Merchant Pubs & Bars acquires and refreshes The Drake on Woodlands Rd

A traditional Glasgow building that's been converted to a pub/ restaurant
The Drake, on the corner of Woodlands Rd and Lynedoch St in Glasgow’s west end

Glasgow-based independent hospitality group, Merchant Pubs & Bars, has added west end institution The Drake to its portfolio, which already includes BAaD (Barras Art & Design) and Blackfriars.

The sale was completed just after the New Year and the Merchant team quickly set about doing a ‘mini refurbishment’ of the pub.

Glasses are clinked together in a classic pub setting
Merchant Bars & Pubs have reinstalled TV screens showing Sky Sports

Back in are HD TV screens with Sky Sports, alongside new artwork on the walls, and both the food and drink menus have been enhanced.

Area manager Graeme Moffat said: “We’ve had our eyes on The Drake for a while, as it’s such an iconic pub in Glasgow.

“When the opportunity arose to acquire it, then it was a no brainer! We’ve refreshed the place, installed new HD TVs, got the sports back as well as an exciting new draught range and food menu.

Some plate sod pub grub a table
The Drake’s food menu has been refreshed

“We reopened at the tail end of last week and the feedback from locals has been very encouraging.”

The Drake’s draught selection now includes Birra Moretti, Cruz Campo, Beavertown Neck Oil, Krombacher and Starnberger, alongside a wide wine selection and classic cocktails.

The new-look menu is based on pub classics, but there are also signatures such as a venison hotdog on a brioche bun with truffle mayo, or The Drake bacon mac burger.  There will also be a two-course set menu of favouriutes on a Sunday, as well as a proper Sunday roast with the choice of roast beef, ham or veggie wellington.

Two bearded bartenders get up to japes with ladders and bottles
The Rascal cocktail bar is to continue under Merchant Pubs & Bars

The venue will also continue to operate the Rascal cocktail bar on its first floor, but Merchant is ‘remaining tight lipped’ on its plans for the rest of the building.

Head of sales, PR and comms, Courtney Flynn said: “The Drake is a Glasgow institution and we’re super delighted to be able to get going with putting our own stamp on it.

“Similarly, Rascal has been extremely well received and built an impressive cult following. As for the rest of the building… let’s just say, watch this space!”