The Saint on Bath Street markets itself as a gastropub experience, but it seems more like a restaurant that sells informal food. It’s well placed in the centre of Glasgow, and seems to soak up the passing trade pretty well, at least when we were there.
The décor is a curious mix of 1930s with some 70s thrown in. The chandeliers are nice, as are the heavy fabric curtains, the seating is either in booths, or at a more formal table. We preferred the booths as they had those overstuffed leatherette benches that are really comfortable.
There weren’t many people in there while we were there, but then the place has only been open a little while. Word obviously hadn’t spread quickly enough, which was fine with us, it meant plenty of space and a more attentive service.
The menu is a real mix, with chicken confit sitting next to mac and cheese. It’s an eclectic mix, but reflects what we felt while there. Comfortable, individual and not a follower of fashion.
Our starter was hot chicken liver soufflé with oatmeal bread. The soufflé was well done, it had risen, and was cooked well. The chicken liver was fresh, and tasted delicious. The oatmeal bread was also fresh and served warm.
Our main course consisted of potato gnocchi with ribbon vegetables and smoked cheese gratin, and glazed mac and cheese in a rich sauce. We couldn’t not try the mac and cheese.
The gnocchi were light, al dente, and well-seasoned. The vegetables were lightly cooked and still had a hint of crispiness to them. The smoked cheese gratin was rich and decadent, and reflected the lightness of the gnocchi.
The mac and cheese was actually very well done. The cheese was cheddar, not the usual processed rubbish. It tasted nice, and along with the chips and house salad accompaniment fill us up nicely.
The Saint on Bath Street is a venue full of character that has barely just begun. From our experience, if the menu and service continue the way it was when we saw it, we expect great things.
The Bill: £24 per head
