SCOTLAND’S FIRST LISTENING BAR COMES TO GLASGOW

Glasgow’s renowned South East Asian Bar & Brasserie, Mamasan, begins a new chapter as it transforms into Scotland’s first listening bar with a programme of impressive global DJs and exceptional sound quality set to soundtrack the city.  

Starting this weekend (Good Friday, 29th March), it reinvents itself as an audio bar, following a comprehensive hi-fi overhaul and the installation of a bespoke, state-of-the-art sound system designed by sound engineers to elevate late-night cocktails and dining to an unparalleled auditory experience - a first for Scotland. With DJs from Belle & Sebastian and Sub Club already signed up to play, Mamasan enters a new era as the country’s first dedicated listening bar.

Despite being named the vinyl-collecting capital of the UK, Glasgow hasn’t had an audio bar concept to call its own. Until now.  Originating from 1950s Japan, the listening bar concept blends intimate dining with audiophile-grade music listening. These venues, which emerged in Tokyo's small bars, cafes, and record stores, serve as a hub for music lovers seeking a relaxed environment to appreciate high-fidelity sound.

Catering to a change in nightlife habits and a love for high-fidelity audio, the new Mamasan direction introduces a trio of new core pillars Bar, BBQ and Records. With an exciting roster of programming set to play: Chris Geddes of Belle & Sebastianfame as well as Harri from Glasgow’s iconic Sub Club, & Nick Peacock from The Buff Club and session drummer & DJ Toni McVey, who plays with Joesef, and recently completed a tour with Jungle. Curated by music specialists, Open Ear, guests can expect an interesting lineup of global musicians playing vinyl in the heart of Glasgow. This auditory feast is complemented with a brand new cooked over fire casual sharing menu crafted in partnership between top Scottish chef, Finn Steel-Perkins, and Great British Menu star, Ali Borer, alongside innovative cocktails from the bar.

The cutting-edge sound technology in Mamasan, complete with Danley’s renowned audio file quality, ensures every record is played back with the integrity and richness it was originally intended to convey. The venue has collaborated with leading music-tech brands including Technics, Pioneer, Master Sounds, Small Town Audio and Danley to unlock the full potential of recorded music, to elevate the guest experience for audiophiles and vinyl lovers alike. 

Alongside the music, guests can indulge in experimental cocktails from Mamasan’s bar or enjoy a brand-new Thai BBQ menu, featuring innovative sharing dishes, all cooked over coal on a bespoke grill. With fire at the heart of so many South East Asian flavours, Ali Borer of London’s renowned Thai BBQ restaurant, The Smoking Goat, and Mamasan head chef Finn Steel Perkinshave crafted the menu together in an unique collaboration that pushes boundaries with flavour. All of Mamasan’s fish, meat and produce are slowly cooked or smoked over fire, using a combination of charcoal, wood and freshly pressed coconut husks to develop a real depth of flavour. 

Brad Stevens, Founder of Mamasan, commented: “When Mamasan opened in 2020, our vision was to create a stylish dining concept that was as much about the drinks and music as the food. Due to the restrictions in place throughout the pandemic, we couldn’t finish the job we started. Now our new state-of-the-art sound equipment, combined with incredible Thai BBQ food and drinks means we’ve elevated the guest experience and we can’t wait for Glasgow to join us at Scotland’s first dedicated listening bar for an outstanding line-up of music.

Speaking about programming, Kevin McCrorie of Open Ear Music and DJ Matthew K said: “It’s a great honour to curate the lineup for Scotland's first audiophile bar. In a world where any song is available to anyone at the click of a button, it's important to have a place where music can be heard as it was intended. People will get the opportunity to hear music, with clear, pristine sound on an amazing system, yet will still be able to hold a conversation without the volume being overpowering. For a music loving city such as Glasgow, this is a much welcome addition.  Look out for some special names over the next few months.”

Mamasan Bar, BBQ & Records is open seven days a week from noon until 1am, with curated DJs spinning vinyl from Friday + Saturday from 9pm, and Sunday from 2pm.   The spring music programme is below, to book your table please visit mamamasan.co.uk.

