Glasgow isn’t lacking in pubs and bars, there’s at least one on every street. However, Ernest & Co is unique in that it has the theme of books. Hidden in plain sight on Queen Street, the bar looks closed with its blinds down and very little light shining through. It’s easy to walk past but the gold lettering across the large, curved window will catch your eye.
Ernest & Co only recently opened at the beginning of November, and its opening was rather understated, advertised on their Instagram and Facebook. Their opening had the theme of the well-known Wes Anderson film, The Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou. Since then, it’s remained anonymous, advertising their cocktails with the book title they’re inspired by across their social media.
Visiting the bar is an experience in itself. Upon opening the front door, you’re greeted immediately by a short corridor with another door at the end. This section is covered in pages of books with two candles placed at either side of the entrance, the smell of freshly-burned incense in the air. It’s rare to walk inside a bar and not be greeted by the smell of alcohol, and the pleasant scent gives Ernest & Co an even more mysterious vibe. Once you go through the second door, you are greeted with a large, open plan space. Everything about the interior is minimalist, from the plants lining the window sill to the small wooden tables. The drinks menu and the cocktail menu are separate, and both presented inside hardcover books. The cocktail menu only describes the flavours of the drink in single words and indicates how boozy the drink tastes on a scale of one to five, each cocktail inspired by different classic books. Because the bar is only new, the other drinks list is slightly limited but still enough variety to have something for everyone.
This quirky bar is a welcome addition to Glasgow as the city is in need of some more character, which Ernest & Co certainly brings. There’s a number of things to enjoy about Ernest & Co, including the friendly staff, warm atmosphere, and a gender-neutral bathroom wallpapered in cocktail recipes, making everyone feel welcome. If you’re looking for a change from the usual chain pub in the city centre, this is the place to go.
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