Until earlier this month, The Hug and Pint never existed.
That might sound obvious, given that it’s Glasgow’s newest music venue, but it was a fictional bar - the ideal boozer which lived only in the imaginations of Arab Strap fans.
The band’s classic 2003 album Monday at the Hug and Pint was a distillation of their sound: Aidan Moffatt’s booze-soaked rambling monologues, layered over Malcolm Middleton’s acoustic guitar and sparse drum machine beats, were supplemented by Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis and a string quartet.
It’s the band’s most complete work: an all-time favourite for legions of indie fans, and the very definition of a cult album.
All of which stands to make The Hug and Pint, formerly The Roxy 171 on Great Western Road, a very popular pub indeed.
The upstairs bar feels more modern and spacious than its predecessor, with a bright, art deco-inspired wall decal opening up the back of the room.
We weren’t allowed downstairs to see the gig venue, but we know from shows at the Liquid Ship and The Roxy that it’s tight down there, with room for 100 people at most.
With backing from Synergy Concerts’ Bryan Reynolds and The Squid and Whale’s Colin Campbell, and Admiral Fallow’s Joe Rattray as booker, the indie community can look forward to having a Great Western Road hub once again, after the (still much-missed) Captain’s Rest packed up two years ago. With gigs from Ubre Blanca, Three Blind Wolves and the hotly-tipped Man of Moon in the next few weeks, this brand new indie hangout is looking like a favourite before the paint has even dried.
Monday at the Hug and Pint
Q: Who’s your favourite Scottish band or artist?
1. Alex Warren, 21, West End
Favourite Club? The Garage
Favourite Bar? The Butterfly and Pig
Favourite DJ? Betamax
Favourite Band? Frightened Rabbit
What You Drinking? Sierra Nevada
First Club? ABC
Describe Your Dancing? Appalling.
2. Michaela Jewson, 22, Chester, The Dykeenies
3. Ailidh Lang, 22, Glasgow, The Twilight Sad
4. Jazz Hutsby, 30, Glasgow, Justin Currie
Gary McGuire, 25, Hamilton, Biffy Clyro
5. Eleni Thomaidou, 27, Greece, Belle and Sebastian
Rob Watson, 40, Coatbridge, Frightened Rabbit
6. Jonny Whoop, 33, South Side, Biffy Clyro
7. Duncan McCormack, 30, Partick, Echo and the Bunnymen
Kevin McCormack, 27, Maryhill, Orange Juice
8. Iain McCormack, 38, Yorkhill, “I’m not sure. Are there any good ones at the moment?”
Charlie Prouse, 41, Paisley, Midge Ure.
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