I’M too tired to traipse into town,” drawled the Moll, applying a fresh coat of New York red to her kisser.

I’d promised Blondie a night on the tiles but she wasn’t up for a long trek to fill her boots.

By a stroke of luck, I’d sniffed out a lead there was a new venue just around the corner from Tec Towers.

The former Strathmore pub on Maryhill Road may date back to the 1870s but now looks as sharp as the Moll’s tongue after a major refurbishment.

As well as revamping the interior with stripped down brick walls and chic drop down lights the owners have also added an airy glass extension and a sunny terrace, with twinkling outdoor lights.

Casing the joint, I notice a wood-burning stove and make a mental note to return for a whisky sour when the nights get even colder.

As soon as we walk in a friendly waiter greets us with a smile and takes us to the only remaining free table.

The joint is busier than a rat trap in Hamlyn so hopes are high that the food is what’s drawing locals in.

The menu is jam packed with sandwiches, salads, wraps, buns, burgers and pizza as well as sharing platters featuring Asian style ribs and hearty haggis and black pudding fritters.

Full marks for the Glasvegan burger, made with chickpeas, sweetcorn, coriander and paprika with lemon zest, which I’m keen to try on our next visit.

For those on a tight budget or short on time, there’s a lunch deal for £5.95 and two courses for £9.95 from 4-7pm, Monday to Friday.

We decide to share a starter of mixed vegetable and prawn tempura and it doesn’t disappoint.

The portion size is generous enough for two and the tempura is light, fresh and flavoursome with two contrasting dips of chilli and soy. It’s looking like there will be a fight for the last bite until I back down and Toots devours the crumbs.

After the bowl is dragged out of our hands, we enjoy a glass of Shiraz while our mains are being prepared and persue the other drinks offering.

The cocktail list includes strawberry daiquiri and mojitos, along with the gin gin mule, fat sailor and vanilla white Russian.

There is also a selection of international craft beers, wines and spirits.

Blondie has opted for the pub staple of battered haddock with hand-cut chips, tarted sauce and minted peas and polishes off every morsel.

I’ve chosen the evening’s special, which is a Malaysian prawn curry.

The waiter explains the chef takes regular trips there to pick up some inspiration for new dishes.

It’s mouth-wateringly good and again, very generously proportioned with a side portion of rice and naan bread and presented beautifully on a banana leaf.

It’s also very reasonably priced at £10.95.

I can’t finish the bowl but it’s not for the want of trying but I’m keen to fit in a pudding.

We are so full that we are forced to share a dessert and my eyes have been drawn to the Eton Mess cheesecake.

In contrast to everything that’s gone before, it’s a little disappointing.

We can’t figure out where the meringue has gone and the base tastes a bit shop-bought.

It’s the only downside though to a delicious meal and I’m certain we will return to try the rest of the menu.