EAT& D RI N K
EVE? N l8
ASHTON LANE BEER FESTIVAL
New ales don’t normally get brewed, especially for local beer festivals in Scotland. But then, Glasgow’s West Enders might well argue that Ashton Lane is no ordinary destination for a food and drink event, with its cheek—to-jowl array of bars and restaurants.
So when the lion’s share of Ashton Lane pubs and eateries - collectively known as ALPA (Ashton Lane Proprietors Association) - decided to organise the inaugural Ashton Lane Beer Festival, which runs from Wednesday 26 October to Sunday 30 October, it commissioned the Houston Brewing Company to make a special brew.
Hence, the launch of Ashton Lane Ale will coincide with the opening of the festival. The 4.2% ABV beer is a golden ate with an apparently slightly bittersweet aftertaste, brewed using three malts (including wheat) and two hops. Although it will be introduced in bottles and on draught at the festival, Ashton Lane Ale will continue to be sold in Scotland (as long as people show an interest and buy it).
Houston will also be bringing along some of its more established products such as Barochan Cross, Warlock Stout and its championship bitter, Killellan. All venues will have a list of some 12 to 14 beers, such as Brahma from Brazil, Australian Crown and an alcohol-free brew from Bravaria’s Erdinger, as well as its weiBbier and stout.
Stages will be set up at either end of the lane. Entertainment highlights include the Boogaloo Investigators on Saturday evening at the Brel end of the vennel and the Beat Poets on Sunday at the Jinty McGuinty end. (Barry Shelby)
I HtL‘AS/thfll lane Hem [mt/val n/nx from 5pm on Wednesday and l'ht/rsday, 2’6 ant/Q7 October, and from noon Fur/av [)8 October to Sunday 30 October.
102 THE LIST 70 ()(l it No: I’tttH
ork of the town
If you’re fed up with antiseptic style bars, there’s a new city centre Glasgow pub with a zeitgeisty music policy that could be just up your street, says Johnny Regan.
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The Butterfly and the Pig, 153 Bath Street, 0141 221 7711.
I One of the better lunch bargains has been on offer at the new French brasserie called b’est on Drummond Street in Edinburgh. Three courses for an impressive £6.90 can include starters such as goat’s cheese tart or chicken liver parfait, main courses like lamb hot pot or pan—fried cod fillet and desserts from rice pudding to chocolate crepe. The site is the former long-time home of Khushi’s, but extensive renovations have made the interiors virtually unrecognisable. 16 Drummond Street, 0131 556 6040.
I Around the corner. Hamtai has shed its East Asian iconography for the rugged Rocky Mountains and been relaunched as Aspen by the All iatioss (yet If). Now (‘allotl a style liar dedicated to extreme sports, the two level venue at G? Snitlh Bridge has more than 30 plasana scttt'teus showing extreme sports and is linked Willi local snowt‘tcxtrcling and windsr "ting cluhs. Don‘t expect quiet candle lit drinlxs.
I Side Dishes is hearing good things about a recently opened bakery at the top of Easter Road. Manna House bakes loaves and patisserie all day long and endeavours to stay open into the evening to catch folk on their way home after work. More on this in a future issue.
I The (rate bar at the lia‘..=ti‘:t':;e has a new menu and chef.
At tsssio l owan Nyols has tirougl ll a taste of Asia with salads; such as S/eehuan squid or That heel — althot igh some ever popular inz'tinstays such as nachos remain on the menu.
I In Glasgow, Bacchus [pictured] is firmly back on track after being closed for a year following the massive fire in neighbouring Bennett’s nightclub. A £350,000 refurbishment has created a refined bar, geared towards the young professional and shopper market. Food on offer ranges from chicken goujons to chilli beef enchiladas or tiger prawn curry, and the prices are reasonable. Bacchus is at 80 Glassford Street, 0141 572 0800.