The Winged Ox Bar & Kitchen at St Luke’s, 17 Bain Street
Glasgow
What is it: Joining in on the east end party is St Luke's, a lovingly restored, Grade B-listed building which was originally the St Luke’s parish church next to the Barrowlands. Along with West Brewery and the Drygate Brewery, they are showing that the folks of the east end are hungry and thirsty for some quality hospitality. As well as a stunning live music area, the venue offers the Winged Ox Bar & Restaurant, which is where of course I spent my time.
Interesting fact: Saint Luke’s was built in 1836 as a working church but after being disbanded in 2012 it needed to find a new purpose. Work started on the refurbishment in January 2015. This historic landmark has been renovated to a standard that merges the original interior with the latest technology in sound and lighting.
Verdict: We have just taken an office around the corner from here and I couldn't be happier that this is our new local. It was always going to be a tough call to open up a venue of this size here but it's clear the team have the passion and drive to make it happen. The staff could not have been more helpful and welcoming and as I have said many times before, that is the key to any successful venue.
Drink: A strong selection of well-known and craft beers on offer. I enjoyed a pint of Punk IPA from Brewdog.
Food: The food is the big surprise here – it's excellent, so they haven't just focused on the live music. I visited with a big group and they furnished us with some of the best barbecued and honey garlic wings I've ever tasted, at £9 for 10 wings.
Prices: Slightly higher than some pubs in the area but still great value for money.
Alfresco: Huge area out-front, which I'm sure will be utilised for gala days, and marketplaces coinciding with the Barras when the sunny weather eventually comes back round.
Children: Welcome if dining with adults
Perfect for: Enjoying some beers and chicken wings before catching some live music.
Avoid if: You prefer sticking to your usual city centre or west end haunts, to checking out one of the city's most up and coming areas.
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