Chinaski's

Chinaski's will soon be one of the new contenders in Glasgow's circuit of decent bars, and there aren't that many of them. It didn't open with a flurry, with the usual desperation and perspiration. Instead, with the weighty confidence of an old pro, it ambled over and sat itself down under the post-apocalyptic Charing Cross. It's a bourbon bar - named after Bukowski's infamous autobiographical character Henry Chinaski - which sort of encourages a more classic style of kicking it. The place is kitted out in sober, cool hues, vaguely reminiscent of the train station in The Untouchables, and the spacious, secluded beer garden will surely be a popular oasis in that strongly placed gap between the City and the West End. With strong lineage (The Variety) and subdued artistic and literary connections, it already shows depth of character. Basic but imaginative, the menu offers food at decent prices and features quite a few vegetarian options. [Fraser Cardow]