Ma; .IE WHISKY LIVE GLASGOW

What does Glasgow have in common with London, Tokyo, New York, Paris, Cape Town and Johannesburg? Well, among other attributes, it shares the distinction of hosting Whisky Live - a two-day event featuring tastings, demonstrations, master classes, food and live music.

Hosted in George Square by Whisky Magazine on 9 and 10 September this year, the fete draws a range of exhibitors, from Famous Grouse to Morrison Bowmore and a few you might not expect, such as Craigellachie Hotel - although if you ever saw this Highland inn’s infamous whisky bar, a virtual library with walls lined with single malt bottles, you would understand.

Tickets are not cheap (228), but a full day’s admission includes vouchers to sample some 15 different tipples. In a positive innovation this year, guests can also purchase afternoon tickets (£11) for entry after 5pm on Friday and 3pm on Saturday, which includes five tasting vouchers. Additional sample vouchers (five for £2.50) are sold at the event - subject to availability (and presumably the individual’s sobriety). If you’re absolutely mad for it, a double day pass (£46) is also available.

Master classes (separate admission of £11) will be led by Russell Anderson of Highland Park distillery (Friday 3.45pm), Whisky Magazine’s Dave Broom (Friday 6.45pm), John Sutherland of Glenrothes distillery (Saturday 1.45pm) among others, while Scottish cookery specialist Sue Lawrence will take the stage (Saturday 4.45pm) to discuss how to make the ultimate whisky meal.

For details and tickets, log on to www.whiskylive.com/ scotland or to book by phone, call 01603 633808.

(Barry Shelby)

I Whisky Live Glasgow, George Square, Friday 9 September 2pm-8pm and Saturday 70 September noon—6pm.

EAT&DR|NK

Swde dreams

Sofi’s: Leith’s

Following the success of Boda Bar, another new bar with a Swedish ambience has opened in Leith. Xavier Toby went along to sample the meatballs and Aquavit.

lowly Leith is outgrowing its

old reputation and along

with the extensive developments lining the shore. many new businesses are opening. Following the success of the Boda Bar, which opened last year on Leith Walk (see issue 514), Anna and Mike Christopherson opened Sofi‘s on Henderson Street in June.

Both are style bars with an array of

fine wines. spirits and each boasts a bar menu which has a distinctly Swedish flavour.

‘The moose sausage is very

1 popular.” says Anna. ‘lt's not often

in Edinburgh that people get to taste moose.’ All the bar snacks are reasonably priced (from £1.50 for the moose sausage on crisp bread to £4.50 for a cheese plate). and the menu is creatively Swedish also available are a herring plate (£3.00) and meatball sandwich (£3.50). Opening Boda Bar was seen by many as a brave move. but Anna

says the Swedish couple didn’t see

it that way. ‘We both worked from home and wanted to meet people but couldn’t find a place close by where we would feel comfortable. so we opened one.‘ The location for Sofi’s on Henderson Street is just as interesting. between popular tourist precinct the Shore and local hub Leith Walk but part of neither. It‘s

also proving popular with its mix of

relaxed atmosphere and stylish light blue decor and comfortable. classic fumiture.

‘We wanted to create places where women would feel comfortable relaxing by themselves or in a group with some nice wine. somewhere strangers and locals could mix and get to know each other.‘ Both premises were previously occupied by much rougher pubs. but Anna and Mike

‘IT'S NOT OFTEN IN EDINBURGH THAT PEOPLE GET TO TASTE MOOSE'

never saw the need for door staff. and since opening haven‘t had problems due to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The drinks menu stocks ‘interesting products that we enjoy". These include pear cider (£2.40). Aquavit or ‘water of life' and pear cognac (£2.20) from Sweden. as well as Spanish cava very popular on Sunday when all champagne is available at retail prices. There is also Swedish vodka. and a range of line Spanish and French wines. but no Swedish beer. ‘lt's not that nice.‘ they admit.

Both bars also host constantly

changing exhibitions from photographers and painters.

Currently at Soli‘s is the creative photography of Leith local (‘hris

(iibson. who uses computer packages to mix elements of his photographs to create new works. while Boda Bar has work by a Swedish painter. with words from a Swedish poet accompanying each piece.

Style bars in lidinburgh can suffer from being pretentious. but Soli‘s and Boda Bar have achieved that tricky balance between style and atmosphere with an attention to detail that extends from an intelligent drink selection and fun bar menu. to wonderfully friendly staff. a comfortable interior and inclusive attitude. It‘s a combination that is all too rare.

Sofi’s, Henderson Street, 0131 555 7019; Boda Bar, Leith Walk, 0131 553 5900. Both bars open 1pm-1 am Mon-Sat, and 1pm-123m Sun.

2’?) Aug 8 Sop 2005) THE LIST 65