Glasgow bourbon bar Van Winkle will open a second branch on Byres Road on Thursday 24 September.
Currently located opposite the iconic Barrowland Ballroom in the city’s east end, Van Winkle has Scotland’s largest selection of bourbons and now plans on bringing its signature American-style food and drink to the west end.
To mark the opening, Van Winkle is encouraging anyone who has US Dollars lying around from a summer holiday that didn’t happen, to spend them at the new eatery.
Visitors to the new Byres Road location will have more than 50 bourbons to choose from, as well as a wide selection of American whiskeys, cocktails, beers and wine.
The food menu includes wee plates, burgers and sandwiches, plus bigger dishes such as a five-cheese macaroni and the Van Winkle buffalo chicken wings.
A perfect spot for dog lovers, Van Winkle also has a special nutritious dog-friendly menu, developed by BBC Scotland’s resident vet Ross Allan from Pets’n’Vets.
Situated at the former site of The Hill, the opening will create 10 jobs, with staff trained in-house and by industry experts to grow their knowledge of the bar’s extensive drinks list, and to ensure a safe environment for all its guests.
Van Winkle will extend the Eat Out To Help Out scheme until the end of October, giving people who have booked in advance a 50 per cent discount of up to £10 per person between Monday and Wednesday.
Anyone taking advantage of the scheme will also have the option to eat as many wings as they can in 90 minutes for just £10.
Derek Mallon of Van Winkle said: “Van Winkle is all about sharing a flavour of the USA and we’re incredibly excited to be opening up our second bar on Byres Road.
"Our aim is to bring real quality products, delivered by genuine people, in an atmosphere that transports you to Kentucky.
“The last few months have been undoubtedly tough for the hospitality industry, so it feels very positive to be opening new premises, creating jobs and bringing something new to the food and drink scene in the west of the city.
“For anyone whose holiday to America has been cancelled this summer, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a bourbon and a burger, and we’re even accepting US Dollars as a method of payment.
“There will of course be all the expected COVID-19 safety measures in place to keep our guests safe. We look forward to welcoming new faces to our west end bar on 24 September.”
Derek’s passion for bourbon blossomed when he travelled to Louisville, Kentucky in 2015 and rediscovered his love for the spirit.
A tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort from bourbon industry legend Freddie Johnson spurred Derek on to open Wan Winkle on the Gallowgate in November 2017.
The bar quickly became known for its bourbon tasting evenings, pairing great bourbons with sharing plates. These nights will be a weekly event at the Byres Road bar for anyone looking to get clued up on the American export.
Van Winkle also has its very own Bourbon Bible to help visitors find their perfect pour. This alphabetical anthology showcases the bar’s growing range of bourbons in its entirety, which includes the sought-after Pappy Van Winkle range and exclusive Antique Collection.
Van Winkle opens at 94 Byres Rd, Glasgow on Thursday, 24 September for dining inside and out. Takeaway and home delivery options are also available.
