There’s a buzz about the place. Christmas decorations are understated but noticeable. It’s a Friday night and every available space is occupied. Long tables, booths, smaller tables and a sweeping outdoor area that’s hidden at the back. Tonight staff glide between groups of office workers, firemen, council employees, pals and families.
Cùl Cùil is a new bar for casual dining and socialising in the centre of the city. Fashioned out of what was the Courtyard Bar, there has been a major transformation to create a lounge bar, group dining area and open-air heated backyard garden space. It’s been put to good use during December.
The update for Cùl Cùil creates a vintage-tinged new hotspot with that cosy outdoor space in winter. The Christmas menu is traditional with a few flourishes. Expertly cooked and served to the assembled crowds with precision.
Steak pie with roast potatoes. Turkey with vegetables, chipolatas, cranberry sauce, red wine gravy and more of those fantastic roast spuds. Caramel shortcake or Christmas pudding for dessert. Mulled wine. Baileys hot chocolate.
Go this weekend, or visit before the new year. There’s exciting things happening here in the kitchen and it’s only getting started. More on that another time. Meanwhile, in the bar, there’s that festive Friday feeling.