SIX BY NICO MERCHANT CITY GLASGOW HAS ARRIVED

SIX By Nico have opened their new flagship restaurant in Glasgow’s Merchant City - and they launched with a Mad Hatters Tea Party. 

Theshowbizlion.com has watched the ascent of Six Company, the Glasgow-based company behind the Six by Nico restaurants, since thry began their incredible journey in 2017. 

 

Now, having  opened fifteen sites throughout the UK and Ireland in the same time frame, the brand is moving into a new phase with a new look Six by Nico restaurant in its hometown of Glasgow. 

The new Six by Nico Merchant City on Albion Street will provide the experience guests all know and love in elegant surroundings that compliment all aspects of their product.

 

An earthy and inviting interior  is inspired by the number SIX, and designers Studio Two developed ideas for Six by Nico by using the six-legged dragonfly as its muse, honing in on characteristics of the insect's body form, colour, and natural habitat.

 As Six by Nico continues to develop the brand across multiple venues, restaurant sites will gain a harmonious design style whilst maintaining individuality inspired by locational concepts.

Since St Andrew's Square, Saltmarket, and Trongate are all part of the neighbourhood known as Merchant City with its rich history around trading goods such as tobacco, sugar and salt, designers opted for an earthy, rich colour palette inspired by the tobacco leaf.

Authentic timber panelling is influenced by mahogany cigar cases, fixed seating is upholstered in antiqued leathers reminiscent of opulent home lounges and joinery pieces are embellished with antiqued brass hardware. Furniture pieces are complimented by plush patterned fabrics like those seen in the wealthy merchants homes.

 

Studio Two said, "We're excited to be working on such dynamic schemes with a strong creative brand who continue to push boundaries within their sector".

 

Every six weeks, Chef Nico and his team completely reinvent their food offering, serving a brand new six-course tasting menu, each one themed around a different location, memory, or idea. 

The menus combine different ingredients, flavours, and dishes to create a brand-new dining experience, drawing inspiration from both home and abroad. Every six weeks, foodies in Glasgow will be treated to a completely new six-course menu at the new Merchant City location, with the first concept theme based on The Mad Hatter's Tea Party. 

 

Six Company Chief Executive and founder Nico Simeone said, “Our team is driven daily by the challenge to constantly create and reinvent. We are dedicated to being different, never resting on our laurels, and continuously striving to create the best customer experiences. Marking our six-year journey with such a significant evolution of experiences in our home town and reaffirming our commitments to the city seems like the best way to celebrate the next stage in our company vision.“

Since launching their first restaurant in 2017 in their hometown of Glasgow, Six by Nico has served over 350,000 customers across the city's locations in Finnieston, Byres Road and Glasgow Southside and a staggering 2 million dishes. 

The Six by Nico brand has created 49 tasting menus since the conceptual brands launch in Glasgow and raised over £700,000 in two years for the groups charity partner Beatson Cancer Charity. Since the partnership's inception less than two years ago, the restaurant group and their customers have raised funds across their fifteen Six by Nico locations in England, Scotland, and Ireland as well as 100% of the proceeds from the Beat 6 restaurant in Glasgow Bearsden going directly to Beatson Cancer Charity. 

 

For further details on Six by Nico Merchant City and to book now for The Mad Hatter's Tea Party please visit https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/glasgow

 

Please view The Mad Hatters Tea Party menu here

 

Address: Six by Nico Merchant City,  84-86 Albion St, Glasgow G1 1NY |www.sixbynico.co.uk

 

BARBIE INSPIRED COCKTAILS, MOCKTAILS AND BURGERS AT INGLISTON COUNTRY CLUB

BARBIE inspired cocktails, mocktails, burgers, goujons and desserts have come to Scotland allowing fans of the movie to live their dream at Ingliston Estate and Country Club in Bishopton. 

The Renfrewshire venue decided to get creative with a mix of pink delights that will get the boys as well as the girls excited for the forthcoming movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. 

They have created everything from a Dreamhouse Milkshake which boasts whipped cream, strawberries, vanilla and strawberry  ice cream and milk to an alcohol infused KC Colada with strawberry syrup, Bacardi carta blanca, strawberry purée, lime,and pineapple juice with a blue colada mix and a Sparkling Barb with pink gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup and rose Prosecco with cherries on top. 

