Dundee venues round-up: December 2023

Groucho’s

Perhaps the most-anticipated opening of 2023, Groucho’s is back! The beloved record shop, which closed its doors in 2020, will be filled with music-lovers once again as the unit reopens as a pub and live music venue on 1 December. Starting off strong with a solid month of sets, local acts like Cover Daddy, Johnny Scullion, the Cherry Bombz and more will take to the stage throughout December. Giving it that authentic feel, the bar is decorated with items from the original Groucho’s shop, which were purchased at the official Groucho’s auction. For those who want to carry on the legacy of Groucho’s, and its late owner Alastair ‘Breeks’ Brodie, this new pub will be a must-hit spot. 132 Nethergate, DD1 4ED

Blend Dock Street

The shock summer closure of city centre coffee shop Blend left a hole in the heart of Dundee’s café culture – so big that just 21 days later, the venue reopened on the waterfront-adjacent Dock Street. Making the most of the more industrial premises (the former Dock Street Studios space) the new and improved Blend boasts more seating and more space than ever, but retains its cosy feeling. Renowned for its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, Blend patrons will be happy to know that the café has migrated many of its original staff to its new premises, as well as its Friday night Blend Live evening gigs and open mics. And at the time of writing, a new morning student discount between 9-11am means stressed students can get caffeinated for less! 9 Dock St, DD1 4BT

Temple Lane

Opened by MasterChef: The Professionals star Dean Banks, Temple Lane has replaced Tom’s as West Port’s resident cocktail spot. The drinks menu has been built around Banks’ own spirit brands – his ‘no nonsense’ Lunan Gin and Mond Vodka, and the bar has started a weekly quiz on Sundays. And with a moody, all-black interior, the bar certainly brings a late-night feel to the city centre’s pub offering that begets its 1am Saturday night closing time. Sleek, stylish and serious, this looks like the place to be for cocktail aficionados seeking something new to sip this winter. 1 Temple Ln, DD1 4HA

The Wee Churros Corner

This plucky business has been popping up across indie markets and day fares across the city for a while now, but finally The Wee Churros Corner has a city centre home. The new churro trailer is situated down on Dundee’s waterfront between the Discovery museum and the V&A building, adding to the offering of Heathers Street Food on the other side of the design museum. Brought to Dundee from Segovia by teachers Pablo and Clara Casada, the churros are a traditional Spanish delicacy. And their thick Spanish-style hot chocolate is the perfect partner to the light, fluffy churros. “We wanted to bring part of our Spanish culture to Dundee with real daily made churros, our own hot thick dipping chocolate and barista coffees,” the couple say. Discovery Point, Riverside Drive, DD1 4XA