The Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

Situated in a Kelvinbridge basement just off Great Western Road, The Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen looks more sophisticated than the name might suggest, with floors, chairs and substantial square tables of polished wood, and a bright conservatory at the rear. It's a place for locals and those who don't like their bars too crowded on weekends (when DJs play), as well as anyone looking for a comfortable bite to eat. However, the multitude of TV screens, all seemingly on different channels, can be distracting for diners. There's a choice of ciabatta sandwiches and salads for lunches or lighter meals, and a more extensive menu. From the starters, a sharp red onion marmalade complements the sweetness of the chicken liver parfait it covers, while the spiciness of the chilli, garlic and tomato liquor with the steamed mussels is well judged. More evidence of the chef's skill with spice is evident in a moist, flaky fillet of salmon, which comes with a punchy cajun crust, and the chilli kick of a Thai green curry hiding good-sized pieces of chicken and vegetables in a creamy coconut milk. Scoops of lemon and orange sorbet make for a cooling and refreshing antidote. A wide range of events hosted here can include quizzes, wine tastings, live jazz and salsa classes.

• High point: Soft sorbet
• Low point: Competition between TV and stereo

The LIST Card F42

The Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen

The Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen is what you’d call a ‘hidden gem’ – tucked away in the lovely Lansdowne Crescent, our basement bar and restaurant has a comfortable and homely feel!! Lots of little booths and comfy couches, and a bright and airy conservatory …… we have something for everyone.

The Lansdowne, or the LBK as the regulars know it, is the perfect place to come for amazing pub grub. On a weekend the restaurant is buzzing with diners, and more than often, private parties in our conservatory!! Our menu has a little something to offer everyone; from a Haggis burger, to a Moroccan salad, to a Seafood risotto all tastes are catered for. We’ve got healthy sized portions from a head chef that really enjoys cooking good food!!

If you fancy just popping out for a wee drink we’ve got something to please everyone, for the girls we have our fantastic range of cocktails while the guys can sample our amazing range of draught beers & lagers, or vice versa; we know some guys who love our cocktails and lager is slowly becoming the new wine for some girls. We’ve also got a wide selection of wines from both the new world and the old, with favourites like the classic Pinot Grigio to new exciting organic wines.

We also offer entertainment every weekend, Fridays & Saturdays we have a really interesting mix of DJ’s playing soulful funk to soft house to retro jazz!! We have Live jazz every Sunday, but not just your traditional ‘old school jazz’ we funk it up with younger, interesting bands to keep things fresh – “The Marco Cafolla Electric Jazz Quartet” always goes down a treat, but if you like your jazz old school !!!

The staff at The LBK are especially friendly, and revel on the busyness of the bar …… the busier the bar, the better the atmosphere!! The staff have a real connection with the customers, and each member of the LBK team are exceptionally friendly and helpful.

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