IT’S a crisp lunchtime and the autumn sunshine will soon fade, I fear.

“But not, me Tec, not ever!” the mellow Moll said as we began a journey to a little palace of a kitchen.

It’s had a makeover since last we were here, I explained.

“I hope we're heading up west?” she drawled, making me smile and remember Dorothy Paul, who captures my beloved Glasgow best of all.

“I know you really just can’t wait to return to the well-manicured West End, my dear.

“And this will be a feast even the locals say goes down a treat!”

Our target is The Hyndland Fox on Clarence Drive. It has a history stretching back to 1982 when Peckham’s first opened.

The fine food and drink tradition continues in The Fox.

“Oh, my, this is rare and fancy,” said my dining partner.

And so the lunch and brunch menu appeared along with a carnival of cocktails to tap your inner gin lover and more.

We both plumped to perk ourselves up with a glass of Hyndland Mary.

This is one classy glass of sassy cocktail and boy did it packed a punch.

“You're lucky it wasn't me,” teased Toots.

“I don’t think so, doll. You’re too gentle for that kind of behaviour,” I said moodily.

She turned the colour of Hyndland Mary, matching her Maybelline neon red lips as I sipped at the Ketel One Vodka blended with tomato juice, fresh lemon, celery, salt and black pepper flavoured further with a touch or horseradish, Worcestershire Sauce and a splash of Tio Pepe.

The Moll selected Steak Frites, a flat-iron style slab with chips, remoulade, roast cherry vine tomatoes and a sharp chimichurri sauce.

The steak was perfectly cooked and shone with the flavoursome chimichurri, hosting garlic, shallot, chilli flakes and oregano.

“It’s just delightful, Tec,” she said carving easily through the meat, “and you know I am very fussy about my steaks.”

Indeed she is.

For a moment, I paused and gazed towards the large windows overlooking Clarence Drive.

I’ve passed these windows many times over the years and sat on either side of them.

The work is steady at the moment, gives me time to think and …

“Here you!”

I snapped out of the daydream to the broken record, I mean, the soothing sound of the Moll who was muttering something about, heck, I don’t know.

Then as I totally came round, I could hear her plainly say “and don’t you daydream on me again, Tec!”

“But my dear, I was enjoying both being with you and dreaming of you.”

A couple at a nearby table coughed nervously but Toots suddenly broke into a large and ever-growing grin that developed into a full smile as, sadly, a frite fell out and landed on her plate, but to her credit she recovered quickly.

“That’s just a lovely thought," she said.

“Now get on with your lunch and pour me a glass of that wee French Viognier.”

The wine was something else really. A kind of “play it cool” style with its honeysuckle tones and aromas of apricot and stone fruit.

It certainly complemented my Moules Frites, appearing with chunky fries and sourdough.

“And when you’ve finished complimenting your muscles, have you got a wee compliment for me?” inquired the Moll as she held her glass, the lunchtime sun fair glinting on her nail extensions.

“Oh, but of course, my dear.

“As neither of us has to wash the dishes, would you like to have a wee nightcap?”

“Oh, sure, Tec, sure, I really would!” her coal eyes sparkling again.

“Then here you are my dear. I picked this up for you in Oban last weekend.

“It’s a lovely tartan and the elasticated head band will surely stretch…”

“You’ll be doing a stretch, I warn you, Tec,” the sweet one said before she saw me smile as I reached back into the gift bag.

“I got one for myself, too.

“The nights are fair drawin’ in, are they not?”

The Hyndland Fox

43 Clarence Drive

Hyndland

G12 9QN

0141 341 6633

Food:

Steak Frites £14.95

Moules Frites £10.95

Drinks:

Viognier Les Gres £21.50

Hyndland Mary £6 (x two)

Total:

£59.40

Atmosphere – 4 stars

Food – 4 stars

Service – 4 stars