MacSorley's Music Bar

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

With its traditional frontage and classic burgundy and dark-wood interior, MacSorley's appears to be a typical old-style boozer – but the ambient funk soundtrack and framed posters and photographs of music icons gradually betray its true role as the Sub Pub. Since the Sub Club's owners took over in 2006, they have been transforming MacSorley's from old man's haunt into a place to meet and eat. The Paisley carpets and bathrooms may still be a little grotty, but that does not put off post-work drinkers and indie trendies drawn by the pub's slightly bohemian edge and admirably sourced home-made food. Dishes include line-caught haddock from MacCallum's of Troon, served in a crisp Hoegaarden batter with minty mushy peas and crunchy hand-cut chips. Portions are generous, with a steak sandwich comprising the best part of a baguette stuffed with meat (from William Cranston of Pollokshields), caramelised onions and tangy chilli jam. Puddings such as chocolate and Guinness cake provide a sugar rush probably capable of energising clubbers for an evening, while a moist apple and nut cake with its creamy frosting would do just as well for afternoon tea. The music is just as fresh as the food, with live bands on Thursdays and jazz on Saturdays.

• High point: Good quality, locally sourced food
• Low point: Interior requires work