The Spanish Butcher
80 Miller Street, Glasgow
What is it? A couple of years ago this area of the city centre was a bit of a no-man’s land: a strange vortex between where the city centre ends and the Merchant City begins. I remember it from my teens as the place we'd head to buy vintage clobber and possibly leave with a nose-piercing from the now long gone Virginia Galleries. These days the area between Miller street and Virginia Street is home to some of the city’s most exciting places to eat and drink. There’s everything from award-winning pizzas at Paesano to delicious gin cocktails at Gin 71 in Virginia Court. This new bar and restaurant, opened at the end of last year, is part of the growing portfolio of James and Louise Rusk, owners of The Butcher Shop and Hutchesons. As with the couple’s other venues, no expense has been spared in creating a top-notch experience.
Interesting fact: Importing jamon iberico (Spanish ham) into the United States was illegal until 2005, because none of the Spanish slaughterhouses met with FDA approval. So the only real-deal jamon that made it across the border had to be smuggled.
Verdict: This area is fast becoming my favourite location to hang out in Glasgow and The Spanish Butcher is a fantastic addition. The owners live and breathe the hospitality industry and strive to offer the very best in both produce and service; you can feel that as soon as you step through the doors. The service is excellent, staff are obviously trained to a high level. The decor is moody and intimate, instantly suggesting you are going to experience some really authentic food and drink. It feels special here, and while that is down somewhat to the furnishings, it’s really the staff and offering that make the place.
Drink: At the bar you'll find a selection of tasty snacks as well as a menu dedicated to Mediterranean products and flavours, with a wide selection of Spanish wines, beers and Cava. Cocktails are not the focus but there is a small but perfectly formed selection to choose from. I would recommend the Pimenton Ron with Brugal, PX Sherry, Spanish Bitters, Brown Sugar Cube, Paprika, Mezcal & Orange zest for £8.95.
Food: You would expect the usual tapas-style menu as found in most Spanish/Mediterranean style venues around the city, but here you get more substantial portions. From their Rubia Gallega Grade 9 Galician Beef, the Presa Iberican Bellota Pork to the 30-month matured 100 per cent authentic Jamon Iberico de Bellota, all the produce here is sourced and imported directly from Spain. I spent my time at the bar so enjoyed some of the bar snacks to keep me going.
Prices: Not the cheapest of places to go on a night out, but trust me, if it’s an authentic Spanish eating and drinking experience you are looking for, then it’s worth every penny.
Children: Child-friendly and a fun place to get the wee ones into trying new types of food.
Alfresco: No outside area; it’s all about the atmosphere inside.
Perfect for: Great for any occasion, whether you want to impress your partner with a romantic night out or take a group of friends for a lively eating and drinking experience.
Avoid if: You prefer more classic British cuisine when venturing on a night out.
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