Citation

I am sorry to be writing this about one of my favourite bar restaurants but the treatment my friends and I suffered at the hands of one of the managers has driven me to these strong words.

My friends and I gathered at the stylish Citation for something of a reunion - some had travelled from as far afield as Beijing, China to enjoy the surroundings and some fine food and drink.

We gathered around a large table comfortably sitting on a three- seater sofa and period style chairs. Apart from the dull coastal night scene painting hanging above our heads the decor lends itself to an air of sophistication and the tables and chairs are grouped together nicely.

Cosy? You would certainly think so except on an evening when outside temperatures had fallen below zero the staff insisted on keeping the outside door jammed open meaning every time a patron entered or left the premises a gust of super-chilled air blew straight in over us.

Pointing out our discomfort to one young manager we were told the door had to remain open so that people outside would know that the premises were open for business. On a Saturday afternoon in Glasgow City’s busy Merchant city I’d have thought that was a given but at least he was honest. Another more senior member of management then went onto tell me that the door had to remain open due to fire safety regulations – what a line!!
When I challenged this explanation he claimed that he had only suggested that might be the reason the doors were to remain open. He then accused me of man handling him because I touched his elbow as I leant towards him to make myself heard over the music in the bar!

Sadly the aforementioned manager saw fit to storm off leaving me standing in the middle of the floor without any hope of a compromise, just a sense of extreme dissatisfaction.

Needless to say we left Citation for the more welcoming confines of other establishments in the Merchant City.
As someone who spent years working in the licence trade and honing interpersonal and management skills I can only suggest that Citation is no longer instilling the old adage of ‘The customer is king’ in its managers but rather an attitude whereby if anyone legitimately and correctly complains they may be treated as pariahs and offered no assistance whatsoever.

Citation certainly seemed to be busy with plenty of customers. Maybe Citation doesn’t need my patronage and on the experience of my last visit there I am happy to oblige them, I won’t be back.

Love this place. Been going since it opened. Not as busy as it used to be - maybe it's the recession. But this is a plus as it was always difficult to find a seat on Friday and Saturday nights. Especially nice in the summer when you can sit out on the upstairs terrace. Only downside is the DJ. He should play music for his clientele, not just the stuff he likes! Would still highly recommend it though. One of Glasgow's nicest venues.

Amazing decor and fantastic setting, day or night. Food reasonably priced and very tasty. Great for family or couple lunch/dinners. In the nice weather has a terraceon the 1st floor to enjoy a chilled wine overlooking the merchant city.

Great venue in the merchant city. Place has got a great atmosphere during the day for lunch. Been in a few times and the food is good and a very nice relaxing atmosphere. Definately recommend anyone to drop in on the way past even for just one of their very good cocktails!!