The Soda Shop
The Soda Shop
568 Dumbarton Road
Glasgow
What is it? They describe The Soda Shop bar as a "takeover" rather than a "pop-up" (it's a pop-up). It has opened for 10 weeks only from the beginning of October on the site of the Criterion bar on Patrick's Dumbarton Road. The Criterion has been on the go since 1933 and is a bit of a Partick institution. The Soda Shop is led by a couple of young Glasgow movers and shakers who promise to bring a bit of fizz to the area during the bar's short life. They have done a great job of transforming the bar; there is a cool 1930s vibe, with a working soda fountain, hence the name.
Interesting fact: The venue is inspired by the soda-serve concept patented by Joseph Priestley in 1772, which then began to appear in drug stores across the United States of America in the late 19th century. The soda fountain was an attempt to replicate mineral waters that bubbled up from the earth. Many civilisations believed that drinking and/or bathing in these mineral waters cured diseases, and large industries and towns often sprang up around hot springs, such as Bath in England.
Verdict: The Partick revolution continues with this bar, and this part of town has huge potential to be the next place to hang out with the cool kids. I first saw this concept in San Francisco where it worked very well and the guys here have done a great job on offering a unique drinking experience.
Drink: Good, innovative cocktail offering, the usual classics thrown in with some new mixes such as the Stay Puft with vodka, yoghurt liqueur, marshmallow syrup, clotted ice cream, milk and sprinkles. Food: Just bar snacks such as popcorn on offer.
Price: Hobsons beer from £4.50 and cocktails from £7.
Alfresco: Small area out the front of the bar.
Children: Just grown-ups here.
Avoid if: You want a cheap pint.
Perfect for: Letting the guys behind the bar take you on a voyage of cocktail discovery.
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