Iconic Glasgow city-centre bar Tabac to open new Southside venue
Tabac, the Mitchell Lane cocktail spot known for its vintage style, signature drinks and its reputation as one of Glasgow’s most reliable date spots, is set to open a Strathbungo venue in
the same Nithsdale Road site which was previously home to The Bungo Bar and Restaurant.
While Tabac has long been a popular date-night destination in the city centre, Tabacs will lean into being a local hub for Strathbungo, running from early morning coffee through brunch, dinner, late-night drinks and DJs every weekend.
The menu centres around Spanish-inspired brunch plates, tapas classics, charcuterie, bar snacks and sharing boards, paired with Good Coffee Cartel coffee, wines, beers on draft and cocktail specials crafted with input from Tabac’s top bartenders. Sunday paella and sangria lunches will be a weekly fixture.
Downstairs, the existing events space will be available for community use and private hire. The team is also planning regular collaborations with Strathbungo neighbours, bank-holiday parties and sets from a mix of Tabac residents, Southside DJs and special guests.
Ross Jordan, previously Assistant Manager at Tabac, will take the reins as General Manager, alongside assistant GM Luca McKenna.
Ross Jordan said: “Tabacs is the community’s bar as much as it is ours. We’ll continue to talk to locals to find out what they really want, and then it’s up to us to make it happen.
“With the food offering, community focus, DJs, and the unmistakable Tabac energy, we hope the new venue will become a true Southside local from day one.
Luca McKenna said: “Tabac always was my go-to spot for cocktails, then it became somewhere I could express my passion for drinks and explore creative ideas.
“Now we get to bring this to the Southside. Strathbungo has an incredible community – we can’t wait to add to it.
Tabacs’ Spain-inspired menu is already tantalising tastebuds, including tortilla española with aioli, croquetas de bacalao, gambas al pil pil, crispy aubergine with romesco, charred padrón peppers, and serrano ham . There will be not one, but two types of patatas bravas, with both the Madrid and Barcelona styles being honoured.
Brunch favourites include jamón Benedict, Spanish-style French toast, baked egg dishes, empanadas and the venue’s ‘Tabacs Benedict’ with crispy chorizo.
Bar snacks and sharing plates – from Gordal olives and truffle crisps to serrano ham, manchego and mixed charcuterie boards – round out the evening offering, designed for casual drinks or late-night grazing.
Tabacs is set to open late November on Nithsdale Road, Strathbungo.
Best of luck and can’t wait to visot.
Author: Glasgow Foodie
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