The Botany

Bar and restaurant from Alan Tomkins (Urban, The Western Club, Vroni's), delivering global dishes accompanied by cocktails and plenty of gin.

The 2019/20 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Facing onto a bleak stretch of Maryhill Road, the Botany – previously the Strathmore – isn’t exactly blessed with a prime location. But then it depends on your perspective. Concealed out back is a lovely, bright, glass-wrapped elevated modern extension overlooking a green space – added a few years ago during a major refit. This evolution under the same management sees it retain much the same character, but with the food offering upgraded. The restaurant is in that attractive extension, atmospherically heated by a wood burner in winter; big windows opened wide in summer (a side-door opens onto a beer terrace). The food, while smartly presented and made with care, doesn’t take too many risks – think steak, burger, curry and fish and chips – although monkfish tail scampi with saffron aioli and frites is a pleasantly posh spin on a pub-grub classic. It’s the setting which is the real star – and well worth experiencing. Kick back with a cocktail or craft beer and a plate of charcuterie and take your time.