated the quality 

of the ingredients. The chicken was perfectly 

grilled, with the gravy and relish on the side 

adding a beautiful oriental touch. 

My choice of desert was the definite 

standout here. Sticky rice pudding topped 

with mango strips sprinkled with sesame 

seeds and served with coconut cream on the 

side. Not overly sweet, and with a multitude 

of textures on one plate – a real delight. 

Each dish comes with its own separate 

sauce, which aren’t removed after each 

course. You can either choose to find it 

confusing, or open your mind to the new 

possibilities in front of you. It’s a potential 

food orgy in prospect; leave your keys in the 

bowl at the door. 

Chatting with the waitress while drinking 

a Jungle Love (mekhong, citrus, pandan, 

whites and poppy seeds) I asked about 

where all these taste inspirations came from. 

She explained that Nonya is the ‘little baby’ of 

a half-Asian owner together with a half-Thai 

partner who supervise the cuisine, borrowing 

the best their childhood flavours and tastes 

have to offer. 

It struck me that this is the real recipe for 

making great food. Passion in what you do is 

essential if you want others to buy into your 

idea and keep coming back time and time 

again. 

At Nonya you get just that – a cultural 

fusion baked in with a wonderful dance for 

the taste buds. When all is said and done, 

everyone likes a dance, right? 

Nonya 

10 Claremont Street G3 7HA 

0141 221 6200 

nonyaglasgow.co.uk


Guilty Pleasures from Westender’s American in Glasgow 

Guilty Pleasures from 

Westender’s American 

in Glasgow 

Image I Gregor Reid

y Liberty Vittert 

K 

Method 


decorated 

sugar cookies 

Okay, it’s chubby Liberty time. I’m so excited. 

Holiday parties are here, Christmas is around 

the corner, and don’t even get me started on New 

Years. Haul out the sweaters ‘cause it is time to 

cover those 6 pack abs in a nice winter coat (of 

sugar obviously), and boy are these cookies the 

way to go. Simple as can be to make, can sit in the 

refrigerator unbaked for up to five days or in the 

freezer for three weeks! Keep the dough sitting 

there and haul it out anytime you have unexpected 

guests (hello in-laws!) or are off to smush the 

hostess with the mostest into her tinsel tree when 

you outbake her with these babies. Get the kids 

involved with decorating or be a kid 

at heart and do it yourself! 

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For the cookies: 

235g unsalted butter 

200g sugar 

1 egg 

2 tsp vanilla 

2 tsp baking powder 

350g plain flour 

For the icing: 

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6 tbsp hot whole milk 

food colouring 

sprinkles / decoration 

cookie cutters 

L 

1. Preheat the oven to 200C and line a 

baking tray with baking paper. 

2. Cream the butter and sugar very well 

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3. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. 

4. Mix all the dry ingredients together 

and slowly add to the butter mixture 

until just combined. 

5. Mould the dough into a ball, cover 

with cling film and refrigerate for 30 

minutes (or up to 3 days). 

6. Roll out the dough to about 1cm 

thickness using icing sugar to reduce 

stickiness (instead of flour). 

7. Using cookie cutters, or your own 

imagination, cut out shapes. 

8. Bake on tray for 8 minutes. 

9. When cool, mix the icing sugar and 

milk, add food colouring as desired and 

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Festivities at Tulipané 

As Tulipané heads towards its first 

anniversary owner Lesley Murray 

reflects on what a great year it has 

been meeting old faces and new. ‘With the 

help of great staff, suppliers and customers 

Tulipané has come so far and continues to 

develop into the vision I had at the beginning, 

– a neighbourhood cafe and take away 

selling fresh local produce and beautiful 

plants. It has been hard work but so worth it,’ 

says Lesley. 

As the festive season kicks off Tulipané 

is available for private functions and events 

in the evenings. They also offer outside 

catering, including corporate breakfasts 

and lunches. ‘We have lots of gift ideas with 

loads more to come for Christmas, including 

vouchers,’ says Lesley. ‘We have also teamed 

up with a fab new business, Eddiewood, who 

create bespoke logs, both decorative and 

practical for indoor and outdoor use. Good 

Health and Merry Christmas when it comes 

to all our loyal customers!’ 

