A new Scottish pub and dining venue has officially opened its doors in Glasgow’s West End following a £275,000 investment and complete rebrand of the former Van Winkle premises on Sandyford Place.
Gael & Grain, developed through a collaboration between Lomond Leisure Group and Star Pubs, offers a contemporary Scottish food and drink experience across several dedicated spaces, including a 65-cover main pub area, 30-seat private dining room, and a dedicated events space.
The venue features a specially designed area called “A’ Chuilidh” – Gaelic for “The Secret Hiding Place” – which can be booked for private functions, alongside a dog-friendly outdoor beer garden for seasonal use.
Sophie Mallon, Chief Marketing Officer of Lomond Leisure Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see this project come to fruition in conjunction with Star Pubs. Gael & Grain represents a celebration of Scottish heritage through food, drink, and music. This collaboration has allowed us to create a unique space that truly embodies the spirit of Scotland, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to experience it.”
The culinary offering combines traditional Scottish comfort food with creative innovations, featuring signature dishes such as “Haggis Tikka Masala” and “Irn Bru Cheesecake.” The kitchen emphasizes locally sourced Scottish produce for both lunch and dinner service.
Beyond food and drink, Gael & Grain has incorporated entertainment into its business model, partnering with Good Egg Comedy to host weekly shows in the venue’s “Comedy Lounge.”
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The drinks selection showcases Scottish provenance with an extensive range of whiskies and gins, complementing the venue’s positioning as a contemporary Scottish dining experience offering “a warm welcome steeped in heritage, flavour, and charm.”
The site was previously home to McPhabbs before becoming Van Winkle, with the current renovation representing a significant transformation of the space.