The kitchen created a special recipe pink sauce to Barbify its popular dishes including burgers, fish n chips and chicken goujons and all customers can get that added to their main dishes for free. 

And delicious desserts include the incredible Raspbarb Tart, Pink Doll Viennese and a fabulous Mansion Meringue. 

Staff at the Renfrewshire venue just twenty minutes from Glasgow launched the special Barbie inspired treats which are available until 30th July  by wearing pink and they can’t wait to host Barbie fans big and small over the coming weeks.   

Sales and Events manager, special events, at Ingliston Estate and Country Club Lynn McDermott said: “The Barbie movie is something we are all excited about here in Ingliston and we wanted to have a bit of fun with our customers. We know that people will be coming to see us before and after watching the movie and we have such a fairytale style venue that it seemed fitting to join in with some Barbie and Ken inspired treats. Our ‘pink’ theme continues on August 27 when we welcome Denise Van Outen for a special inclusive Discolicious Brunch with some drag performance on offer too.

https://www.ingliston.com/events/

BROCKMANS ORANGE KISS COMES TO GLASGOW’S MALO

GLASGOW revellers are getting the chance to enjoy award-winning super-premium Brockmans Gin new tipple Orange Kiss at Malo. 

The showbizlion.Com has had the opportunity to try out the new drink and it features the flavours of Triple sec and fresh Valencia orange deliciously crafted with traditional gin botanicals.

Right in time for the summer, Brockmans Orange Kiss Gin's delicate citrus flavour profile perfectly captures those balmy sunset occasions shared with friends and loved ones. 

The well-balanced flavoured gin makes Orange Kiss perfect for sipping neat, in refreshing long drinks and creating creative twists on classic cocktails - making Orange Kiss the ideal gin for the spring/summer season.

Brockmans, renowned for being the Properly Improper Gin, typically uses a bold and daring blend of

traditional gin botanicals with more unusual and non-traditional ingredients. Brockmans Orange Kiss

uses Valencia Oranges and Triple sec, with juniper and coriander seeds to provide its balanced gin

foundation. 

Cassia bark and Angelica root provide an earthy and perfumed complexity and the addition

of almond oil contributes to the smooth finish.

Brockmans Orange Kiss Perfect Serve cocktail is a twist on the classic spritz, an opulent long serve which

blends Brockmans Orange Kiss, sparkling wine, pink grapefruit soda and a dash of red aperitif to create a

distinctive and refreshing cocktail to enjoy in the sunshine.

Brockmans Orange Kiss’ striking glass bottle is tinted with a translucent deep red-to-orange gradient

from top to bottom. The design harmonises with the current Brockmans Gin range by showcasing

Brockmans’ distinctive crosshatch on the body and signature initial debossed on the bottleneck.

Here’s three ways to enjoy the brand new concoction this summer. 

Orange Kiss Perfect Serve

50ml Brockmans Orange Kiss

50ml Sparkling Wine or Prosecco

100ml Pink Grapefruit Soda

10ml Red aperitif liqueur

Build in a wine or highball glass over ice cubes, stir gently to

combine and garnish with a slice of orange

Orange Kiss & Tonic

50ml Brockmans Orange Kiss

150ml Premium unflavoured tonic water

Build in a copa or highball glass over ice cubes, stir gently to combine and garnish with a slice of orange,

and optionally, a sprig of thyme

Orange Kiss Margarita

20ml Brockmans Orange Kiss

30ml Premium Tequila

25 ml Lime juice

15ml Sugar syrup

Shake vigorously and fine strain in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lime

Orange Kiss Collins

50ml Brockmans Orange Kiss

25 ml Lemon juice

15ml Sugar syrup

Top with soda water

Build in a highball glass over ice cubes, stir gently to combine and garnish with a slice of orange

70cl | 40% ABV | RRP £34.00

SCOTS ARTIST ROGUE ONE GIVES A COLOURFUL CHAT AT UBIQUITOUS CHIP

ROGUE ONE, the artist behind many of Scotland’s most iconic and photographed public street artworks admitted he’s hidden himself inside many of his famous murals around the city. 