SPECIAL OFFER! 15% discount off 

pre-ordered Tulipané jute shopping 

bags filled with fresh produce from 

Freedom Bakery, Oven Bird Coffee, 

Corrie Mains Farm Eggs, Wild Flours & 

Huckleberry Cakes & Pastries, Plants 

and Flowers. Quote WESTENDER. 

Tulipané 

682 Dumbarton Road G11 6RB 

0141 339 2223 

tulipane.co.uk


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We offer a doctor and 

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@ 

Bank 

Street 



Reviewed by 

Emily Donoho 

I’m a regular at Bank Street, it being one 

of the few pubs in the West End open 

until 1am. When you want that final quiet 

pint after the other bars close at midnight, 

it’s a prime location. At least on weekdays 

it has atmosphere but isn’t too busy and it 

never plays overly ear-shattering music or 

overwhelms you with the television, so you 

can chat to your friends, the point of pubs, 

as far as I am concerned (though others will 

have different ideas). With two floors, upstairs 

above the bar and downstairs, you can 

usually find a place to sit. 

Like many of its neighbouring 

establishments it has that postmodern 

sparse decor, that mix of old and new, with 

the exposed bricks on one wall, the colourful 

mural representing the West End on another 

wall, and the metalwork on the chairs and the 

railings. The place has the feeling of lightness 

and space which means it never feels too 

crowded or claustrophobic. 

The beer choices are pretty good too. 

On tap they have a wide range of beers, both 

local ones like St. Mungo’s and Joker IPA, 

Tennents, and from further afield, Blue Moon, 

Staropramen, and guest European lagers. 

For the cider lover they sell craft ciders from 

the Sharp Brewery. It prides itself on its 

cocktails so you can order just about any that 

you want (including an expresso martini), and 

it carries the standard selection of Scottish 

whiskies and local gins. For a West End pub, 

their prices are reasonable. Every pint is 

less than £4. More than the Beer Bar further 

along Bank Street but less than Stravaigin on 

the other side of Gibson Street. They don’t 

have cask ales on draught but you can’t have 

everything. 

Bank Street is more than just a drinking 

venue. It caters to everyone, from those who 

want a cocktail and a snack to those who 

want a pub lunch or affordable dinner. They 

have a food menu, mainly burgers, pizza, and 

curries. And they offer some great deals like 

£5 for a pint and a veggie pakora, or £8 for 

a pizza and a glass of prosecco if you show 

up on a Thursday. I have not tried their pizza 

but a pakora at half-twelve at night is pretty 

satisfying. 

Throughout the year they hold events 

like pub quizzes (often with themes from 

TV shows or movies) and a Burns Night 

meal, and they encourage the attendance of 

university clubs for Christmas dinners and 

other socials. 

Bank Street is open from 10am to 1am 

Monday to Sunday. 

Bank Street 

52 Bank Street G12 8LZ 

0141 334 4343 

bankst.co.uk


1 

BY BRIAN TOAL 

WESTENDER’s 

COVER TO COVER 

For Christmas crime you could do a lot worse than 

‘Never Proven’. This is Daly’s fourth book in the 

Inspector Anderson series and it’s a real page turner. 

Never Proven 

by Bill Daly 

I was gripped by the plot from 

the start, opening with the 

brutal murder of John Murdoch, a 

former teacher accused of sexual 

relations with a young male pupil. 

However, the case was not proven, 

that ‘bastard verdict’ as Walter 

Scott called it, which neither 

satisfies the accused nor the 

complainant. 

Readers will be familiar with 

a lot of the locations as the 

murder takes place just outside 

Cottiers and a lot of the action 

darts back and forth between 

Pitt Street and the West End. 

