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www.subcrawl.co.uk
Buchanan Street
Buchanan Street joins Sauchiehall Street to Argyle Street. These three streets form the beating heart of Glasgow's commercial district (that's "shops" to any Neds or Sengas reading this). BS has recently undergone a massive redevelopment and is looking the biz. Not sure about the purple street lighting though.
| The Stop |
| The station sits slap bang in the middle of the street, which is 99% pedestrianised. Be sure to take the up-slope exit when leaving the station. The Gallery is almost immediately to your left. There happen to be a number of pubs within two minutes walk of the stop, but The Gallery is definitely the closest (unless you count the bar of the Buchanan Hotel). |
| The Pubs |
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Previously Dow Jones, and before that the Pig & Whistle, The Gallery is a pub which tends to change names more frequently than it changes its decor. We have seldom been in this pub during daylight hours, or any night other than Saturday, when it is packed with people trying to converse over the over-amped karaoke machine. The décor reminds us of the Athena Posters and Eighties kitsch, with tacky mirrors and 'amusing' caricatures adorning the walls, and silly low stools with seat fabrics more at home in a Ford Escort than a bar. Beneath it all you can just about discern an 'American South' theme. Why? We don't know - nor (we suspect) do those who designed the place. The bar is right at the back and you will probably have to fight your way to it (not literally, we hope) if previous experience is anything to go by. It's probably a great place to have a hen-do, but otherwise you may find it just a wee bit tacky. |
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The Gallery (203 Buchanan Street, G1 2JZ. Tel. 0141 332 1187) |
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It sells all the usual beers, and has a better-than-most selection of bottled beers. However, we are fairly sure they would also do a mean cocktail with all the trimmings if you asked, the bar has that kind of feel to it. Those purists who feel obliged to follow the "nearest pub to the stop" rule, but are eager to give The Gallery a swerve, can always try out Dow's (just why do the names of so many subcrawl pubs begin "DO..."?), which is easily accessed by taking the Queen Street train station exit from the station . Hanging baskets adorn the outside, but inside it is remarkably similar in layout (if not decor) to the Gallery. Not actively offensive but then again nothing special although it is by no means your most expensive option at this stop. When we were in there was an almost-obligatory Saturday night karaoke on, but despite our best efforts they wouldn't let any of our party near the mic. They'll never know what they missed . . .Other pubs. - Those willing to sacrifice the purity of the Sub by flouting the "nearest pub to the stop" rule may find a more enjoyable finishing point by heading right out of the station and walking into the little back alley that is the eastern end of West George Street to Waxy O'Connors. Although a chain pub, this large and labyrinthine establishment is quite pleasant and serves a decent selection of beers. |
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Waxy O'Connors (46 West George Street. G2 1DH. Tel: 0141 354 5154) |
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| Notes and Anecdotes |
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Beware of the step outside The Gallery as it lists to one side and may cause you to 'mislay your dignity'. Or even fall on your arse. For many (ie those who started at St Enoch on the Outer Circle) this will be the last stop on the subcrawl. At this point you might find that some of your fellow SUB-bers have gone psychotic, or even just vomited over your leather jacket (Rocky, I name thee). A lot tend to mutter over and over 'Never again'. Some of the more anally retentive may want to 'close the ring' by going back to St Enoch (see the FAQ for an explanation of this strange practice). |
Continue on your journey . . .
