Cosy Scottish restaurant loved by celebrities turns 30 with Sam Heughan whisky collaboration

A long-standing Scottish restaurant is turning 30 with a weekend of celebrations and drams of Sam Heughan’s Sassenach whisky.

A Scottish restaurant, which has been open since 1994, is gearing up to celebrate the milestone of turning 30.

Stravaigin, on Gibson Street in Glasgow’s west end, is known for its buzzy bar and neighbourhood bistro, serving Scottish classics and drinks. It was recently awarded an AA Rosette.

Now, Stravaigin,is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with the public invited to enjoy a special weekend of throwback treats and delicious surprises from Friday 25 until Sunday 27 October.

stravaigin 30 sam heughan sassenach

Underpinning its success for a remarkable 30 years has been a team of multi-award-winning staff – currently led by Olivia Wong – Scotland’s Bar Manager of the Year – who are all renowned for their passion, expertise and warm Stravaigin welcome. 

In a special treat for customers, three of the most recognisable faces at Stravaigin: Marquis (Scotland’s Bartender of the Year with 21 years service), Anu (11 years service) and head chef Jambo (six years service) have each selected their favourite throwback dish which will make a limited edition star appearance on Stravaigin’s a la carte menu.

For three days only, the public will have the chance to enjoy Stravaigin’s Smoked Loch Melfort sea trout, caesar salad, pine nuts at £14.50 (Marquis), Slow roast duck leg, tabbouleh, feta, pomegranate at £21 (Anu) and Dark chocolate cremeux, charred pineapple salsa, honey at £8.50 (Jambo) as well as the new autumn à la carte menu. 

stravaigin 30 sam heughan sassenach

As well as throwback and new dishes, Stravaigin is welcoming The Sassenach as its prestige Scotch whisky partner for the anniversary weekend. 

Customers who buy a serve of The Sassenach on Sunday 27 October will enjoy a complimentary dish of Stravaigin’s famed wee haggis with whisky sauce. 

Furthermore, in an announcement that will delight fans of Sam Heughan’s whisky, The Sassenach is confirmed as joining the bar’s Scotch whisky offering as a permanent fixture.

In our podcast Scran, Sam Heughan listed Stravaigin as one of his favourite places to eat in Glasgow, and was snapped there in early 2023 at a lunch event.

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Rounding up the anniversary celebration, there will be a bonanza of 30 spot prizes, randomly awarded to patrons who visit Stravaigin on Saturday 26 October between 12pm and 1am. 

From loaded gift cards and complimentary meals, to Stravaigin’s stylish tote bags filled with Scottish-themed goodies, Gibson Street is the place to be this weekend.

Commenting on the celebrations, Olivia Wong, general manager of Stravaigin said: “Stravaigin is a Glasgow institution and held in great affection by many people. 

“It really is the heart of the Gibson Street and wider West End community. Thirty years is an impressive anniversary but our ethos of delicious food and drink, a warm and friendly atmosphere, a team who love Strav as much as our patrons, and of course great craic, is as good an excuse as any to celebrate.

“We are particularly thrilled to welcome The Sassenach into this weekend’s celebrations. We are all big fans of Sam and his Scotch whisky here at Stravaigin and know excitement levels will be running high ahead of it becoming a permanent addition to our drinks menu.

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“The entire team are delighted to be a small part of Stravaigin’s ongoing legacy and we very much hope faces old and new will ‘wander aimlessly with intent’ and join us across the weekend as we toast 30 years.”

Stravaigin, Gibson Street, Glasgow, UK
Stravaigin, Gibson Street, Glasgow, UK, G12 8NX
Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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