As the first very special guest of CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHIP; a new series of events by Ubiquitous Chip inviting the country’s leading creative figures to share their images, ideas and inspirations, he entertained the audience with tales from the start of his tagging life to where he is right now. 

 The artists whose real name is Bobby McNamara is normally pretty elusive so it was a joy to see him come out of the shadows for the the first CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHIP event at the much-loved Ashton Lane institution. 

Speaking with The Glasgowist’s Paul Trainer, Bobby was right at home as he spoke of his favourite artworks and the perils of working atop a cherry picker. 

 Known for his incredible works across Scotland, including in Glasgow The World's Most Economical Taxi in Mitchell Lane and Crazy Cat Lady on Sauchiehall Street, as well as the staggeringly beautiful montage wrapping The Clutha of figures such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Billy Connolly, John Byrne, Paolo Nutini and Sharleen Spiteri, ROGUE ONE also said he has turned down many a request - but asks for permission before he creates any artwork these days. 

His clients now include VisitScotland, Glasgow City Council, housing associations and residential landlords, educational establishments, and numerous private customers.

The event which cost £40 per person included a drinks reception with special X by Glenmorangie cocktails on losing an old fashioned and delicious peach option as well as  three course supper curated by The Brasserie Head Chef, Maccy. 

Guests enjoyed dishes like haggis, salmon and a lemon posset to finish.The Ubiquitous Chip plans several more events over coming months.

GLASGOW’S YOTEL AND ROOFTOP BAR VEGA GET JANUARY SOARING

Glasgow’s sky-high bar VEGA is making it easier than ever to blow those festive cobwebs away and treat yourself this January, with 30% off ALL food and drink orders. 

Running all day Sunday - Thursday until 31 January 2022, the offer is available for advance bookings of parties of six or less. 

Visit vegaglasgow.com and select the booking option ‘LIGHTSPEED 30’ to take advantage of the outstanding offer.

We had the pleasure at theshowbizlion.com to visit the hotel and sky high bar earlier this year and it blew us away with its incredible lighting and sound system not to mention the bowling alley! 

We tucked into some lovely dishes too. The mouth-watering menu includes signature starters from haggis bon-bons and buffalo chicken wings, as well as the classic VEGA burger, plus fresh to the menu - the Curry Dog, covered in crispy shallots, curried ketchup and mustard. And for any VEGA fans taking part in Veganuary, don’t worry! You can enjoy the delicious Vegan Beyond Burger with pinto and black bean chilli, slaw, mustard and BBQ sauce. 

The dazzling rooftop bar and bowling alley have proven to be a welcome addition to Glasgow’s buzzing nightlife scene, taking over the seventh floor of YOTEL. With its panoramic skyline views, ten-pin bowling and tantalising cocktails, VEGA is the place to be this January for some very indulgent self-care!

Glasgow’s only bowling alley in the sky, there’s something for everyone at VEGA this January - whether it’s some bougie bowling, tucking into a combo platter between pals, or sipping on cocktails whilst taking in the incredible and unique views of the city. There’s also a cocktail list fit for the stars, themed to the bar’s ‘out of this world’ concept including Red Dust with Absolut Raspberry, elderflower, topped with Prosecco and sprinkles of red dust or Devil May Cry - a ruby red whiskey smash like no other, with Buffalo Trace bourbon and berries churned with apple and mint. 

Named after the brightest star in the sky, VEGA illuminates the entire seventh floor of YOTEL Glasgow with extraordinary views and neon-lit decor.  And of course, no journey to VEGA would be complete without a trip in the one-of-a-kind disco lift. Transporting guests via an immersive and interactive sound and light experience, the lift sets the scene for a memorable night ahead and is sure to brighten up those January blues!

Euan Wilson, General Manager of VEGA said:

“It’s been an incredible 2021 for VEGA, and we’ve decided to make the first few weeks of 2022 a little brighter for our guests with our incredible 30% off offer. Whether it’s cocktails or combo platters, there’s something for everyone at VEGA this January so don’t miss out - book your table now!”

For more information or to make a booking, visit vegaglasgow.com.

