Living in Pollokshields, there are a range of pubs not quite on one's doorstep to choose from, and in recent times I've reached the conclusion that Allison Arms is, for my tastes, emphatically the best. I have a number of criteria on which I judge a bar. I'm not really an ale man, unlike some of my friends, but I do enjoy the availability of a wide range of lagers. It's in this area that Allison Arms particularly, and uniquely excels, with a fridge of mainly German bottled imports available for perusal and selection, to be taken up to the bar and accompanied with a glass. The range is really awe-inspiring and extends to brands that I've not even seen while shopping in Der Fatherland! Furthermore, like a growing number of bars, they boast West Brewing company fare on tap, which is something both me and my taste buds are very happy to support!
There are plenty of seats inside, and I can't recall a time when I've not managed to secure one, a bonus, because I'm a big lazybones. More than that it's a great pub for a natter, with folks all crowded round the table and never too much ambient noise. There are also benches outside, for the smoking community. 99.9% of the time that excludes me but I was grateful for them one night when not only did one of my friends become a father for the first time, but in addition another friend revealed that he and his wife were expecting their first born. Needless to say, this all demanded the celebratory smoking of cigars, and since big fat Cuban ones burn pretty slowly, benches were ideal!
Allison Arms is also very handy for local fast food outlets, which is a big plus - Shaheeds kebab shop being a particularly noteworthy example!
There are a couple of big screen TVs showing football or whatever else is on, although they're not really the focus. In most cases I think I'd probably choose elsewhere if convening for some proper footy watching, but they proved more than sufficient during the world cup, with England's dismal display against Algeria a noteworthy fixture my friends took in there.
Overall, a great pub, perhaps not the very friendliest at first but they tend to warm to you as your appearances become more regular! read more