I'm a little embarassed about how long it's taken me to visit here. Previous incarnations never…read moremanaged to tempt me in, and to be honest it's not the most welcoming building exterior. However, as it's right next to the bus stop on my way home it's a long overdue visit.
After walking the 3 minutes from my flat, it was nice to see the 'Dogs welcomed' sign (no, I don't have a dog but it's a good sign for a local pub) and walking in it's a nice space, lots of wood and brick on show.
We were given a table and after a quick look at the menu I was heartened to see lots of mention of chorizo! The fare on offer is very much in the burger, pizza and pasta mould but with a few smart twists to make choosing a little more of a challenge.
In the end I plumped for the special starter of chorizo, mashed polenta and puy lentils, and it was delicious. The chorizo was the main flavour but worked well with the subtle sweetness of the polenta and the lentils added a nice extra texture underneath everything, the meal was off to a great start.
Clare had the black pudding, fried iberico ham and poached egg starter, and not only was it well presented it tasted great (or so I'm told!).
Pretty soon after we polished off our starters our pizzas arrived. Stone baked with your own choice of toppings (there are no 'set' pizzas on offer), and my BBQ pulled pork and red onion pizza not only looked great but with a lovely fresh tomato sauce, thin base and a good helping of toppings, the first few bites confirmed what my eyes were telling me.
By now I was REALLY regretting not having visited here before now - watching the rack of ribs go past didn't help either, looked great! - and by the time I had finished my pizza I was feeling nicely full, but not stuffed, and enjoyed every bite.
Desserts followed, and a wonderful sticky caramel apple tarte tatin, with salted caramel ice cream both appeared promptly and disappeared almost as quickly. A wonderful sweet, caramel sauce, with that kick of bitterness at the edge of the caramel, all sparked with hints of salt from ice cream... deeeelish!!
I managed to score some of Clare's dessert, the Chocolate Trio but it was very heavy, although packed full of flavour, but don't think I'd try it next time.
Oh yes, there will be a next time. The service was good, the prices look a little on the high side on the menu, but the food was good and overall I was more impressed than I thought I would be.
GWR is in a funny location, right next to Gartnavel Hospital and as I said, it doesn't look particularly inviting but if you are in the area, or just passing, it's definitely worth a visit. Even if it's just for a quick drink, there is a good selection of fine ales and a well stocked bar.