WebNovDec18

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Bank
Street
www.westendermagazine.com | 51
Image I Gregor Reid
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