The Anchor Line, St Vincent Place, Glasgow Tel:

0141 248 1434

TOOTS and I had been like ships that pass in the night.

Too many stakeouts meant I wasn't paying her much attention. If I wasn't careful she would be trading me in for a younger model, so I thought I better treat the little lady to a swanky dinner.

Hoping she would see the funny side, I told her to set sail and head for the Anchor Line, one of Glasgow's newest eateries.

After a quick trip to the barbers, this ol' gumshoe was ready to treat Toots.

She met me at the grand looking restaurant and was looking at her watch, I was only a few minutes late after trying to wrap up a bit of business with one of my snouts.

We walked in and were met with a warm welcome.

Our host could not have made us feel more at home and whisked us to a table.

The grand surroundings at this former booking office for passages sailing from Glasgow to New York have been revamped and it looks pretty spectacular.

We were quickly settled at a spacious table and took time for the essential scran scan.

There seemed to be an abundance of staff and, within seconds, a server was over to take our drinks order.

I was famished and quietly asked if I could have some bread and olive oil to start. I could see The Moll frowning out of the corner of my eye - clearly I had no dining etiquette.

You can't fault this place for atmosphere and the busy centre bar was a real focal point which set this joint off.

Still going through the menu, Toots couldn't decide on her starter, but eventually decided to go with asparagus with poached egg and Hollandaise sauce.

With pictures of old liners adorning the walls, it must have had an affect on us as we both opted of fish options.

I had my eye on the haddock and chips, while her ladyship pushed the boat out with the seabass.

Our orders were swiftly taken and tap water provided, but Toots was getting slightly restless when her vino didn't appear.

We asked and moments later it was presented in a stylish goblet.

They must have been well prepared in the kitchen as the asparagus was served with speed.

Toots tucked in. I had hoped for a taste, but was politely reminded: "You've got your bread, dear."

Her's was soon polished off and left us in eager anticipation for our mains.

Dish upon dish passed our eyes as we saw the tasty looking scran being taken to several tables.

Without further ado, our mains arrived.

I couldn't wait to tuck in as the haddock and golden batter looked delicious and the chunky fries were just my cup to tea.

It tasted as good as it looked.

Refined Toots was making a meal of her whole seabass, picking through it with delicate precision. It looked like hard work to me.

Blondie gave it the thumbs up, but she was still feeling slightly peckish.

Coffee and pudding rounded off the night perfectly and, keeping in with the surroundings, we decided to 'share' a New York cheesecake.

Our spoons went into battle as I tried to make sure I got my fair share.

It was a delicious dessert, with a twist of fruit coulis running through it.

Fearing the worst, I was wishing I could have been a stowaway on one of the old Anchor Line passages, rather than pay the bill.

I couldn't put it off any longer and was surprised to see it came it at around £55.

Seemed spot on as far as this Sea Dog was concerned and all that was left for us was to weigh anchor and head for home port.

STARTERS: Bread selection £2.95

Grilled asparagus £5.95

MAINS:

Grilled seabass £17.95

Fish and chips £13.45

DESSERTS:

New York cheesecake £5.95

DRINKS:

White wine £4.45

Americano £2.20; Flat white coffee £2.45

TOTAL: £55.35