A Thursday afternoon in January and much of Dennistoun, like much of Glasgow, is only starting to stir from winter hibernation. It provides an opportunity to take a proper look at Redmond’s of Dennistoun. This trendy hangout sprung out of the feelgood factor in the East of the city following the Commonwealth Games. There is the stirring of a scene on Duke Street and Redmond’s is part of all that.
In a past life, this corner was The New Variety Bar – an unreconstructed Glasgow pub. It’s close to the barren site of the old city abattoir. There’s rumours that the open land could be redeveloped after many years of lying empty, which would further revitalise the area and link to other developments in the Calton.
Anyway, back to Redmond’s which is quite often a bustling venue for conversation, craft beer and food. Today it’s in a more subdued setting, but the speakers are playing a vinyl Elvis Presley record at a volume that gives the place a bit of bite. An elderly couple sit in a booth enjoying their lunch while checking their iPhones. Redmond’s is not just for hipster arrivistes. The decor is stripped back but comfortable.
There is a formidable collection of interesting beers that we will probably delve into another time. The menu is split into a number of sections, mostly involving small plates.
Here’s our highlights
Fish: Gin cured salmon, creme fraiche, sourdough toast (£6)
Meat: Soy and honey roasted chicken wings (£5)
Vegetables: Manchego and chickpea croquettes (£5)
Pizzette: Barbecue sauce, chicken, smoked streaky bacon (£5), available as full pizza (£9)
Sweet Things: Salted caramel brownie (£5)
We’re here to zero in on the Korean steamed bao buns that they serve. There’s a food deal where you can order one bun and a side for £6 or two buns and a side for £9. The fashionable dish has the veneer of the exotic but they are essentially just very well prepared and satisfying bar bites. Flavourful, filling and perfect for this kind of place.
The barman describes them as very moreish and he has a point. We order two with a portion of Asian slaw, which arrives in a retro china dish. It’s refreshing and pairs well with the buns.
We ordered the pork belly, sriracha and hoisin sauce bun with the panko breaded chicken and sriracha mayo bun. Sriracha chili hot sauce is good for this time of the year with enough heat to liven up your lunch. They work hard here to make Redmond’s an interesting part of Dennistoun. The food is enough reason to grab yourself a booth.
We are discovering Glasgowist’s Best Dishes, in no particular order, as a showcase of what’s good to eat, right here, right now. Let us know your favourites on Twitter @helloglasgowist.
Redmond’s
304 Duke Street
Glasgow
G31 1RZ
Glasgow G31 1RZ, UK
