Atlantica - 01.03.2002, Side 14

12 A T L A N T I C A
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Eat, drink, sleep:
Let’s skip the tourist hype. Glasgow
is lively and historic and cosmopoli-
tan and all that, but what you make
of it will really depend on you. It’s a
fairly big city with all of the good and
bad stuff that goes along with that,
and all of the good and bad people
too. If you want to meet some that
are ‘soooo friendly’, you probably
will, and you could meet some right
nasty pieces of work while you’re
about it. However, having the time of
your life is entirely possible in
Glasgow, and those wishing to do so
might find some of what follows of
use. PS Use the underground where
possible to get about – it’s the closest
you’ll come to toyland without
imbibing illegal substances. JMcCGLASGOW >
>>>>ART
The Gallery of Modern Art has a good mixture of works by living artists from
around the world. It’s art and the kids love it. They’ll run you over on their skate-
boards, though, if you’re not careful when entering and leaving the building.
Still, with their many-coloured hairdos and multiple piercings, they’re in keeping
with the Mexican Day of the Dead exhibit inside. Also, if you’re down that way
on a weekend night, watch drunk people mount the statue of Wellington outside
to put a traffic cone on the Duke’s head. It’s a kind of performance-art ritual.
Gallery of Modern Art, Queen Street, G1,
tel: (+44) (0) 229 1996. Free admission.
>>>>>FILM
If independent, art-house and foreign releases are
right up your street, check out the listings for the
centrally located Glasgow Film Theatre. Fittingly,
it’s art deco and its Café Cosmo makes for a nice
place to deconstruct Harry, or whomever.
GFT, 12 Rose Street, G3,
tel: (+44) (0) 141 332 8128.
>>>FABRIC
Some of Glasgow’s higher-end-of-the-
market fashion shops have upscaled to
the extent that they may as well fit in a
five-items-or-less isle and get the girl
guides in to pack purchases as a fund-
raiser. Dr Jives, on the other hand, is pret-
ty much the same as it has always been:
a pokey wee place in the Merchant City
selling nice clothes and skatewear (with-
out resorting to jumbo cord).
Dr Jives, 111-113 Candelriggs, G1,
tel: (+44) (0) 141 552 5451.
>>SPICE
Glasgow has its fair share of curry warehouses, but
those less fond of wide open spaces, where restau-
rants are concerned, should go to Mother India.
The food’s tasty (not just churned out) and although
it’s licensed, you can still bring your own bottle
(wine or beer, no spirits). It’s best to book in
advance, but if you turn up on spec and it’s packed,
the worst that can happen is they’ll send you to the
bar across the road (Air Organic) for a drink or two.
Hardly the end of the world now is it?
Mother India, 28 Westminster Terrace, tel: (+44) (0) 141 221 1663 / 2217.
I spent a night in Malmaison many moons ago with a pop group. I can comfort myself
with that fact when I’m a wrinkly. In the meantime, it’s my hotel recommendation. This
converted Greek church is a muddle of classic and contemporary design and all of the
rooms/suites are individually styled. It might not be how you would do up your
boudoir at home, but it’s more indulgent than a chain-hotel room with a bible by your
bed and mini-pack of digestives next to a health service regulation cup. Plus, it’s not
that much more expensive. Besides, this place has family history for me – my sister
said “I do” to the question that gets popped in the Malmaison brasserie, so lay off the
bubbly if you’re on day release from the convent.
Malmaison, 278 West George Street, G2, tel: (+44) (0) 141 527 1000 or see www.malmaison.com for online booking.
BED
>GLASS
First things first: drink. The Cul
de Sac is a nice place to relax,
although they might clean their
loos with a little more fervour.
13th Note (Clyde St.) and Nice
‘n Sleazy (Sauchiehall St.) are
popular gig venues, while
Firebird (Argyle St.) is the place
for good music, wood oven-
baked pizza, and late-night
drinks if you buy nachos. But
since Glasgow has no shortage
of pubs, all you have to do is
stick your head in the door to
see if it’s your idea of a decent
boozer.
See the What’s On-style publication,
The List, for pubs, bars and wine bars.
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