We love brunch at the best of times but there’s a spot to try in Finnieston and it’s on a mission. Bringing a colourful and whimsical touch to the streets of Glasgow, restaurant Derby Lane, which opened in July 2021, stands proudly on Argyle Street with its aqua blue façade with a dash of pink and a gold shimmer, that will make you itching to see what’s inside.
Step across the threshold and enter a dreamy restaurant bursting with quirk, style and substance, that you can easily lose yourself in for hours as you won’t be short of things to look at. Featuring plush velvet yellow bar stools and chairs, exposed brick walls, neon lights, tropical designs and plenty of wisteria hanging from above, Derby Lane is a “West End Wonderland”.
But it’s not just the décor that gives this spot its sparkle. There’s some true magic on the menu too, from the most spectacular afternoon tea to lavish brunch favourites with a stylish twist such as their Eggs Benedict and Lobster Roll. And as for the cocktails… they are something special.
Owner of Derby Lane, Adam Parsons, said the drinks at Derby Lane are inspired by tiki culture and fit in beautifully with the décor. “There’s a lot of flowers, over the top loud garnishes, but the drinks are very well-made and we have bespoke homemade ingredients,” he said.
In terms of showstopping drinks to sip on, Derby Lane serves up sophisticated cocktails such as a twist on the classic Bloody Mary. Instead of using the usual dry spice in a Bloody Mary, Adam has created his own spice mix that takes inspiration from his travels around Asia and features an aromatic sweeter spice. Presented in a very New York vibes way with a big garnish that is unapologetically loud, it’ll be hard not to miss it or want to sip it.
Derby Lane also serves a cocktail known as Glasgow Botanical Sour, which has quickly become a popular tipple of choice. The bar has been working closely with Latitude spirits, a small independent Scottish brand who are make botanicals in a similar way to gin, but minus the juniper- as it is now becoming an endangered plant.
This thirst-quenching drink is also massively eco- friendly, so you can sip on it with the satisfaction that you’re doing your bit for the planet. As well as this unique Scottish spirit, the cocktail also features other classic Glasgow ingredients in it, including a juiced down Irn Bru.
From the most perfect fresh seafood – straight from sea to kitchen in just two hours thanks to Derby Lane’s sustainable suppliers – to deliciously creative drinks, the new opening in Finnieston offers the very best of Scotland and beyond. The restaurant works closely with other small independent businesses and it has a huge ethos around its carbon footprint, so much so Derby Lane has even created its very own Attenborough menu.
Adam Parsons said: “The Attenborough menu is something I came up with which is really important to me – putting forward spirit brands that are either very environmentally conscious or give something back. It’s a list on the menu of environmentally friendly spirits which are available from the bar, effectively. It took a lot of time to put together, I wanted to not throw any old spirit in there. I wanted them to not only be environmentally friendly but be good high-end spirits as well.”
Whether you’re after a tasty weekend brunch, classy afternoon tea or post-work cocktails, Derby Lane on has got you covered. Book your spot here.
Derby Lane, 1156 Argyle Street, Finnieston, G3 8TE