THE transformation of Finnieston has been amazing to witness. The journey from an almost forgotten part of Glasgow to what’s now a very chic address has happened in a relatively short space of time. Even I was taken aback last year when it was crowned “the hippest place to purchase real estate in Britain” by The Times newspaper. From the port of call for thirsty dockworkers to Glasgow’s food and drink capital, how did this “rapid gentrification” happen?

A few key factors seem to have been involved. The SSE Hydro has provided a new and constant revenue stream. Affordable property in the area has brought in younger residents and publicans. Then there’s a sense of community: everyone pushing in the same direction to bring people to the area. So for me, the success of Finnieston is a result of combined efforts. Places like The Hidden Lane and even venues that have stood the test of time like The Grove and The 78 have allowed Finnieston to hold onto some of its roots and unique character. Of course, other areas will become the next hippest thing and people will say this area is becoming mainstream but Finnieston will always be known as the first to put Glasgow on the food and drink map.

CLASSIC PUB: THE BEN NEVIS

Even though it feels like it has been here for decades, The Ben Nevis only opened its doors in 1999. Back then it was extremely stylish for a classic pub and a celebration of all things Scottish with Gaelic etchings on the walls, a bar made of reclaimed materials, exposed stone, Highland artefacts and that fancy, wonky

bar gantry.

It is, however, everything that epitomises a true Scottish traditional pub. Roaring fire, moody lighting, live folk music, colourful characters behind and in front of the bar, a big whisky and beer selection and, of course, it’s dog-friendly. This is my

retreat from the shiny places on the

strip, when I just want a good pint and

some quality banter.

Ask for: The team here will guide you to your perfect beer and dram. The malt of the month is usually a cracker as well.

Interesting fact: The pub is so dog-friendly it even has its own Dogs Of The Ben calendar with all proceeds going to charity.

THE GAME-CHANGER: LEBOWSKI’S

On paper it shouldn’t have worked. Three guys with limited bar experience open a bar in a dilapidated part of the city. They theme the bar around a dressing-gowned man with low ambition, who has a love for White Russians (Vodka, coffee liqueur and milk). Shouldn’t work, right? That was 10 years ago, when Lebowski’s became the bar that started to change Finnieston into the coolest area to hang out in Glasgow. Their motto is: Three Guys, One Dude. The rest is history. This laid-back, fun offering hit the spot with Glaswegians and it very quickly became a popular venue for its loyal followers. Expect to find some of the best burgers in town and over 30 variants of White Russians all in a quirky setting.

Ask for: Like your cocktails sweet? Go for The Bandit from their White Russian menu with honey vodka, white chocolate liqueur and milk.

Interesting fact: The Dude is based on a real guy. In The Big Leboski, directors, The Coen Brothers, primarily based the Dude (played by Jeff Bridges) on a man named Jeff Dowd, who helped distribute their first film, Blood Simple, in 1984. Like the stoner character in the movie, Dowd was a member of anti-war group the Seattle Seven and actually called himself “The Dude”.

CONTEMPORARY SPOT: GRUNTING GROWLER

The Finnieston area has started to expand into its neighbouring area, Yorkhill, with cool coffee shops and bars popping up all the time. Last year a former supermarket had been transformed by owner Jehad Hatu into Grunting Growler, serving up draught craft beer for customers to take home, as well as loads of bottled beers to choose from. It has been a great success with Hatu extending into the shop and creating tasting room for 20 people, which will be opened in the coming weeks. The new room will have a German ber cafe twist. The main purpose of the table is to promote education within the beer industry, and excite people about different beer styles. One single table will sit along the full length of the room designed to force people to rub shoulders and interact with each other while they try the best beers to be found in Glasgow.

Ask for: Petrus Red, a fruit sour that has been aged on cherries. The beer has the perfect balance between fruit sweetness and acidity. Petrus Aged Pale has been aged for 24 months in oak foeders, making it super-tart and acidic. These two different beers have been brewed to be blended together by the consumer. There are no right, or wrong blending ratios. Just pour and blend away.

Interesting fact: The shop’s name comes from when beer used to be taken home from the local boozer in a tin can with a lid on top. When the beer started to fizz, it would let out a hissing (“growling”) sound. The growler is a take-home container for draft beer and for years, Americans have been using them to take home beer poured from kegs at their local brew-pubs. They are said to have really became popular in Seattle back in 2010.

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