Side Dishes: November 2024
Jo Laidlaw rounds up the latest openings and excitements from the wonderful world of eating and drinking.
Guess someone’s gotta do it…
By now, the clocks are well and truly back and the nights are well and truly in. Hurrah then for The Last Bookstore (pictured above), a new bar in Glasgow’s Hope Street from the team behind Devil Of Brooklyn. They’re aiming for a ‘dog at your feet’ atmosphere with author-inspired cocktails and cosy vibes. It’s joined by a ton of newbies: as well as openings for Margo and Sebb’s, there’s Vodka Wodka in Merchant Square, while Sauchiehall Street has live music, comedy and what looks like a cracking Sunday roast from Berlinkys. Habibi aim to spread the love with a neat little ’babs/bread/bowl menu, while Faim in Lynedoch Street is all French-inspired small plates and natural wines.
Edinburgh has buzz aplenty around Stockbridge Eating House, a weeny new venture (in the former Bells Diner) from Dale Mailley, who’s been quietly putting out some of Edinburgh’s best grub for over a decade at The Gardener’s Cottage. The all-day-to-evening menu looks extremely tasty and accessible. We’ve also got eyes on Marchmont where Nàdair has a neighbourhood feel and five-course set menu, and The Shore which plays host to Mara, a gorgeous cocktail-focused bar with daily brunch until 3pm.
Finally, the long-awaited Lost Shore Surf Resort (near Ratho) is almost ready to catch the wave, and the scran is equally exciting. Canteen features a rotating guest kitchen, with Five March, Civerinos and Mexican specialists Rafa’s in place for the opening. If that’s not a perfect shivery bite, we don’t know what is.