Go WEST

In the heart of central Glasgow is a green park area with various monuments and the People's Museum and Winter Gardens. There's also a splendid building that hosts a secret - a German microbrewery and restaurant. WEST (for that is its name, whether it stands for anything I know not).

Gleaming copper

The first thing you notice on entering is a cordoned off area which turns out to be a view to the floor below with gleaming copper brew kettle and mash tun. Its supposedly hi-tech and efficient in a way that German manufacturing is wont to be. Its possible to tour the brewery but this generally has to be booked in advance. Certainly something for a future visit I think.

Templeton beer badge

The bar itself seems like any other until on closer inspection you find four taps with the WEST brand. Available on our visit were the St Mungo Lager, Hefeweizen, Munich Red and Wild West (a kellerbier). Its a shame there's not more available, but I guess they have to go with what's saleable within the shelf life time whilst having the core beers available. Would love to try the dunkels though.

St Mungo Lager and hefeweizen

I ordered a pint for myself and a half for the lady. The pricing system is strange to say the least and almost put a dampener on the proceedings. A pint is £3.50 (about normal for these parts) but a half is £2.50. Meaning Two halves would cost a whole £1.50 more than a pint. This seems stupid to me, even taking into account breakages/pilferage and cleaning of smaller glasses there can't be such a difference. At least the prices were clearly displayed on the wall but I can't help but thinking people would end up drinking less because of it. It would also be a good idea to offer a four thirds tasting tray for say £5. Id certainly have gone for that.

Pricing concerns aside, how were the beers? The St Mungo's was bright as a pin with a crisp flavour, some biscuit malt and very drinkable. The hefeweizen was preferred by my other half. Hazy dark blonde with a yeast ester nose and a touch of citrus. They certainly both looked the part in their branded glasses. We also tried the Munich Red (pint split between two glasses...) which was a sweet toffee apple and malty caramel affair and a taste of the Wild West confirmed it to be a lightly hoppy blonde which didn't particularly interest me at the time.

Spinnach and feta filo

Veggie haggis burger

Being that time of day we chose to stay for lunch. I'd seen mixed food reviews online but decided the proof of the pudding is in the eating as they say. Despite being very busy they soon had found us a table and having had a big breakfast skipped starters and went straight for mains. Daisy chose a spinach and feta filo parcel with pesto and tomatoes and I had a vegetarian haggis burger with added blue cheese and mushrooms. The hand-cut chips were great, well cooked and all food came out in good time and piping hot. Arranged nicely on the plates and in a good sized portion we were impressed. All of the food tasted excellent and I fail to see where the comments had come from in reviews. Certainly no complaints here. There were plenty of German inspired dishes on the menu for those who like their schnitzels and sausage too.

White chocolate tart

Hefe-ice and berry compote

I've tried beer ice-cream before (X-Beer 33 at U Medviku in Prague) but wasn't too keen, it being a fairly bitter beer sorbet. The hefe-ice was much tastier. Really creamy but with the unmistakable influence of spicy wheat and fruity esters, it off-set the tart berry compote perfectly. The white chocolate tart was also tasty and paired well with the Munich red, but perhaps a tad too sweet for me.

Daisy enjoying St Mungo's Lager

In all then a good experience. Good beer, good food, friendly service and fair prices (strangely priced halves aside). I'd certainly return and try other beers and food, but please WEST, rethink your pricing or offer tasting trays!