Drum & Monkey, Glasgow

The curved protruding end of the boot shaped bar counter presents seven hand pumps to those walking through the entrance of the Drum & Monkey. Black Sheep’s Twilighter, Stewart’s Jack Back and 80 Shilling, Nicholsons Pale Ale, Wily Fox’s Craft Fox and St Austell’s Tribute were available. An extensive list of standard and premium keg was also available from the friendly bar staff. High tables sit under the right hand windows and in the front left is a small raised seating area that sits above the entrance to the downstairs toilets. To the left of the front entrance is another raised seating area and banquettes run along the left wall either side of a fireplace that was full of fairy lights. At the rear is Singerie’s Snug which is actually another seating area geared more towards dining. It’s worth casting your eyes skywards to have a look at the ceiling. A television was showing muted rolling BBC News and some background music was playing. Like most Nicholsons pubs, this place is worth a look if in the area.

Fairly grand, this used to be a bank (the Savings Bank). Look out for marble columns, an intricate ceiling, the ‘peninsula’ shaped bar with castle turret topping, wood panelling and chandeliers. Seven pumps with three ales on; Tim Taylor Landlord, Nicholson house beer and Stewart 80/- (NBSS 3), though my companion’s keg Wild Beer was fairly awful and clearly in need of scrappage (she wouldn’t let me complain, so…). Not cheap, but the location makes it worth a stop.