Hillhead

This is probably the majority of SUB-bers' favourite stop. Hillhead is home to Scotland's best university (debatably) and to one of Glasgow's best curry houses (indubitably). The former means that there is lots of lovely yoonie eye-candy and the latter is a wondrous solution to AIMS if you have held out this long.

This is a busy stop, particularly during term time. You would usually hit it around early evening when starting at St Enoch. The stop itself opens out onto Byres Road, one of the most noteworthy streets in Glasgow filled as it is with bars, restaurants and trendy shops. Welcome to middle-class Glasgow! Turn right out the entrance and Curlers is five metres further on.

The Pubs

There are two floors to Curlers, entrance to the ground floor is the first entrance you come to. Access to the top floor is further on. The ground floor was refurbished a couple of years back to cater more to the age profile of Hillhead (i.e. young/student). This means that a large part of it has been given over to video game machines and pool tables. If you can ignore that then the rest is quite comfortable. We particularly like the booths and the slate floor. From what we can remember (and the brain does get a bit fuzzy after eleven stops) the beer selection is quite good. There are some who slag off the pub because of the new style (it's now part of the "It's A Scream" chain) but we do not know why, given that it was just a drinking man's dive before. Upstairs offers another large bar area which is used for gigs by deluded folky types or earnest young women who think singing about something brings about change or acts as therapy for their self-inflicted disastrous private lives. There is seating on the upper floor if the ground is full.

Curlers (256 Byres Road, G12 8SH. Tel. 0141 334 1284)

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat: 11am-12 midnight; Sun: 12.30-11pm.

Other pubs: If you're seeking an alternative pub, this is one stop where you are well served. The next nearest is Jinty McGinty's (21-29 Ashton Lane, G12 8SJ. Tel. 0141 339 0747), perpendidular to the Ashoka Curry House (see below). Indeed, Jinty's is such a fine Scots/Irish-type knees-up-for-a-piss-up kind of place, SUB-bers have even been known to go for an extra drink here having first downed the required bevvy in Curlers.

Madness . . .

Notes and Anecdotes

If you have not eaten so far (and if you're sober enough to be allowed in), then we suggest you visit the Ashoka Restaurant in Ashton Lane (left as you come out the subway station). This is one of the premier curry houses in Glasgow and well worth a visit. Please note that this is not exactly a well-kept secret and we usually have problems getting a table if there are more than four of us. Failing that there is a Kentucky Fried Chicken on the opposite side of the road (this has recently replaced a branch of Burger King which was frequently used by Subbers) as well as a choice of numerous other eateries if you can be bothered searching (Back Alley is also close to the stop). It has been known for large-attendance subs to fragment prior to this stop and miraculously come back together at Hillhead. We think that there is some SUB-mysticism going on: perhaps there is a lay-line under Byres Road.

Hillhead became famous (er . . . notorious) back in the eighties for electing Roy Castle (surely Jenkins?? - Ed) as MP when no one else would have him (actually as first Social Democrat or something). Either way, Roy sadly went on to die of cancer. Then went on to write a book about his dog and become star striker for the Rovers. (that's enough Roys! - Ed)

"Reefer Madness" Subcrawler Douglas provides us with a cautionary tale on the use of illegal substances on the crawl:

"I would like to warn others about the potential dangers of smoking "gentlemen's cigarettes" on the train between stops. I think the incident in question happened between Hillhead and Kelvinhall (were you going the wrong way round? - Ed.). Not only did we get a tannoy warning from the driver about no smoking, and several strange looks, it also resulted in a premature ending to day (after 12 pints and a cheeky bifter) to a certain member of the group. Now I for one am not about to blame the beer for this abrupt and unfortunate ending! So process of elimination points at he wacky backy.

The sub crawl is an arduous day out, even with out illegal narcotics, and such crass and irresponsible behaviour should not be recommended!"

Indeed not, sir!

Continue on your journey . . .