IN keeping with its Bavarian theme, German food and drink plays a key role in the newly opened Bar Varia.
Stocking more than 30 different beers, including seven brewed by Glasgow’s very own German-influenced bar and brewery, West, the selection ranges from Augustiner Munich Hell to Krombacher Pils, and includes brands from Germany and Austria as well as across the world.
There’s also Tuetonic touches on the spirits side, including custom-made cocktails such as the Apple Strudel. Suppliers include Glasgow-based Dameck Drinks.
The menu also has a German flavour, with dishes including a number of sharing platters, slow-roasted Bavarian meatball stew and cracked black pepper venison sausages, as well as a selection of pastries prepared by the restaurant’s own pastry chef.
Despite being inspired by Bavaria, the food is all locally sourced and freshly prepared.
“Although it’s a German bar and German food, we’re sourcing everything from boutique food wholesalers in Scotland,” said owner Jamie Smith.
“The emphasis all the way is on quality. Although this is light-hearted, a bit kitsch and good fun, it’s still about great quality.”
In a bid to capitalise on daytime coffee trade, each member of staff has been sent to the Matthew Algie Academy in Glasgow for barista training.
“What you see through the day now is lots of people having coffee and cake,” Smith said.
“We have a wee soft play area, and because of the snow slope we have lots of kids going on birthday parties.
“So if you’re in during the day you’ll find lots of young mums sitting around with friends drinking coffee.”
