The popular indie bar, cafe and club Stereo recently turned seven.

Not that you'd have noticed - it flies under the radar, despite enjoying a prime location yards from Central Station.

Even now, when I arrange to meet people there, I have to offer detailed directions. Which sucks because I'm dreadful at directions and they usually end up in, like, the Drum because of my poor geography.

Anyway, the resulting birthday party brought together an ensemble cast of indie icons in what was a typically low-key celebration.

It was a Friday night and the usually-roomy upstairs bar was overflowing.

A makeshift stage at the back hosted, by turns, DJs spinning alternative classics on vinyl and experimental noise outfits piercing eardums with violent feedback squeals.

Later on, downstairs, Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite and the TYCI DJs could be spotted behind the decks, while visual and sound artist Sue Tompkins delivered a feverishly-anticipated set of Life Without Buildings songs.

The band, all students at the Art School, disbanded in 2002 after recording just one universally-loved album.

This experimental theme runs throughout everything Stereo does - it's a haven for artists, writers and creatives who stay well clear of the mainstream.

It's part of the vegan chain which also includes Mono, The Flying Duck and The 78, out in Finnieston - the very same chain that surely contributed much to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)'s recent announcement that Glasgow is the best city in the UK for vegans.

Along with sister bar The Old Hairdressers, Stereo is most definitely a hidden gem - one for those endless "best-kept secrets" lists - and its regulars (me included) would rather it stayed that way: so please don't even think about seeking out and enjoying its lo-fi charm for yourself.