The descriptions of The Calton 

and the bars and characters there 

is gritty and realistic, whilst the 

Glasgow criminal underworld is 

described warts and all. Jim Colvin 

is a gangster you wouldn’t want 

to meet or be indebted to. In this 

fast-paced thriller we are even 

taken to Edinburgh on the train to 

check out an alibi, although you’ll 

be glad to hear that Anderson 

didn’t stay to ‘have his tea’ but 

returned late afternoon, obviously 

knowing that no offers of repast 

would be forthcoming. 

The central character of DCI 

Anderson is months away from 

retirement and is not keen to take 

on any high-profile or complicated 

cases. However, fate has other 

ideas as the deceased was well 

known due to the media interest in 

the sexual misconduct court case 

and is fuelled by the involvement 

of Glasgow’s own Avenging Angel, a vigilante who claims credit 

for ‘ridding the streets of vermin’. Another complication is the 

fact that Anderson’s right-hand man, Tony O’Sullivan, is dating 

Anderson’s daughter, so no tension there then. The mundanities 

of dating, playing football with your grandson and getting home 

in time for your dinner and a whisky before bed are interspersed 

with brutality (nailing a hand to a cubicle door) and sexual 

shenanigans. 

The pace is kept brisk by short chapters and short sections 

within each chapter, literally causing you to turn pages at a faster 

rate. Some more astute readers may guess the culprit before the 

end but you can still sit back in smugness as your suspicions are 

confirmed. As an addition to the juggernaut which is Tartan Noir, 

‘Never Proven’ is highly entertaining, in your face and full of pace. 

If you’re planning on getting yourself some Christmas crime for the 

long wintry nights, this will definitely fit the bill.


To Throw Away 

Unopened 

by Viv Albertine 

2 

Those of us old enough to 

remember punk will know Viv 

Albertine from The Slits. This is 

her second autobiographical 

offering and deals primarily 

with the death of her mother 

and all the guilt, memories 

and family drama which is 

inextricably bound up with 

these occasions. If you think 

your family is dysfunctional, 

take a break from the 

Christmas family drama and 

tune in to the drama that is the 

Albertine family. 

The discovery of her father’s 

diaries provides the writer 

with a very different view 

of her childhood, whilst the 

discovery of a bag of papers 

in her mother’s wardrobe 

following her death only serves 

to muddy the waters even 

more. ‘Truth is splintered’, as 

the writer states. The chapters 

are cleverly structured, all 

beginning with ‘the present’ 

as the writer copes with her 

mother’s impending death, 

physically fighting with her 

sister over her dying mother’s 

bed and invoking serious 

injuries in the process. 

Following these sections we 

have older memories sparked 

by whatever is happening 

in the present, the Proust’s 

madeleine approach, which 

seems fitting given her French 

background. Pictures of 

locations and objects germane 

to the story are beautifully 

shot and really bring to life the 

narrative. The many quotations 

peppered throughout the book 

are insightful and thoughtprovoking. 

Albertine has 

fought for most of her life – 

against her sister, her father, 

male oppression, societal 

expectations – and has come 

out the other side. This is a 

powerful punk of a book. 

After making a hilarious 

self-diagnosis which proves 

not to be so fatal after all, 

Grace Dart has a new lease 

of life and is determined to 

live it to the max. She makes 

a bucket list and, following a 

very stressful year studying for 

her GCSEs, she is determined 

to experience all that life has 

to offer away from the stuffy 

confines of her bedroom, her 

books, post-its, highlighters 

and cue cards. 

Her journey takes her 

to Paris with her gran, on 

a death-defying swing on 

Brighton beach and thrusts 

her into a variety of new 

relationships. Grace is a 

teenage girl who has striven 

most of her life to please her 

parents and suddenly finds 

herself with a summer ahead 

of her where the only agenda 

is to have fun. 

This book is hilarious in 

parts where Grace lurches 

from one crazy experience to 

the next. However, there are 

also important life lessons 

embedded within the novel, 

although delivered with a 

light touch. Vallance depicts a 

teenage girl in full existential 

crisis whilst at the same time 

providing highly entertaining 

material which all teenage girls 

will be able to relate to. 

The crises range from 

careers, studying, parenting 

and death to friendships, 

sexuality and relationships. 

