On Friday 14th August 2020, I went out for a pint, an event that was once so mundane but now a radical move in a world gone mad. There was anxiety, fear, and a questioning of everything. There were rules to follow. But, at the end of it all was beer, lovely beer.
Where did I go, I hear you ask. Well, being from Belfast and having zero faith in our own local government, I took a short hop over the Irish Sea for a quick socially distant embrace of the Glasgow craft beer scene. The city seems to have itself in order.
There are strict rules; facemasks are a must, social distancing is to be respected, contactless payments are essential, and customers must check into every establishment providing them with contact details for tracking and tracing.
BrewDog DogHouse, Merchant City (99 Hutcheson St, Glasgow G1 1SN)
Like most trips to Glasgow in the last decade, the first stop was DogHouse Merchant City. The BrewDog favourite insisted on pre-booking to avoid customers queueing in the street. Once settled at a table, there was a Q.R. Code to scan. Once checked into the establishment, the drinking could begin.
DogHouse has always been a decently spaced venue but with some seating removed, all punters remain at a safe distance from your table. All orders go through the app, delivered to the table, and paid for online. Masked staff kept the pint glasses coming throughout the maximum 2-hour stay.
Before you visit:
1. Pre-book your table
2. Download the BrewDog Now app
Recommended:
1. Cocoa Psycho Espresso Imperial Stout
2. Zombie Cake Chocolate Porter
Drygate Brewing Co. (85 Drygate, Glasgow G4 0UT)
Even in a time of global pandemic, a visit to Drygate is a pleasurable experience. Taking advantage of a rare spot of Scottish sunshine, we supped pints and cans on the decking. Pre-booking for a maximum stay of 2 hours was again essential although just after lunchtime on a Saturday, all was quiet.
The staff were attentive and management seemed to be in control. All around the bar, arrows directed customers around a one-way system and ample supplies of hand sanitiser were available.
Before you visit:
1. Pre-book your table
2. Download the Drygate Brewing Co. app
Recommended:
1. Orinoco Mocha Milk Stout
2. Camera Obscura Vegan Milkshake Pale Ale
WEST on the Green (Templeton Building, Glasgow Green, Glasgow G40 1AW)
Saturday afternoon in WEST on the Green was an altogether busier affair. Despite the brewery, like most places, suggesting pre-booking online, there were queues forming at the top of the green. The bar is dog-friendly and welcoming even when taking your contact details on the door.
Once again, all orders are put through from mobile devices and contact with staff and other customers is minimal. The range of beers on offer isn’t as adventurous as some other places but if you’re a fan of decent lager, a solid porter or stout, and a good burger, you’ll have few complaints.
Before you visit:
1. Pre-book your table
2. Download a Q.R. Code scanner if required
Recommended:
1. Wild WEST
2. WEST Black
Innis and Gunn Brewery Taproom (44 Ashton Ln, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SJ)
Over at Ashton Lane, there are a few more people out and about on a Saturday evening. Welcoming staff will show you to your table once they’ve taken your details as required, and again, all drinks are ordered online. Printed beer lists are on the tables and also available online.
Before you visit:
1. Pre-book your table
2. Download a Q.R. Code scanner if required
Recommended:
1. Innis and Gunn VP03
2. Innis and Gunn Mangoes on the Run
BeerCafé (78 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1NP)
Back to Merchant City to round things off and into BeerCafé, which is a favourite spot to find new brews. They had just reopened on the day so the beer list was a little irrelevant; some items were out of stock and others available but not on the list. That’s just a minor issue though. The staff were great with recommendations.
Outside seating is available on the street (weather permitting) and although there is no fancy app for ordering, table service means no queueing at the bar. Staff also used some fancy gizmo to test everyone’s temperature when signing in at the door; possibly for medical reasons or maybe just to look for hotties or cool dudes!
Recommended:
1. Drygate Disco Forklift Truck
2. Merchant City Brewing Co. Jaggery Imperial Stout
Drinking in the midst of a global pandemic is an odd experience, I won’t lie. Once you get used to wearing masks, scrubbing hands and downloading a plethora of new apps, it’s not that different however.
In Scotland, all live music, DJs, playlists and live sports have been banned from bars for the time being, so if you’re out early in the day, the atmosphere may seem a little non-existent. A couple of strong stouts soon puts that to rights though.
Going out to the pub won’t be for everyone. I found it enjoyable and felt safe in each venue. But, whether you choose to head out for a pint or just order a batch of beers online, there are ways to support the craft beer industry.
Drink responsibly. Live responsibly. Cheers!
