The Gate swings open in Glasgow

Drinks veteran opens his first venue in city’s east end

The Gate Glasgow
The bar’s interior includes a mix of modern and traditional features.

SCOTTISH drinks veteran Andy Gemmell has put his industry knowledge to good use after opening a pub in the east end of Glasgow.

Situated across from the Barrowland Ballroom on the city’s Gallowgate, and close to neighbouring east end venues St Luke’s and Barras Art and Design (BAaD), The Gate is described as a pub which “celebrates everything great about Scotland”, with an interior inspired by Gemmell’s love of traditional pubs and his travels to some of the world’s top cocktail bars.

Located on a site which is said to have housed pubs since 1820, including previous incarnation The Emerald Isle, The Gate combines modern and traditional features – and pays homage to the local Barras market and its traders, with framed pictures from Glasgow photographer Mark Leslie adorning the walls.

The Gate’s extensive drink range includes over 160 whiskies, a 30-strong range of gins, as well as craft beers, rums and liqueurs.

Simplicity underpins the venue’s cocktail offer, with The Gate’s bartenders creating a selection of six serves which are updated every month.

Commenting on the launch of the venue, Gemmell – whose trade career spans roles as a bartender, brand ambassador and running a bar consultancy – said: “I am not trying to reinvent the wheel with The Gate.

“Good hospitality is relatively simple – make people feel great.

“I have been lucky in my career to have worked in many different places, from great boozers to award-winning cocktail bars.

“All I want to do is use my experience and give my guests a great time whenever they enter The Gate and have some great food and drink at the same time.

“We plan to have one of the most dedicated and motivated teams in the industry.

“Having the best food and drink in the world means nothing unless you have the people that can make our guests feel great.”