Laneways
Gordon Lane, Glasgow
What is it? Located in the once dilapidated Gordon Lane in Glasgow’s city centre, Laneways is a nine-month pop-up that combines street food, cocktails and visual art. They have done a great job with the decor and the lighting, making it feel welcoming and comfortable. There are two food cages and a bar at the far end with loads of seating along the opposite wall.
Interesting fact: Pop-up bars and restaurants have been popular in the UK for the last decade and are showing no sign of slowing down. Originally they would have been set up to let young and exciting chefs experiment and build up their reputations. The birth of social media has helped these pioneers build loyal followings of people looking for new experiences in the world of food and drink. Today, big brands have jumped on the bandwagon, slightly distorting the true essence of the pop-up.
Verdict: These days, I am more than a little tentative when told, “you need to check out this new pop-up”, because the majority are pretty disappointing. For me, a food and drink offering should combine giving people what they want, with introducing them to something new, and it is up to the owners what balance they give to that. A pop-up should be all about taking them slightly out of their comfort zone. Laneways achieves this. Who would have ever thought someone would be serving amazing food and drinks in Gordon Lane? But it works. Get out of your comfort zone and get down here before it’s gone.
Drink: The bar side of Laneways comes from the innovative Glasgow-based drinks company Rapscallion and frontman/mad professor Gregor Leckie. The bar down Gordon Lane has a fun, fast and fresh approach to summer-drinking, utilising the best talent from around Scotland.
The menu is in three sections to suit all palates and preferences and the offering will change with the seasons to ensure the best and most vibrant produce is used.
Leckie and his accomplices are dedicated to mixing, infusing and pre-bottling cocktails so you don't have to wait long. Drinks include the Cheeky Wee Negroni for £4.50 and the Ghetto Bouche for £2. I went for a long drink, the Meow Mix: at £5, a spicy Moscow Mule mix with your choice of spirit. If you don’t fancy any alcohol, the Captain Banana Pants soda is mind-blowing.
Food: There are two permanent stall: Julie’s Street Kitchen serving up Malaysian street food and On Rotation, offering rotisserie dishes with a modern twist. The Fish Plaice Pop-up makes an occasional appearance, serving up three plump oysters for £5. The food is really tasty.
Prices: Good value for money with food starting from £6 up to £13 for a whole chicken.
Children: Kids are more than welcome. The bar guys will even get them one of their five a day with some delicious fresh fruit and veg juices.
Alfresco: About as alfresco as it gets.
Perfect for: Anyone who comes back from London talking about the cool pop ups and street food they experienced. Well, Glasgow, it’s happening slap bang in the middle of your city so go check it out. Great for kicking off the night in the coolest way possible.
Avoid if: You prefer plush shiny city centre bars. Some people won’t get this but the folks that do are in for a real treat.
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