The Vintage at Drygate

What a hugely welcome addition to the Glasgow scene this place has been since opening in 2014. An intuitive joint venture between craft brewers Williams Brothers and macro-brewers Tennents – situated partly in a 1930s-era former box factory beside the Tennents brewery in the East End – Drygate is a so-called ‘experiential’ micro-brewery, beerhall and restaurant, uniting all the quality and class Williams has come to be recognised for, with all the resources a big brand partner can bring.

It’s a strikingly large space, with two bars, a bottle shop, an events space (for concerts, live comedy and the like), plus a substantial roof terrace. There’s a semi-industrial feel to the décor, all cast concrete, steel and wood, offset by brightly coloured furnishings. The ground-floor Brewhouse Bar and Kitchen looks theatrically through a glass partition to the brewery, where you can watch expert hopheads at work.

The beers are among the very best made in Scotland. Drygate’s ‘core’ brews include Bearface Lager, the unusual Outaspace Apple Ale, and the gorgeous Gladeye IPA (each with labelling designed by Glasgow School of Art students). Additionally, you’ll find a changing selection of 20 or so other varieties on tap – anything from Williams Brothers favourites such as Ceasar Augustus IPA/lager hybrid, to experimental brews such as the 7.1 percent Ryebock Classics malted rye-heavy German bock lager.

The food is every bit as good as the beer. Starters of scallops and Stornoway black pudding or goat’s cheese and walnut salami appear overpriced until they arrive, substantial of portion and beautifully presented. The Drygate beef burger with blue cheese and stout crust, truffle mayo and hand-cut chips needs to be tasted to be believed. The Grazing menu lets you build your own plates of charcuterie, fish and vegetarian treats – ideal for sharing, or simply for keeping hunger at bay while you sink the brews.