Lomond Leisure Group (LLG), operators of five hospitality venues across Scotland, has partnered with Star Pubs to bring an exciting transformation to Glasgow’s West End. Following a £275,000 refurbishment, the former Van Winkle West End bar has been unveiled as Gael & Grain, a pub dedicated to celebrating Scotland’s finest food, drink, and music.
The restoration of this mid-1800s building preserves its historic character while enhancing the exterior with beer garden seating, decorative lighting, and fresh planting. Inside, Gael & Grain’s 65-seat ground floor welcomes both diners and drinkers, while the basement – aptly named A’ Chùilidh, meaning ‘Nook’ in Scottish Gaelic – serves as a vibrant, flexible events space.
The project was led by CSY Architects, with Streamline Joinery as the main contractor. The pub’s new décor blends a contemporary, comfortable Scottish pub style with heritage touches, sophisticated accents, and flexible spaces. Upon entering, the focal point is the bar to the left, clad in upcycled wood from a former floor to create a striking chevron finish. This detail blends seamlessly into the timber flooring, adding a rustic element and shaping a convivial heart for the venue.
The interior colour palette leans into deep greens, muted blues, and rich wooden textures, creating a comfortable and inviting space. Rather than relying on clichéd ‘Highland’ décor, it draws on refined cues to evoke Scottish heritage in a tasteful and contemporary way.
To the left, another standout feature is the custom-built green cabinetry, seamlessly integrated into the wall to bring instant character to the space. Its rich forest green finish, paired with varied drawer sizes and brass knobs, lends a tactile, almost whimsical charm.
At its centre sits a TV screen, surrounded by recessed pockets filled with faux greenery, pottery, books, and artwork – elements that contribute to a sense of visual warmth and layered personality. When it comes to furniture, every piece has clearly been carefully considered. Classic button-back banquettes in brown and green leather, supplied by LECS Upholstery, add timeless elegance.
A mix of high stools and dining chairs, some in leather, others upholstered in plaid or adorned with floral accents, were provided by Mayfair Furniture and Pub Stuff. These are paired with solid wood tables in varying sizes and heights, creating a flexible and characterful environment.
The accent walls throughout the venue are dressed in stunning patterned wallpapers designed and produced in Scotland, adding depth and intricacy to the space. Deep green subway tiles provide a grounding element and allow the statement wallpapers to stand out. Elsewhere, walls are brought to life with vintage signs, a curated mix of framed old photographs of Glasgow, and mirrors that soften the space while creating a gallery-style effect.
The lighting throughout the venue ranges from striking chandeliers with candle bulbs styled like stag horns to brass wall sconces with fabric shades and industrial-inspired caged pendants – fixtures that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Scottish castle. This subtle blend of vintage and contemporary elements helps maintain a timeless aesthetic.
Downstairs, in the events space A’ Chùilidh, bare brick meets warm timber walls, creating an inviting yet characterful setting. A dedicated dark wood bar at one end completes the space, making it ideal for everything from live music and comedy nights to private parties and business gatherings. Sophie Mallon, Chief Marketing Officer of LLG, says, “Gael & Grain builds on LLG’s passion for celebrating Scottish produce, following the success of its Glasgow restaurant Mharsanta and Edinburgh pub The Tolbooth Tavern. Music is also at the heart of Gael & Grain.
Guests can enjoy live performances from traditional Scottish musicians, alongside a curated playlist that showcases the best of Scotland’s musical talent – from classic folk to contemporary sounds. “We are committed to working with Scotland’s finest producers, ensuring only the best local ingredients are used in its kitchens and bars and we aim to offer a welcoming, authentic Scottish pub experience.”
And that’s exactly what they’ve achieved at Gael & Grain – a beautifully executed space that captures the essence of a modern Scottish pub: intimate, stylish, and full of character!