 

30% off T&Cs - Available all day Sunday-Thursday until 31 January 2022, the offer is available for advance bookings only and for parties of 6 or less. Opening times 3pm - late daily. Visit vegaglasgow.com and select the booking option ‘LIGHTSPEED 30’ to take advantage of the outstanding offer - subject to availability. 

 

To learn more about YOTEL Glasgow and VEGA, follow: @yotelglasgow and @vegaglasgow.

INDULGE YOUR GUILTY PLEASURES AT SIX BY NICO

TheShowbizLion.com loves a good bit of foodie indulgence and Six By Nico is indulging our guilty pleasures. 

Whether it's lounging in your pyjamas all day, binge-watching your favourite TV shows, eating breakfast for supper, or singing cheesy pop songs, we all like to test ourselves. 

A little bit of what you fancy does you good and when it comes to food, a bit of sin has never really been a bad thing. In a world where we have so many serious things to worry about, a mild indulgence shouldn't be one of them, right? 

In honour of our less proud moments (and our weekend hangover food choices), Chef Nico Simeone has invited guests to sink their teeth into ‘Guilty Pleasures’ at Six by Nico restaurants and in a offering a unique culinary experience inspired by our favourite comfort foods and the moments we all long to enjoy.

From Monday 20th September - Sunday 31st October 2021 guests dining at Six by Nico restaurants across the UK are invited to enjoy a slice of heaven and indulge in their favourite soul foods. 

There’s everything from Octopus and Pork Bolognese, Cebiche of Tuna, Nicos Fried Chicken,Lamb Kebab, to Scrabster Cod fish suppers, and Nutella and Waffles. 

You can find the details and rest of the menu here here

Nico said: "One of life's greatest pleasures is eating wonderful food, and with Guilty Pleasures, we invite our customers to take a trip down a delicious, greasy memory lane. Our new six-course menu is packed with food that we all secretly love, from 'junk food' favourites and hangover cures that we can't live without to comforting foods that we feel ashamed to eat. Its pure indulgence at its best one mouthful after the other".

Diners can book a table now for 'Guilty Pleasures'. Open from midday, Mondaythrough to Sunday, each six-course menu will be available from noon to late. The menu will be priced from £32* per person with the option to enjoy an expertly selected wine pairing for an additional £26 at each restaurant. A vegetarian alternative is available for every course, as well as Guilty Pleasures inspired snack sides. *Please note London Fitzrovia and London Canary Wharf pricing is £37 per person and £33 for wine pairing.

TIGERLILY EDINBURGH WELCOMES BELVEDERE ORGANIC INFUSIONS TERRACE

 

STUNNING BOTANICAL-THEMED POP-UP SET TO BE THE CAPITAL’S HOTTEST ALFRESCO COCKTAIL DESTINATION THIS SUMMER 

 

The showbizlion.com popped through to Edinburgh to sample the brand new  Belvedere Organic Infusions Terrace at Tigerlily in Edinburgh.

Belvedere, the world’s first super-premium vodka, has launched the stunning new outdoor terrace, located in the heart of stylish George Street, just as we escape lockdown. 

And it promises to be the city’s hottest alfresco summer destination; a fitting showcase for the Belvedere Organic Infusions debut in Scotland.

 

The setting is so pretty with lots of floral arrangements to complement the incredible cocktail and food offering. 

The tastes are light and sparkling and the perfect way to ease ourselves out of the darkness of the last few months. 

Made With Nature, with 100%-certified organic fruits, flowers, herbs and honey, and with ingredients that are farmed with no artificial pesticides, additives, or chemicals, the natural taste of each ingredient in the Belvedere Organic Infusions range is unique, intriguing and intensely delicious.

 

From July until September, cocktail lovers can enjoy the taste of summer courtesy of Tigerlily’s renowned drinks expert Joey Medrington who has curated a Belvedere Organic Infusions menu especially for the terrace, and with combinations not typically found in vodka. Signature serves are based on the new Belvedere Organic Infusions range;Pear, Ginger with a drop of Linden honey, Lemon, Basil with a touch of elderflower and Blackberry, Lemongrass with a hint of sage.

