This week, Buchanan Galleries pops it's cork, wrapping up winter fashion at Debenhams and lock, stock and two (deliciously) smoking platters.

Champagne Bar

Raising the bar in terms of drinking establishments in the Style Mile, a new champagne bar has recently opened in Buchanan Galleries. I went along to their launch night to see what all the fizz was about.

When I used to go shopping with my Granny it was all about going for a nice cake and cuppa at The Willow Tea Rooms. Our taste buds have grown up (and become a whole lot more expensive) since then. Now, quite the thing, is to bag some bubbly whilst out and about. Champagne bars have started popping up in shopping centres, airports and stations all over the country. The one in St Pancreas even opens at 7am to quench the tide of thirsty commuters.

The new 360 Champagne Bar in Buchanan Galleries is the first to open in the city centre, sitting pretty on the first floor of the mall. It's sleek and sophisticated in design but still comfortable enough to rest shopping-weary behinds. It also sits right in the centre of the thoroughfare, so it's a great place for people watching, as long as (perhaps) you're not watching your wallet! There at least a few bottles that are for sale with corking price tags!

However, there are some good deals for the more thrifty shopper too, like afternoon tea for two (£11.95) and Prosecco and a cupcake for £5.95. It might just be something of a trend, but I don't think it's going to fizzle out anytime soon!

Debenhams AW14 Press Show

Earlier in the week it was the Scottish Fashion Awards in London and in just over a week's time September Fashion Week will kick it's fancy heels off in London. However, we like to keep things local in CEOG. So, for the fashionable Glasgow set, this week it was all about the Debenhams AW14 Press Show in Blythswood Square.

Whatever your thoughts or memories of Debenhams (along with going to the Willow Tea Rooms with Granny, we'd usually end up in Debenhams too), the store has done a huge amount in recent years to update itself, collaborating with well-known and up-coming designers, expanding it's beauty halls and developing preview shows, like the one I went to last night.

Although I'll be sad to say 'see you later' to summer (or perhaps we've already done that?) I'm equally as excited about snuggling down in front of a fire (or at least a DVD of one) in a lovely wooly jumper. The Debenhams AW collection was lovely, plenty of leather, lace and wool on show, in the kind of colours that can't help but make you feel cosy, like wine red and deep forrest green.

I think it's great for Glasgow and Debenhams for there to be events like this, it helps the city (and the store) raise it's stakes in fashion capital. I also think I've now got my winter wardrobe completely wrapped up!

The Raven

Not quite the model diet, but as I left the Debenhams AW14 fashion show, I was ravenous. A good excuse to go to the Raven then, I thought. The new(ish) bar on Renfield Street was hosting a special VIP event, called Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Platters. Aha, see what they did there!

Jokes aside about the food being criminally good! This pub is as much about grub as part of the craft ale club. The focus on the food is slow-cooked, smoked and meaty. No doubt, Jason Stratham would approve. The sharing platter that we shared (only an action hero could do a whole one) was massive and a delight of pulled pork, ribs, chicken wings and corn.

Along with tucking into some of the specialist brews and the delicious platters. There was also pudding to be had. The pecan pie was out of this world. And I was particularly taken with their mini donuts (as evidenced!). This place has such a lot going for it, I'm not sure what I like best. It's probably the donuts…

Wee Bird Recommends

Last Hallowe'en, Wee Bird went along to the screen scream fest that was Itison Drive In Movies at Victoria Park. Last year it sold out faster than you can say 'who's there?'! So treat yourself this Halloween, as the movie madness is back. Tickets available now, online, for Ghostbusters, The Goonies, Halloween II and The Shining (October 31 to Novemeber 2).