OBLOMOV, 116-122 Byres Road, Glasgow. These days in the Westendesstraat you'll lind a bar that will redeline your idea of a Dutch treat. Inspired by a night of capricious abandon in an Amsterdam 'brun cale' of the same name, Ublomov is the first barto bring a traditional Netherland look to Glasgow. Because it's open all day you'll have plenty of time to check out the bric a brac, ranging lrom antigue clocks and biscuit tins to a refurbished Dutch televrsion. And, iust like the Heineken, it was all deltly smuggled from Holland. Btit Ublomov's real coup d'ecor IS its light lixtures. No two are alike. Ask for advrce on some deKuypers ligueurs, then go a few rounds wnh Stella and you'll be a dutchman too.
DILLINGER'S, Kings Stables Road, Edinburgh. John Dillinger's guys and molls are back in town and Edinburgh may never be the same again. So pack up your troubles in a violin case and head on down to 28 KingsStablesRoadto dancethenightsawayThursdays through Sundays. With two dancelloors, a computerized light show and lavrshly stocked bars, you could well forget that bathtub gin was ever the order olthe dayAnd, if you're in the mood for snuggling up to the Silverscreen With the notorious Stella Artois, Dillinger's got you covered wnh Sixteen videos on one wall. Hidden cameras on the ceiling mean it'll take more than an old fedora to keep you incognito from the mob on the street.
ODDFELLOWS Forrest Road, Edinburgh. Latin lovers Will delight in the promise proclaimed by the srgn over the door, 'Amicitia, Amor et Veritas'. (A loose trans— lation; Wild times Will be had by all.) A reassurineg subdued colour scheme contrasts deep maroons and blues wrth eclectic bits and bobs. Like a srgn olfer mg hot baths for 3p and cold ones for 2p. A hiib of activity in the evenings, the lunchtime atmosphere IS decidedly laid back. Burlt on the srte of a lormer asylum, Oddlellows rellects its heritage by havmg insanely low prices at happy hours. And Chief Drivmg Bull's favourite lirewater, the maddening Stella Arms, is on tap at the island bar. How much odder does a place need to be?
AVOID THE HUMDRUM HODRUM