It’s a whirlwind ride, like the 

amusements on Brighton 

beach, but it’s full of poignant 

moments and teenage angst. 

Give your teen a break this 

festive period and buy this 

book! 

You Only Live Once 

by Jess Vallance 

3



Legal Matters 

Words from Donald Reid, chairman at Mitchells Roberton: 

No one ever means themselves when they say ‘there is one born every 

minute’. We all believe we would not fall for a scam but research suggests 

that intelligence and ability is no inoculation against becoming a victim of 

a confidence trick. For the vulnerable in our society, the risks are greater 

still. To find out more, read on, or contact us at the below address for a 

free information leaflet (please enclose a cheque for £1,000 to cover 

postage and packaging...). 

Nigerian princes, Spanish prisoners, 

and the lottery of love 

Private Eye’s medical columnist recently 

wrote: ‘Many older people resent 

being called vulnerable, but to scammers 

they can be easy prey. While car theft and 

house burglary have become harder due 

to improved technology, there has been a 

massive growth in relieving older people 

of their money’ through financial fraud and 

scams. 

Looking at the redirected post into this 

office from our older clients or recently 

executries, clearly some found themselves on 

‘Suckers Lists’; receiving endless mailshots 

from the unscrupulous selling dubious 

products, lottery scams, and odd spiritual 

services. Upsetting research from Professor 

Keith Brown of Bournemouth University 

found cases where older people actually 

accepted unsolicited sales calls, or knowingly 

purchased unnecessary items by post, due to 

loneliness. One man reported ‘the 10 or more 

items he received every day by special postal 

delivery were the highlight of his day’. 

In cyberspace, many are trying to 

separate you and your money, from the nowfamous 

Nigerian princes (other nationalities 

are available) wanting to share $35million 

with you if you could only fund the transfer 

fees, to Facebook lotharios ready to snuggle 

provided you pay their airfare. 

There are legal remedies for most financial 

frauds, providing you can locate the fraudster 

(which is often impossible). For unsolicited 

goods or sharp business practices, some 

recourse can be obtained, such as through 

distance selling regulations and Unfair 

Contract terms legislation. If you suspect 

something awry, deal with it as soon as you 

can (whether speaking to Trading Standards 

or the Police, or your solicitor). 

All of these are all significantly less useful 

than avoiding being a victim in the first place. 

First, educate yourself on the likely scams 

and warning signs. Second, look out for 

the elderly and vulnerable whom you know. 

Perhaps they need help dealing with their 

financial affairs or should grant someone a 

Power of Attorney. Third, and most cynical, if 

you are suspicious about 

how someone is handling 

the affairs of a vulnerable 

person, take legal advice 

or contact the Office of the 

Public Guardian. 

If Joel can help please 

email him at 

jmc@mitchells-roberton.co.uk, 

or call 0141 552 3422. 

Mitchells Roberton Solicitors 

& Estate Agents 

George House 

36 North Hanover Street G1 2AD 

0141 552 3422 

www.mitchells-roberton.co.uk

Accountancy 

Matters 

by Bruce Wilson & Simon Murrison 


It’s full steam ahead for HMRC’s 

Making Tax Digital 

Are you ready? From April 2019 

VAT registered businesses above the 

VAT threshold (over £85k) will be 

expected to comply with Making Tax Digital 

(MTD). In other words it’ll be compulsory 

to use HMRC approved record keeping 

software that talks digitally with HMRC. 

What is MTD for VAT? If you are VAT 

registered you will be obliged to keep all VAT 

records digitally. You are also required to 

submit VAT return information electronically 

using approved software instead of HMRC’s 

VAT portal. 

In 2020 every VAT registered business 

(including voluntarily registered) will become 

part of the scheme. Finally, every accountant, 

book-keeper and registered tax payer will 

have to exchange financial records with 

HMRC digitally. 

1/4 of VAT registered businesses are still 

relying on paper and excel spreadsheets. 

If you run a paper based business we urge 

you to switch to digital now. It’s a strategic 

investment that will save time and money in 

the long run. 

