Variety Bar

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

This appropriately named corner bar on Sauchiehall Street is a cheerful juxtaposition of old man’s pub and wild child’s watering den, serving all (legal) ages and persuasions, with a genuinely eclectic collection of regulars. No food, alas, but a big choice of bottled beers, ciders and spirits, and beers on tap including Heineken and Blue Moon. It’s laid-back demeanor and open-mindedness are the principal reasons for its popularity but Variety’s owners are constantly reviewing stock to stay ahead of things, too, most recently with an increased rum selection for their tattoo artist clientele, Crystal Head vodka because of the cool bottle, and the dangerously drinkable, 7.2 per cent, Thistly Cross cider because one of the locals asked and they’re obliging that way. Its narrow dimensions tend to fill to a squeeze in the evenings, giving it a real vibrancy. Music? Anything goes.

• High point: Eclectic crowd
• Low point: No food