I’m a Babbity Bowster tourist and I don’t care…
Tonight I left home and headed for Byblos, hoping to find what I thought would be a diverse, young and fun crowd. I want to find a spot that I can enjoy dancing in that’s not overpriced or over sequined. But Byblos turned out to be not quite all that I’d hoped, though I think its worth another try. It was very empty at first (of course that was entirely to do with me and mine arriving 2 hours before we ought), but even so a very familiar scene. Smoke machines galore, lights, and deafening music. We’d chosen it because of the advertised hip/hop, rap, old school, and funk scene advertised. The first room was not what we had expected – ‘house’ music mashed up with pop chart hits. The DJ in room 2 was alright though. Best part of the night was drinks were just 3GBP and the crowd was friendly. But I left thinking the entire experience was rather bland, and longing for the crowds and energy we once experienced at places like the yard in brooklyn. But I wonder if maybe we just left too soon – maybe things heat up and really get going a little later. I’m still holding on that Byblos might be the spot…
When I left, I ran into Bob outside of Babbity Bowster. I was taking a photograph to go along with the bit I was thinking of posting on it. Bob is a Glaswegian, and a fairly, er, well lubricated one tonight, though manning the helm just fine as it were. But Bob told me and my companion all about where we ought and ought not drink. We ought not drink at Babbity – its for tourists apparently. We ought to drink at Strathduie and Black Bull. When we asked why, he said because they are aligned with the protestant clientele. He said there was also McChuill’s, but that “we don’t really like that place so much” as it turns out it is a catholic establishment. I was curious though: as someone who is green to Glasgow, how would one know what was catholic, and what protestant (assuming you care)? He said its all in the name – “Mc / Mac anything stay away from”.
The whole protestant / catholic division here is nuts to me. I don’t get it. Maybe I was just unaware of it in the states, but seems to me the rivalry goes under the blankets so to say. Its there sure, but you have to really be looking for it. Here, its in your face, and everyone elses.
But back to Babbity – The Babbity Bowster is a bar, restaurant, Inn, and beer garden all in one. In the short time I’ve been here, its become a favorite, and I am pretty certain my affection is not going to fade, regardless if it is more pricey then Black Bull or Strathduie. First off, its 1.5 blocks away from my home – a fact hard to forget. But everything I’ve experienced about it so far is just right. It has that comfortable feeling of a local pub, but without the dreariness, or religious segregation, that other establishments might carry. The crowd it pulls is not pretentious, and not formal. Its the kind of place that you can go and meet an all black badmitton team from Manchester and rub elbows with true Glaswegians at the same time. Interesting thing about the design of the place is its painted all white. I always have felt that my favorites are more dimly lit and a little more sultry, or darkened interiors. Babbity feels like its given the care your mom gives the living room, mixed with some very expertly chosen design elements. Food and drink is quality, though I guess as Bob points out it will cost you a little more then some other places. But where I think its a real find is for the accommodation.
For 45GBP (single) or 60 GBP (double) you can stay at the Babbity Bowster. I haven’t seen inside the rooms (yet), but those prices seem decent if the rooms upstairs have just half the character and spirit of downstairs. I think you can rent out the top dining room too for special events too. It doesn’t seem to have an official website, but you can call 0141-552-5055 for bookings. So Bob, I’m sorry – while I’ve enjoyed a pint or two at Black Bull and Strathduie, I’m still a Babbity Bowster tourist and I don’t care.
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