 

 Three new summer cocktails created by Joey, at £9 each are:

 

Wild Berry Spritz – Crisp / Effervescent / Fruity

Belvedere Organics Blackberry & Lemongrass | Sauvignon Blanc | Bramble Liqueur 

 

Orchard Blossom Fix – Tropical / Fresh / Elegant

Belvedere Organics Pear & Ginger | Lychee | Bittered Sling Lem Marrakech | Soda

 

Solstice Smash – Fruity / Vibrant / Zingy

Belvedere Organics Lemon & Basil | Velvet Falernum | Summer Berries | Tonka Bean | Basil 

 

Alternatively, Joey has created these classic options for The Perfect Serve, at £8.75 each:

 

Belvedere Organics Lemon & Basil with London Essence Peach & Jasmine

 

Belvedere Organics Blackberry & Lemongrass with Fever Tree Tonic

 

Belvedere Organics Pear & Ginger with Fever Tree Ginger Ale

 

 Adding to the sensory thrill of the Belvedere Organic Infusions Terrace at Tigerlily is stunning insta-worthy décor reflecting the beautiful botanical theme, outdoor heating for when day becomes night, and the finest summer soundtracks.

Belvedere Organic Infusions Terrace at Tigerlily; a chic new on-street destination, perfect for brunch with friends, all-day dining, or spontaneous summer evening vibes with a Belvedere Organic Infusions cocktail in hand.

 

 

HELEN SKELTON TEAMS UP WITH HIGHLAND SPRING FOR DOCUMENTARY

COUNTRYFILE presenter Helen Skelton has teamed up with Highland Spring to explore the fascinating but largely unknown world of natural source water from raindrops on a hillside protected by expertly trained ‘guardians’ to recyclable bottles on shop shelves.

 

In the documentary style video, released this month, Helen transports viewers to the stunning Ochil Hills, Scotland - 2,500 acres of protected, natural, untouched land that is home to Highland Spring’s natural water source. This protected land is where the magic happens.

Theshowbizlion.com agrees with Helen when she says it’s a breath of fresh air in the Scottish Highlands - and we’d love to take a dip by the waterfalls. 

 

Helen Skelton said: “As a nation, we drink hundreds of millions of litres of natural source water every year, but there is so much more to this drink than many realise. What’s in the bottle; where does it come from; is it sustainable? These are questions we wanted to answer by travelling into the heart of the Ochil Hills in Scotland, home to Highland Spring’s natural water source.”

 

Up in the Ochil Hills, rain falls and hits nothing but the unspoiled grass, bush and heather of Highland Spring’s organic land, trickling into the natural filter of basalt rock below. Thanks to an impermeable layer of sandstone, only water that falls on high land gets as far as the layers of ancient basalt rock below. 

 

Nature then works its wonders with an all-natural filtration process. The water spends an incredible 15-30 years passing through layer upon layer of rock before being brought gently to the surface where it is bottled at source.

 

“Here we see how the incredible journey starts with acres of untouched land filled with vibrant purple heather and lashings of wind and rain,” continues Helen. “Each raindrop filters through layers of basalt rock for 15-30 years, untouched by human hands right up until you take that first sip. It’s all pretty magical, right? But even then, this journey isn’t over yet. It’s just over to you. We want everyone to know that every Highland Spring bottle can and should be recycled to give it another life.”

 

The land itself is certified as organic by the Soil Association and protected by a specially trained team of hillside experts at Highland Spring known as ‘Guardians’ of the Source. It is this team of experts that ensure the land is kept free from any kind of pollution, pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers or habitation to ensure the water that is drawn is as pure as can be.

 

Alex Haken, Highland Spring’s Guardian of the Source, added: “We are on the hills 365 days a year fiercely protecting our land to ensure our water is as pure as it can be. The rain that falls on the Ochil Hills is exactly what ends up in our bottle and to ensure this is sustainable, we only bottle about 3% of the annual rainfall. It’s a journey of care that starts with the land, but it doesn’t end there. 

 

“Whenever it comes to supporting the environment, we want to help. All our bottles are recyclable and thankfully 89% of us recycle today. Recycling is what helps us create environmentally sustainable products like our eco bottle, which is made from 100% recycled plastic* that’s 100% recyclable too, so remember to recycle your bottle after use.”