Lauder's, Glasgow

Lauder’s had to close since the fire at the nightclub near the Pavilion theatre weeks ago. Customers have been allowed to drink at the upper floor of The Royal Scot pub in Union Street in the meantime. I took photos last week....coming soon.

Official site of Lauders Bar - www.thelaudersglasgow.co.uk

Large, busy pub at the east end of Sauchiehall Street. 'L'-shaped - partly split-level - interior with fairly plain furniture and decor. Chain-type special offer menus. Background music and silent news TV screens. Three handpumps, offering the regular Marstons EPA plus two guests: Adnams Fat Sprat and Stewart 80/- (£2.69) when I stopped by briefly. Also offers its own-brand whisky. Unbranded M&B pub.

Official site of Lauders Bar - www.thelaudersglasgow.co.uk

Handy city centre pub (that seems to be calling itself THE Lauders now?) lots of standard type beers and ciders (Stella, Guinness, Coors, Stella, Becks, Strongbow etc) cocktails deals, spirits and bottled beers but nothing "different"and no real ales - always busy especially Friday Saturday after work and night - can get a bit too busy at times - clientèle, generally blokes after work and shoppers popping in for a few(later at night some couples) with the odd tourists popping in - Food I hear is pretty good (traditional pub fair - fish chips, curry etc)with some good deals - bar staff are always kept busy but the bar area can get way too crowded, so much so the last 3 times I have popped in (sober and tidy) ) I've been ignored/missed and just walked out (and I 'the only one) -Toilets are very clean and tidy for city centre drinkers pub (and big) Lauder's has a website if your interested in visiting the pub (but the pictures look pretty staged and probably stock from somewhere else) not a bad pub but it can come over at times as a boozers pub.

Always busy but nothing special beer about average price can get very noisy at times

A split level interior serves 3 real ales and food.

I’m not totally sure what made me put this pub on my list of “to do’s”. The pub originally opened in 1836 as the Lochnagar Vaults and changed its name in the 19870’s to that of the landlord of the time. It occupies a prime position in the City Centre and is perhaps best known for its musical heritage having hosted regular live jazz and big band music since the forties, sometimes accommodating 17 piece bands. A refurbishment 3 or 4 years ago controversially spelt the end of the music in favour of more floorspace for the drinkers and diners. Today the pub seems little more than a cheap booze and food hangout not unlike a Wetherspoons. The extended interior is quite spacious with a central bar, raised area in one corner and a family area up a few steps at one end with a kitchen service area with an endless stream of meals being paraded to and from. On the whole it all seems very plastic, characterless and nondescript. There were multiple TV’s but no Pay Per View channels advertised so I don’t expect much in the way of televised sport which I assumed would have been one of its draws. Given the target demigraph and previous dubious reputation, I was surprised at the mature and quite civilized customer base although I should point out that mine was a daytime visit. Beerwise there were 3 ales available, Marstons EPA (£2.10), Deuchars and Harviestoun Natural Blonde which was probably more of a better selection than I would expected. Food was very much standard issue with prices around £3-£8. If you miss ‘Spoons grill on the Tuesday, you get something similar here on the Thursday. With so many ‘Spoons around locally that cater for a similar market, I’m not really sure what purpose the pub serves and there are countless better pubs for more discerning drinker. That said, the ppace killed a dead half hour and I didn’t find anything to put me off a return despite the better options nearby.