Republic Bier Halle

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £11 (lunch)
   £11 (evening meal)
• House wine: £9.95 per bottle

• High point: International beer collection
• Low point: Not as unique as it initially was
• Food served: Mon-Sat noon-10pm; Sun 12.30-10pm
• Bar open: Mon-Sat noon-midnight; Sun 12.30pm-midnight
• Open since: 1999
• Also offers: Take away

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

As the name suggests, it's primarily about continental beer at this Glasgow mini-chain, with a recently opened branch on Great Western Road. The pub's literature explains how the 'Republic' was devised by founder Colin Barr as an antidote to the city's ubiquitous 'trendy' bars, which sold the same limited choice of lagers. Of course, today, that's not always the case. Here, nevertheless, there are some 60 varieties of bottled beer, each served in a frosty glass straight out of the fridge. Among the selections is the Scottish-brewed Fraoch, made from heather tips and myrtle leaves - a reputed favourite of Barr. At the Republic flagship in the city centre, heavy timber tables (in the bunker-like concrete surroundings) are populated by fans of pizza as well as lager. The bar's two-for-one deal, running Sunday to Thursday, is a word-of-mouth success. From a Margarita with buffalo mozzarella to the 'hoi sin' with its shredded crispy duck topping, there are a dozen thin-crust options, with some additional daily specials. The main meal alternative is beef goulash, consisting of meat chunks in a spicy stew served with a sour cream and chive-topped baked potato, as well as a dish of red cabbage. Lighter options include hotdogs and marinated olives. In addition to the flagship and West End branch, a new one is on Sauchiehall Street and a smaller one trades in Shawlands.