The closest to
This odd little
home of our six picks is the
bar is a surprising place
6
venues within
jewel in Ashton Lane’s crown. Brel
to find such a fine selection
is quickly becoming one of the coolest
of music. The 50’s American diner-
places around, with Guardian Travel voting it
themed decor sets off the diverse weekly
Glasgow’s 3rd best live music venue earlier this
and monthly musical offerings, giving a night
year. As somewhere many of us probably pass at
spent in The Rio a bizarre time warped feel. A
minutes
least twice a day, it should not be allowed to blend into
few too many drinks and you could find yourself
the scenery. Named after Belgian legend Jacques Brel,
in an air-hostess outfit driving a Cadillac with great
this pub is living up to its names’ musical heritage, with
recent gigs by Glasvegas and Noah and the Whale. This
balls of fire burning through your panties. There is
year sees a new regular Thursday spot called “Concrete
something on almost every night, including Cabaret,
Campfire” showcasing up-and-coming indie bands, on top
Acoustic Night, Poker, DJs, Spoken Word and a top
of the established Saturday afternoon jazz. With DJs at
Jazz night featuring some of Scotland’s foremost
weekends and a new Sunday spot in the pipeline, Brel is
players. However Gum recommends The Lazy Daze
pushing itself as a music-pub. However, as everyone
Open Stage every Tuesday, an event which must
knows there’s only one real reason to go to a Belgian
surely be one of Glasgow’s best Open Mic nights.
pub. As owner Robin Morton says: “We specialise
Host Michael ‘The Acoustic Butterfly’ invites
in mussels frites and Belgian beers” so Brel really
“musicians to bring your weapon of choice or
is a beer-connoisseur’s wet-dream. Given its
use the house guitar, bass or percussion setup.”
location and the variety of interesting
Starting around 8pm this is a perfect chance
things happening, Brel is a good shout,
to showcase your talent get to grips with
especially if the walk into town
being on stage or even just to check
and the orange peope seem
out the wonders of Hyndland’s
a bit daunting. hip little time-machine.

As the undisputed Since it reopened
Mecca of all things tea, Tchai earlier this year, The Captains
Ovna has a special place in the heart Rest has been a massive success
of many among us, and is an interesting attracting many a famous act. Promoter
alternative option for a cheap night out. Come Simon Liddell describes it as “not only a
evening it becomes a cosy little venue, which sees much needed live music venue for the West
everything from the brilliant to the simply bizarre. End, but also a fresh nightspot for Glasgow’s Indie
“I tend to book folk, jazz and world gigs where masses. It combines the comfort of a traditional pub
possible” explains Tchai’s Ken. Anything with a high with the perks of a live music venue.” The Captains
level of musicianship and/or unusual instrumentation is Rest has a wealth of tantalizing events taking place, with
a dead cert.” The unique atmosphere is a combination of a the year already having seen some epic gigs by the likes
non-drunk audience and the ramshackle living-room styled of Frightened Rabbit and Future of the Left while its pre-
decor, which can make for a really nicely chilled evening. Christmas calendar may cause some West Enders to boycott
It’s also only a few quid to get in to the gigs (entry is free town altogether. As for the place itself, it does achieve a
the rest of the time) and there’s the option of sitting strange yet somehow comforting mix of old-man’s pub
outside and smoking a Shisha to show off your smoke (the scene of the single most hilariously awful karaoke
rings. Obviously it’s all about the tea really, and sipping display I have ever witnessed) and grimy/trendy indie
some wonderful brews is a great way to soak in a spot. All in all, an essential haven for those prone to
gig. Tchai Ovna is an easy place to fall instantly in waffling about semi-obscure bands while necking
love with, and it’s definitely worth a shout when absurd quantities of yellow beverages, and if
some low-key time is needed – GUM advises that does not tickle your fancy then fear not
a cup of yogi yogi chai on the inevitable - according to its MySpace The Captains
hazy Sunday after a heavy night Rest is single and Sagittarius so you
of that world famous might just get your grove
Glasgow fun. on and get lucky!
Located just south The Halt is the bar
of the Kelvingrove Park is of choice for many of the
the cosy-yet-stylish 78, though you West’s talented hordes and is a real
may remember it as Stereo, it’s previous heavy-hitter in Glasgow’s underground
incarnation. Thursday night at the 78 plays music scene. Everything from a-tonal
host to the wonderful Dub and Grub, hosted by noise-punk to beautifully intricate folk can be
Mungos Hifi. Now in its sixth year, this night is stumbled upon here, but the reliably interesting
a favourite for two pretty self-explanatory reasons, and friendly crowd is definitely its strongest quality.
Dub AND Grub, yay!: “The DJs take turns in cooking Rob Smith, organiser of the Halt Hijack festival and
and playing” explains Doug from Mungos HIfi. “Each many an excellent Saturday night gig, describes the
week has a different menu of freshly cooked fare with scene as “interesting music, free entry and a dedication to
the tunes ranging from old Ska and Rocksteady, through providing as much support to the artists as possible.” This
Roots-Reggae, Dub and Dancehall to Dubstep and attitude has earned The Halt its intimate affiliation with the
Modern Reggae.” Combined with The 78’s dangerously West’s music scene, its stage helping all kinds of budding
good selection of designer ales and ciders, this night artists move up the ladder. The exciting feeling that you
frequently results in a well-fed, half-cut wobble around may be watching tomorrow’s stars is a regular event as
to some crucial tunes. What’s more local legend/myth The Halt is often the first port of call for young bands
Ras Swampy is often found lurking outside treating looking to gig in the West End. Weekly events include
unsuspecting smokers to a dose of mind-boggling Wednesday’s open-mic and Bazodee Sounds reggae-
stream-of-consciousness poetry. So as a precursor dancehall every Thursday. As a venue that tries
to a big Thursday night out, or even as the to give as much support as possible to local
main event itself, Dub and Grub is a talent, and a genuinely great place to
West End gem not too be missed - hang out, The Halt Bar continues
get down around 7 to be sure to be among the best joints
you get a table. around Glasgow.
GUM•
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