Replacing spreadsheets with accounting 

software removes the headache of dealing 

with the taxman. Plus the day to day running 

of your business becomes simpler and more 

manageable: 

• Predict VAT bills 

• Assist in investment 

• Assist in cash flow planning 

• Real data for strategic forecasting 

• Avoid financial penalties 

• Less paperwork 

How can my business go digital? 

• Speak to a tax expert 

• Use approved bookkeeping software 

• Change business processes for collecting, 

storing and exchanging data. 

Get in touch for a free consultation, 

fixed and competitive fees on 

0141 290 0262 or email 

info@muwca.co.uk or visit 

www.muwca.co.uk for free tax 

guides. 

Murrison & Wilson, CA is a full service 

accountancy firm specialising in 

business and tax planning for private 

individuals, self-employed and small 

to medium sized businesses. 

Murrison & Wilson Chartered Accountants 

10 Newton Terrace G3 7PJ 

0141 290 0262 

info@muwca.co.uk 

muwca.co.uk


Homes & Interiors 

by Susan 

Robertson 

Farrow & Ball 

Creative Kitchen 

Clearout 

At this time of year, our kitchens can take a bit of 

a battering. Between the oven overloads for big 

roast dinners and the extra mouths to feed over the 

festivities, people still tend to gravitate to the kitchen 

at parties, and so we shouldn’t neglect what’s often 

referred to as the heart of the home.


If you’re looking to invest in a kitchen redesign, 

there are experts on hand locally and you can 

always pop into the Wee Kitchen Shop for 

inspiration and expertise. Or, if your budget is tight 

or you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of great 

ways to make a big difference for a small output. 

Start with a clear out. Do you actually know how 

to use half the gadgets you have? When was that 

juicer honestly last used? Go through all the tins 

and jars and check the dates on the stuff at the 

back. And have your plates and cups seen better 

days? Clear the decks so you can see the space 

freely. 

Make sure not to waste anything. Odds and 

ends can go to charity shops, or sentimental bits 

and bobs can be made into something beautiful. 

We have a mish mash of mugs that have 

chipped and cracked over the years, but mugs 

are something we always buy each other in our 

family, so I can’t bear to throw them out as they 

all have stories attached – my current project is 

making a mosaic creation from the bits of broken 

crockery. This would work well around a picture 

frame or mirror for a simple statement in your 

refreshed room. 

We also have a huge big gravy boat which 

is really colourful but I’d rather look at it than 

use it, so this is now pride of place on top of 

the cupboards with a plant now living happily 

inside. Or put up a little shelf just for herbs, 

paint it brightly and use your old cups and 

mugs to house your basil and sage pots, great to 

keep your favourite bits on view and handy for 

keeping some fresh herbs close to where you’re 

stirring the pot or brewing a mint tea. 

Another craft I love just now is glass painting. 

I had a host of old glass bottles and storage jars 

that I’ve now painted in multicolours and filled 

up with stones and fairy lights as eye-catching 

book ends. Great on either side of your recipe 

books covered in colourful fruit and veg, or 

painted with stars and rainbows as a nightlight 

for little ones. The recipe books are another 

world of creative opportunity. For years I 

struggled to resist buying them and I have a 

ridiculous hoard of books that I will likely never 

refer to so I plan to use them to paper a feature 

wall in a future kichen refresh. 

So once you’ve cleared away all the extraneous 

matter, give everything a good old scrub and 

see what state it’s in. Try and look with a fresh 

eye to identify the weak spots. It might be the 

most random of changes that make the biggest 

impact, for example, have the years of teabags 

taken their toll on your sink? Fresh taps and a 

replacement sink can make a huge difference



for relatively small outgoing. It also has the 

added benefit of allowing you to replace some 

kitchen piping to keep everything free flowing. 

If you have wooden units, you can do a lot 

with them. A lick of paint can totally transform 

your room, and a colour change on the walls can 

make a huge difference. Go bold and steer clear 

of traditional muted kitchen colours to have 

some fun with it. Hot pink cupboards look great 

with white walls and candy stripe accessories. 

