As Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant, Sloans holds a special place in the city’s heart, and not just because of its iconic Scottish Macaroni Appreciation Club (SMAC)! Now, the beloved venue has opened up its exciting upgrade, following a £500,000 transformation of its first floor with a fresh new dining concept, The Merchant’s.
Welcoming guests since 1797, this multi-storey classic spans three impressive floors. The ground floor houses the bustling bar and bistro, while the first level offers snug, private dining and main restaurant space, leading up to the grand ballroom on the second. Outside, its bustling courtyard remains one of Glasgow’s go-to spots for outdoor drinks.
The Merchant’s has opened its doors on October 2, and not only offers visitors a multi-room dining space, but also a rail filled with costumes for diners to get into character! The rail includes authentic vintage dresses, suits and accessories to transport them back in time and a photographer on hand to capture the moment.
The menu boasts “hearty Glasgow and Scottish favourites with a side of theatre”, such as Cullen skink served in a bread bowl, black pudding Scotch egg with truffle ketchup, beef shin lasagne and a collection of proper pies served with a choice of mash and a jug of gravy. Plus, the Merchant’s Mac, a new version of the beloved Sloans’ macaroni cheese, with a trolley making its rightful entrance at the table before mac lovers pick their toppings.
Owner Oli Norman said: “Sloans has been part of Glasgow’s story for over 200 years and we wanted to do something really special, bringing the characters, stories and history of this incredible building to life in a way unlike anything Glasgow has seen before.
“When you walk in, you can feel the room come alive – it’s how I imagine David Sloan would have had it. Portraits of notable Glaswegians come to life, and in the corner, the ghost has made itself at home at the old grand piano.
“Sloans has always been about generous food, good drinks and bringing people together. We’ve kept that at the heart of The Merchant’s but added a little theatre along the way.
“It’s a fun and exciting new chapter in the building’s history, and we hope regulars and new visitors alike will pull up a chair and discover what we have in store.”
The Merchant’s is located on the first floor of Sloans, Glasgow’s oldest bar, and you can book your table here.
