Acid Bar @ SWG3
What is it - Last summer saw the opening of a new bar in the hugely successful multi disciplinary arts venue and events space SWG3. Acid bar and restaurant aim was to create a space within the venue that was light and welcoming compared to the sunlight depraved interior of the rest of the space. They also wanted to bring people down during the day and give them a hub that would be perfect for meeting up and enjoying good food and drink. It originally started as a pop-up but the success quickly saw them turn it into a permanent addition to SWG3.
Interesting fact - In keeping with the venues passion about creativity, the bar here is even a piece of art. “Building per Hour” is a bar and sculptural form created for the SWG3 Acid Bar, by artist Tessa Lynch. The piece is adapted from a 2017 work of the artist, of the same name, made from plaster and household paint which was presented at her solo exhibition “L-Shaped Room at Spike Island”. The striped build up of colour relates to new concrete pouring technologies, whereby satellite controlled casts move rapidly up a framework allowing the fast pouring and curing of a buildings’ concrete core, at a rate of around 30cm per hour. I’m not sure if most people care about all that but it definitely looks fantastic.
Verdict - SWG3 for me epitomises Glasgow and its passion for the arts, music and collaboration. The addition of Acid Bar just takes the venue to the next level as far as their offering. It makes perfect sense to create a space for people to hang about this amazing venue. Thankfully they haven't just expected folks just to turn up because its SWG3 and have collaborated with some of Glasgow best food and drink producers to create a effortlessly cool bar and restaurant that will be here for many years to come.
Drink - Acid Bar have partnered up with The Steamie Coffee Roasters to offer some of the best coffee in the city. They also have a great selection of beers, spirits, wines and cocktails as well as running one off drinks events such as the Champagne Sunday Social they did with Moët Champagne just before Christmas where the collaborated with bartenders at nearby Kelvingrove Cafe and the chefs at Ox and Finch.
Food - During the day they have a simple but tasty lunch menu with dishes such as spiced chicken, pickled cucumber, mango chutney and red onion wrap. If you haven't had a Tantrum Donut then you are missing out so make sure and have one after your lunch. However it is really the weekend when the restaurant come to life with chefs from different taking over. At the moment its Ka Pao who are in residency with some of the best Southeast Asian dishes you will ever experience.
Prices - All in keeping with the Finnieston area.
Children - Wee ones welcome if dining with adults.
Alfresco - When they built the venue they incorporated a roof terrace which is now one of the best seats in the city on the sunnier days.
Perfect for - The open and bright space makes it perfect for daytime meeting but i would highly recommend booking a table at the weekend where at night it takes on a whole new atmosphere.
Avoid if - The 10 minute walk from the main Finnieston strip is just too far for you to venture down.
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