Or stick to white and natural wood for the units 

and opt for a dark navy wall. Red and green are 

brilliant in a kitchen, or find a vibrant patterned 

washable wallpaper. 

Don’t embark on the door painting lightly 

though – I speak from experience in saying that 

this can be a bigger job than it might first seem 

so consider getting help to do it, or replacing the 

units, or simply focusing on one large item, a 

central kitchen table for example or an island 

unit that can bring the room to life without 

taking you, and your kitchen out of action for too 

long. Or, you can commission a local artisan to 

make you something for this purpose, or take 

your kitchen chairs to Up on Dumbarton Road 

and see what magic they can work with them. 

Then you can use your crockery and 

accessories to make style statements, as well as 

holding your Sunday roast. Treat yourself to a 

proper full set of matching dinnerware, and 

have it out on display, and easily to hand. And do 

you have a full set of glasses for people visiting? 

Nancy Smillie 

We never seem to have more than two the same 

of anything, but a small investment in kitting 

your kitchen out properly will be well worth 

it over the festivities and through the winter 

season when we’re hosting at home much more. 

The home is where the heart is, and the 

kitchen is the heart of the home, so let’s show it 

some love this season. 

Spirito



The Store Interiors, 26 Munro Place, Anniesland, Glasgow, G13 2UP 

0141 950 1333 | www.thestoreinteriors.co.uk 

Email: sales@thestoreinteriors.co.uk 

READERS 

OFFER! 

FREE 

Gas Certificate 

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The Store Interiors, 26 Munro Place, Anniesland, Glasgow, G13 2UP 

0141 950 1333 | www.thestoreinteriors.co.uk 

Email: sales@thestoreinteriors.co.uk 

“ Problem Solved” 

Call or email for a free market appraisal 

TheStore - HIS - Emma.indd 2 07/12/2017 09:48 

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SERVING: GLASGOW • EDINBURGH • LONDON


Highland Hideaway 


Although we’re happy West End city-dwellers, autumn and winter 

in Scotland often conjures up more rural images of wild rugged 

landscapes, sipping whisky next to roaring fires, while the wind and 

rain batter at the windows of the cosy highland bothy. Thanks to the 

lovely suppliers on our doorstep, we can recreate this ambience in our 

homes, no matter where we are. 

Cath Waters Cushion, 

£55, Cassiopeia 

Uisge Beatha Candles, 

from £15, Shearer Candles 

Tartan and Tweed Throw, 

£215, 

Nancy Smillie Shop 

Balmoral Orkney Moss Chair, 

£275, The Store Interiors 

Antler Candle Holder, 

£35, The Store Interiors 

Cassiopeia, 165 Hyndland Road, 0141 357 7374, cassiopeiaonline.co.uk 

Nancy Smillie, 53 Cresswell Street, 0141 334 4240, nancysmillieshop.com 

Shearer Candles, 388 Byres Road, 0141 357 1707, shearer-candles.com 

The Store Interiors, 26 Munro Road, 0141 950 1333, thestoreinteriors.co.uk



‘Tis the season of goodwill, we’re 

enjoying family gatherings and festive 

holidays. It’s a time of celebration and 

togetherness, so what better excuse to 

bring some glamour into our West End 

havens. 

Farrow & Ball 

Farrow & Ball 

Glorious 

Glamour 

CoLab Store 

by Susan Robertson 

Create your festive 

haven, start to pick up 

a few accessories in the 

shiny tones you prefer! 

One of the key interior colour trends for 

autumn and winter this year is to go dark. 

Think deep chocolate browns, soft blacks, or 

sooty greys. Another great colour in this world 

is dark inky navy, a real timeless favourite 

of mine. Pairing these deep, dark colours 

with bright, vibrant accent colours can be 

really contemporary and eye-catching, but 

sometimes just one dimensional colour can 

feel slightly flat. To really bring this look to life, 

these dark tones work perfectly with a touch 

of bling. Think dark navy or brown with pale 

silver, teals and shiny glass for a really wintery 

feel. You’re in Narnia straight away. Or warm 

it up by using brassy gold, or shiny copper for 

a really extravagant contrast which works so 

beautifully with sumptuous ruby velvet and 

thick faux fur. 

