If you're heading to Glasgow's annual Merchant City Festival or you're simply in the area, be sure to check out the recently opened pop-up bar, Heverlee at Tontine Lane. The drinking spot, which opened its doors on 17th July, serves up a range of Heverlee beers and offers a taste of Leuven to Glasgow revellers.
Specialising in beer and seafood, the bar is reminiscent of a lively Belgian street that oozes authenticity and wonder. Entrance to the lane can be found at Bell Street. Upon entering the venue, you're instantly transported from a familiar Glaswegian boulevard to a curious little hub filled with lights and fuelled with atmosphere. Heverlee at Tontine has been fully fitted with a glass roof along with an earthy natural decor.
Picture: Heverlee
The white brick work and bursts of bottle green emanates a level of tranquility despite the lively setting.
Fanatics of all things beer should definitely take the time to experience this charming venue while it lasts. The pop-up bar happens to serve beer flights, allowing customers the chance to taste each individual beer in true Belgian style. If you are in for a quick bite with friends, I'd recommend trying the platter of seafood – which was cooked to absolute perfection when I tried it – and pairing this with Heverlee's original Pils lager.
Beer enthusiasts should also note the limited edition Heverlee Witte - a wheat beer with the appearance of a white - which is also available on tap. As the light yellow colour suggests, citrus notes are apparent with hints of orange peel and lemon zest. Perfect for a summer evening, I'd recommend pairing Heverlee Witte with the South Indian Fish Stew. Along with the hints of citrus, the unmalted wheat and malted barley fully compliments the spicy dish, giving the diner a more subtle balance and a perfect pairing with their dining experience.
Picture: Heverlee
Two brand new varieties of Heverlee are also available: namely, the Heverlee Bruin and Heverlee Blonde. Speaking as someone who has never been the biggest advocate of dark ales or stouts, Heverlee Bruin pleasantly surprised me. At 7 per cent ABV, the dark ale was very rich with notes of banana and cream and was certainly a treat to the tastebuds.
If you are familiar with Tontine Lane, you will know that it is home to Turner Prize-winning Douglas Gordon's 'Empire' artwork. All the more reason to go.
Tontine Lane is only open for 16 nights so be sure not to miss out as the "Heverlee hangover" will be worth it.
• Tontine Lane is open from 12pm-12am and will celebrate its last night on 2nd August 2015.
