When reviewing a bar there are some things you simply cannot overlook - a warm soft drink is one of them. While waiting for a train at nearby Helensburgh Station, I popped into this fairly grim looking establishment for a refreshment only to be presented with a can of Coke which felt like it had been sitting on a radiator as opposed to in a fridge. Refreshing, it was not.
And it's fair to say, after this ominous start, the Station Bar failed to endear itself much more. Despite a few dedications to the town's most famous son, John Logie Baird, hanging on the wall, including his wedding notice in the paper, this place appears a little tired and rundown, and is as far removed from the happy atmosphere of the waterfront on a crisp day as you could get.
Indeed, although it was bright sunshine outside, the Station Bar is one of these classic west of Scotland watering holes that does everything to repel the light and ensure every day feels like winter.
I guess it's a typical station bar - handy when you've missed your train, mince at all other times. read more