Not only does this palette suit the season, 

but it has a longevity too. To top that off, 

it’s a wonderful backdrop for Christmas 

decorations. So rather than thinking of 

completing a full look before you then bring 

out the baubles, why not use the Christmas 

decorations to test your palette and organically 

develop your look.


Start by choosing the dark wall colour. Take 

into account factors like the ceiling height, and 

natural light sources so that you can get a feel 

for how a dark colour would work. Sometimes 

dark can work equally well in larger and 

smaller spaces but it depends on the room. It is 

important to balance it with the colour used for 

the floor, ceiling, skirtings and doors, and often 

these work well in contrasting pale colours or 

white, or so that you create drama and impact 

rather than a gloomy cave. 

Then decide whether you want to layer the 

dark with navy or teal sofas or if you might 

make a statement with a vibrant cherry red 

velvet wingback or a bright green sofa. Then, 

you can use the decorations to decide on your 

preference for accent styles. For example 

get your tree in situ and consider whether 

you want to go for warm, soft white lights 

and golden, brassy tones in the baubles and 

decorations, or whether you’re leaning towards 

icy bright lights with blue undertones and light 

silver tones. 

Your inclination in this process will really 

help determine where you take the ambience 

of your room to next. And as you create your 

festive haven, start to pick up a few accessories 

in the shiny tones you prefer, and that way you 

can add these into the room, as you take away 

the Christmas decorations, keeping that sense 

of glitz and glamour well into the New Year. 

If you also choose a statement accent colour 

such as the green or the ruby red in a sofa 

or armchair, bring this through in your 

decorations. They’re bold, contemporary looks 

on their own, but couple it with some holly 

and berries, or poinsettia and it will really 

sing Christmas to you as soon as you walk in 

the door. Obviously, a roaring fire in the grate, 

some mulled wine warming on the hob, and 

some carols in the background would all pull 

the picture together perfectly. 

Whatever elements of this wintry haven 

work best for you, can be intertwined with 

fairy lights and shiny baubles as you decide day 

by day what colours complement, and which 

others clash. Look at everything in different 

lights and think about creating soft lighting 

pools in dark corners as there’s little natural 

light to rely on at this time of year. Stick to the 

warmer tone lights and lower level bulbs, but 

find a balance and make sure you create cosy 

and warm, not gloomy and grey, so use plenty 

of light sources and vary direction with lamps 

and uplighters. 

To keep the festive feeling fresh throughout 

the winter months, make sure you invest in 

some fragranced candles. Cinnamon and 

clove, spiced berries and pine all help to create 

that festive feel and elongate it well into the 

New Year as you gradually unveil your ideal 

glamorous home. 

Cassiopeia 

Amber & Black


Westender Magazine 

Interiors & All Trades 

Keeping your home working for 

you. Whatever you need whenever 

you need it – find reliable local 

tradespeople here. 

Deco Builders are a local, well established, 

reliable and trustworthy building company with 

over 15 years of experience. We are based in 

West End, Glasgow, covering all Glasgow and 

surrounding areas. 

We are experts in: 

- Kitchens & Bathrooms Renovations 

- Plastering, Decorating 

- Flooring, Tiling 

- Flat & House Renovation 

FOR A FREE QUOTE CALL: 

07810 728 025 

www.decobuilders.co.uk 

We’re your local experts in all 

aspects of painting and decorating, 

interior, exterior and specialists in 

hanging designer wallpapers. 

for a Free No Obligation Quote 

call Kevin on 07984 880199 

or Derek on 07525 202102 

or email us at 

bespokedecor@yahoo.co.uk 

T: 0141 321 1012 

2/2 1758 Great Western Road, 

Glasgow G13 2TL 

Painter & Decorator » Plaster Skimming 

Ames Taping & Coving » Period Windows 

Hand-painted Kitchens 

Call Frank – 07906 395341 / 0141 945 3975 

francisscullion@yahoo.co.uk


Before 

Do you have cornice 

in need of repair? 

