SCOTLAND'S longest- running comedy club will launch in Glasgow later this month.

Gilded Balloon Comedy at Drygate aims to bring together traditional craft beers and comedy under one roof.

Now in its 30th year, organisers behind the Edinburgh comedy institution believe now is the right time to expand west.

Gilded Balloon Artistic Director, Karen Koren, said: "It's been 20 years since Gilded Balloon had a regular venue to present comedy in Glasgow.

"We're really excited to be joining up with Drygate and The Vintage."

Drygate is a new, multi-million pound bar, diner and micro-brewery attached to Tennent Caledonian's Wellpark brewery in Duke Street.

Ms Koren added: "Drygate is the ideal environment where audiences will be able to experience first class comedy, food and craft beer all under one roof.

"We're looking forward to bringing regular comedy back to the west coast."

The Gilded Balloon was set up by Ms Koren in 1986 and has featured comedians such as Eddie Izzard, Tim Minchin, Peter Kay, Jimmy Carr and Bill Bailey.

The Glasgow club will feature a line-up of popular comedy talent including Rob Rouse, Mark Nelson, Romesh Ranganthan and Felicity Ward.

The first Gilded Balloon at Drygate club night will take place on Friday, August 29, and feature John Hastings, Chris Forbes, and Vladimir McTavish, with Scott Agnew as compere.

Dinner and comedy packages are available, with a pre and post-show menu alongside a 200-strong beer list.

Darren Blackburn, Director of The Vintage at Drygate, said: "The Gilded Balloon expansion continues this theme of collaboration, expansion and talent finding a home here at Drygate."

Gilded Balloon Comedy at Drygate takes place every Friday across two sessions: 7.30-9.30pm and 10pm-12am.

Tickets, from £15, from www.gildedballoon.co.uk and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk