The 13th note has gone up in the world. What used to be a small dingy two level pub graced by buskers and skint indie-kids looking for a cheap pint, is now a well known venue for up and coming bands.
It now boasts two branches - a cafe, bar and band venue, on King Street and a pub and nightclub venue on Clyde Street, by the river. The cafe/bar is friendly, although the clientele are a little more upmarket, and not quite as welcoming to visitors outside their social circles as they used to be.
Downstairs, where the bands play, is cramped and dim, reminicent of the old days, but it's worth it - the atmosphere is buzzing, the music is loud, and the prices keep going up. . . Although the Note is known for it's support of new indie bands and performers, other styles are also recognised and played, including jazz. They have established Glasgow bands play, as well as ones starting out. BMX Bandits, Bis, and Uresei Yatsurah have all graced the 13th Note.
In the old days, I used to see two thirds of Teenage Fanclub down here for a pint, although I doubt they frequent the new place as regularly. If I sound like an old person moaning about how "it's not like it used to be", forgive me. It's just that I had such good times in the 13th note as it used to be. However, I see that the people there each time I go are also having a great time, and they will doubtless have memories of the good old days when they too reach the ripe old age of, em, 22. I now visit less frequently than I used to as I don't spend much time in Glasgow. I do like to go back occasionally and see the bar staff - same friendly faces - and remember how great it was.
The food is the one thing that has changed little, apart from the prices! The menu is tasty and vegan (honestly), and offers a surprisingly large variety of dishes to tempt your tastebuds. The veggiburgers have always been my favourite - choose your topping, from mushrooms or onions to the fabulous vegetarian chilli, which you can also order separately served with rice and nachos.
The club venue is quite different - more rock and grunge orientated than the cafe bar. If you liked the "Rat Trap" club, this will be your kind of place. The music is loud and intense and there are some DJs that do regular slots who have built up quite a fan base. Downstairs is large and "stony" - you'll need to go to see what I mean. The crowd doesn't get going till late, but once they're in there, they create quite a scene - a rainbow of hairdye, a farmful of leather (in somewhat ironic contrast to the hippy vegan atmoshphere of the other venue).
Apart from now being a hip and trendy place to be, particularly if you're up on the local indie scene, this is a warm, friendly pub. I met some of my best friends in the Note. Try it - if it's your scene, you'll know straight away.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I've just realised that I haven't been there for a good while now. Think I'll probably pop in at the weekend to see whats happening. Whaddya mean any excuse for a drink...! :-)
rawduu 22.05.2001 20:28
Sounds a good place i'll have to pop in if im ever in Glasgow
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
very helpful by (100%):