After 

www.reproplaster.co.uk | Tel: 0141 7761112 

Visit our showroom at Period House, 5 Campsie Road, Kirkintilloch, G66 1SL 

Experts in the repair of ornamental plasterwork | Comprehensive product range also available 

With over 25 years’ experience, 

we offer a wide range of plumbing, 

gas & building services. 

➤ Central heating installations 

➤ Gas installations & repair work 

➤ Landlord gas safety certificates 

➤ Plumbing & emergency repair work 

➤ Bathroom/kitchen installations & upgrades 

➤ Specialists in renovation & building projects 

➤ All trades supplied 

➤ Gas Safe registered 

Quote ‘Westender Magazine’ 

for a 10% discount off new 

boiler installations. 

0141 301 1180 | 07949 092 475 

www.bsmithplumbing.com 

info@bsmithplumbing.com



The Wee Kitchen Shop 

Specialising In Beautiful Shaker Kitchens 

When you call yourself the WEE 

Kitchen Shop – you know how to 

fit really wee kitchens, right? After 

reading about The WEE Kitchen Shop in a 

previous edition of Westender, Irene and 

Ronnie from Hillhead, decided to put theory 

to the test with their compact kitchen space 

in the heart of the West End. 

‘The tenement we are in was built in 

1880 and we wanted a kitchen in keeping 

with that era yet with all the mod cons,’ 

Ronnie explains. ‘We read about Greg in the 

Westender and really liked the quality of the 

cabinetry we saw. Greg is so approachable 

and has great ideas – he just seemed to 

understand what we wanted and spent lots of 

time coming over to discuss the plans. 

‘To save having a kettle on the worktop 

Greg suggested a 3 in 1 ITHO boiling hot 

water tap which is such a timesaving device! 

We also love our Siemens single oven with 

microwave, saving on the space of a separate 

microwave oven. 

‘The biggest job was to relocate the 

washing machine to a cupboard beside the 

bathroom to free up space for a slimline 

integrated dishwasher,’ continues Ronnie. 

‘I cannot praise the plumber and joiner that 

work with Greg enough. The quality of their 

work and their “can do” attitude is a real 

testament to the team he has surrounded 

himself with. Work began back in June this 

year and in six weeks it was all completed. 

‘Irene’s favourite spot is the single window 

seat Greg came up with to hide where 

the gas and electric enters the house and 

maximise the light – Irene calls it her wine 

seat! Everything is very functional and exactly 

as we had hoped, we can’t recommend Greg 

and his team highly enough.’ 

30% off Silestone, Corian & Granite 

worktops ordered before the end of 2018. 

Please call ahead for a FREE consultation 

appointment at The Wee Kitchen Shop. 

The WEE Kitchen Shop 

304 Crow Road, Broomhill G11 7HS 

0141 334 4747 

www.theweekitchenshop.co.uk 

info@theweekitchenshop.co.uk 

Images I Gregor Reid


Reseal Service | Professional Tile Installation | Waterproof Bathrooms 

The no.1 Tile Installation and Restoration 

Specialist in Central Scotland 

We are a fully insured, reliable family run business with over 

40 years combined experience. We use the best and most up to date 

products and materials and pride ourselves on our attention to detail 

and excellent customer reviews. 

BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER 

Our Reseal Service can restore your tiles by carefully 

removing all of your existing grout and sealant using 

non-abrasive chemicals and high precision diamond 

technology. Specialist chemicals are used to wash 

your tiles to remove soap scum, body fat, mould and 

mildew. Antimicrobial grouts and sealants are then 

professionally applied 

Our Reseal service includes; 

// Sealant Applications 

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// Chemical Sealants 

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// Two-part Sealants 

// Waterproof Tanking Systems 

FROM ONLY 

£150 

SUPPLIED 

& FITTED 

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Seals – Our unique and 

most popular product. 

T / 0141 611 9534 M / 0781 782 8681 

E / info@resealscotland.co.uk W / www.resealscotland.co.uk


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