The recent departure from the G1 Group of Paul McVey, creative manager and creator of the Hillhead Bookclub, could have signalled the beginning of the end for the venerable Vinicombe Street bar. Instead, it remains one of the prime spots in the area for boozing and eating. And, judging by the typically strong programme of parties taking place here over the festive period, the Bookclub’s bacchanalian tendencies have not been curbed.
This time last year, local heroes Slam laid waste to the venue with a banging, five-hour Boxing Day techno set. A week later, it was hipster icon Floating Points who held Hillhead rapt with his hypnotic soundscapes. This year is just as eclectic. On Monday, Melting Pot take over with the prolific New Yorker Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez their guest. Gonzalez started out at neighbourhood parties in his native Brooklyn in the late ‘80s, before gate-crashing the European charts in 1995 with The Bomb.
The Grammy-nominated DJ “showcases a melting pot of house, jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop,” so expect a night of pure, rarefied grooves. Support comes from Melting Pot residents Andrew Pirie and Simon Cordiner, with Kevin McFarlane and Stephen Lee of ‘90s house obsessives Room Two also playing.
There’s a free-entry all-dayer on Tuesday with Mhairi Stewart, Rory Grant and Excursions. And on New Year’s Day, Chicago’s Roy Davis Jr. presides over a house masterclass. Dixon Avenue Basement Jams label head The Wasp is on support duties here, making this a must-see for discerning house fans.
Q: What’s on top of your Christmas list?
1. Sachin Anand, 19, Newcastle, “Pass marks on my exams”
Lawrence Quirk, 19, Newcastle, “World peace”
2. Lydia Chan, 20, Liverpool, “A Filofax”
Rachel Morrow, 22, Cambridge, “Another Mojito?”
3. Chris Rae, 19, North Side, “Garlic bread”
Cameron Watson, 19, Drymen, “A new Kia”
4. Adam Kidd, 18, Shawlands, “A will to live”
Jack Graham, 19, Milngavie, “A new gearbox”
5. Tom Speedie, 19, Cumbernauld
Favourite Club? Firewater
Favourite Bar? Malone’s
Favourite DJ? DJ Lyon Hay
Favourite Band? Catfish and the Bottlemen
What You Drinking? Disaronno and Coke
First Club? Kokomo
Describe Your Dancing? Sensual and tender… but also aggressive
6. Alan Prior, 31, Isle of Skye, “A dog coat”
Shona McGuigan, 31, Isle of Skye, “Irregular shoes”
Scott McComish, 27, City Centre, “An American-made Fender Telecaster”
7. Holly Bond, 27, South Side, “Bose headphones”
Hannah Skinner, 26, Partick, “A Rolex”
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