1901

1901

1534 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1RF

Telephone 0141 632 0161
Opening times Mon–Thu 11.30am–11pm; Fri/Sat 11.30am–midnight; Sun 12.30–11pm
Bar open Mon–Thu 11am–11pm; Fri/Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 12.30–11pm
Food served Mon–Fri noon–2.30pm, 5–9pm; Sat noon–9.30pm; Sun 12.30–9pm
Pre-theatre times Mon–Thu 5pm–7.30pm
Average price £7.95 (set lunch); £10 (evening meal)
Pre-theatre price £11.95
Typical order Soup and sandwich combo (£3)

Jump to comments (8)

Eating & Drinking Guide

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2011 edition.

Though a little removed from the main Shawlands dining strip the value of the food along with the decidedly relaxed and jovial atmosphere at this unassuming corner pub and bistro make it worth the venture. New owner Graham Sutherland, who also has the Wise Monkey in the West End, has introduced a complete rethink, inside, outside and in the kitchen. But the key ingredient is quality beer. There are real ales – and a Cask Marque – and a selection of lagers and weiss beers from Germany, the Czech Republic, England and the US. At about £3.30 for a pint bottle it is reasonable, but aimed at the discerning drinker. The house burger, well seasoned with a hint of cumin and piled high with mozzarella, tomatoes, lettuce and bacon is perfect food to enjoy with friends along with some weekend drinks. A huge portion of chicken liver pâté is rich and smooth and served with freshly made red onion and tomato chutney with a basketful of toast. Baked fresh salmon is gently cooked, accompanied with creamy mash and a leek and prawn sauce and is another belly filler. Bag a booth in the bar after your meal where you can watch the regulars play cards or catch the acoustic house band on a Sunday afternoon.

High point: Friendly local atmosphere
Low point: An isolated location

Number of wines sold by the glass: 9
Private dining: Sections are bookable
Provides: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Outdoor tables, Live music, Free wi-fi
Music on stereo: Indie and acoustic / folk
Capacity: 75
Largest group: 75
Open since: 1999
House wine: £9.95 per bottle

Comments & ratings

8. munchman – 21 Nov 2011, 1:12pm Report: Went here on deal from 5pm. Was served by very friendly and smiley waitress. I had the home made pate and my wife hard the warm chorizo and black pudding salad to start, both were delicious. For mains my wife had 8oz rib eye and I had the salmon with mash and lemon caper butter. Both were cooked to perfection. I ate here over a year ago and was not impressed but new owners have got it spot on. needless to say we couldn`t manage the dessert on the deal. It is a modern Bistro with good menu at decent prices. We are already planning to go again to sample the full menu. It was just a shame it was so quiet for Sunday evening as it is far superior to more expensive and busy places in Shawlands and deserves a good return for their service and quality. Also of note only around £5.50 for a pint of tenants and a small wine.

7. 'pique – 22 Aug 2011, 12:13pm 1901 Report: There's a new fella behind the bar, started in April this year, Irish chap, think he's the new manager, throws pints out like nobody's business...think old fashioned Irish service, with a laugh and minimal fuss. He'll take 4-5 orders at a time, make you feel welcome and generally ensure you never have an empty glass in front of you....this place now has the quickest bar service in Glasgow, my friends and I verified it at the weekend!
Food is very good, new Chargrill menu, we ate there too and amost needed a snooze after the huge portion.
Go there when you get a chance, we love it and will certainly be back soon.

6. Dint10 – 9 Mar 2011, 11:10am 1901 Report

Truly, truly awful.

What has become of 1901? As a local resident I have often taken my family there as a treat to enjoy the always excellent food and atmosphere.

Now, as Pewterschmidt points out, the quality of the food served has taken an unbelieveable nose dive. Ok - it's a bar and perhaps we shouldn't expect too much [and we may well have been spoiled when Jacques was the owner] but even as bar food goes it's very, very poor. Indeed, I would say the current menu is overpriced given the standard.

Unfortunately, I must also agree with previous post regarding the service here as well.

It's really such a terrible shame. I have in the past recommended 1901 to many people as a jewel in the south side. Now - I can only say avoid.

5. Pewterschmidt – 21 Nov 2010, 7:20pm 1901 Report: I'm sorry but I have no idea how anybody can find the new standards at the 1901 as acceptable. Our family went for many years and were never, ever disappointed with the food. The menu was fantastic and it was very 'good for the price' because for the price you got a FANTASTIC wee meal and quality service and drink.
Since the changeover we have frozen, tasteless chips (had a meal there yesterday, yes, they ARE frozen oven chips thank you) a very very poor 'pub' menu. It quite literally is 'chips with everything'. We the 'rib-eye' (haha) steak the last time and it was the most dry, tasteless and carelessly prepared food I've ever paid £10.95 to eat. Awful.
I knew the service had slipped as well but if you ARE going to venture in here I would advise you order as many drinks as you'll think you'll need when your drinks order is taken because even if the place is totally dead you will not be asked again. The thing that really annoys me now is that its NOT CHEAP for what you get.
I'm sorry, but as a loyal customer of this place for many many years now I'm afraid our last vist recently (which really took the biscuit- terrible food, terrible service and £80!!) we will definately NOT be back until I hear that it's changed menu's/chefs/owners whatever...I don't care....the place is just the absolute pits now. Sorry.

4. Weissbiermann – 7 Nov 2010, 8:52pm 1901 Report: Jaques ran a very good bar and bistro at the 1901, the new owners are running an equally good bar and bistro, if slightly different. True the standards of food immediately after the change of ownership slipped briefly. Hand-cut chips were back within the week and the pizzas are as good as they ever were. Meals in the bistro are to the expected standard (ie bloody good for the money), just what Jaques would have expected. And we get a lot more music now.
Win, win.
I wish Jacques all the best in whatever new venture he takes on but the 1901 is in good hands now.
Happy to remain a regular.

3. Vicky and mother – 30 Aug 2010, 12:54pm 1901 Report: Unique start to the evening, moving seamlessly from a lively bar into a tranquil and stylish area, the menu is easy to read and covers most tastes. the 2 starters we had were full of flavour and texture whilst the mains were substantial, well presented and perfectly cooked. Crunchy veg, tender beef and moist fish. With a plesent surprise when the bill arrived

2. Lorna Chalmers – 29 Aug 2010, 7:50pm Report: Having read a recent post, I can only assume that the person responsible is a creature of boring habit. I have only found the experience enjoyable, due to good atmosphere welcoming nature with me and my children, good entertainment(live music), good food,service and drinks. I would consider a visit to 1901 as a treat to me and my family. I can only conclude that it is difficult for some people to deal with change, hence the dummy leaving the pram! I wish the new good luck!

1. Adam Long – 30 Jul 2010, 1:51pm 1901 Report: I've been a regular at the 1901 for six years but since the change of ownership I must say I am very dissapointed by the change of menu. The ex owner Jacques Boyeldieu was a chef by trade and new exactly what he was doing and what people wanted. Plus since it was a family run business their was a great atmosphere but know the new decor is awful, their is not enough staff to take care of the number of customers and most importantly the food is bland and unimaginative. I even went twice with my family just incase they were having a bad day but after six years I unfortunatly have to say I will not be going back.
Jacques you will be missed. p.s. please open another restaurant in Glasgow.

Average rating 3/5 from 6 reviews of 1901.

RSS feed of these comments