The best Chinese restaurants in Glasgow, Scotland

At one time, it was said of Glasgow that there was a pub on every corner. Things have changed with the invasion of food outlets like Chinese, Indian and other fast food places. It could probably be said now that there is a Chinese restaurant on every corner. Many of the restaurants are small affairs with only a few tables but with great food cooked fresh. Other outlets are carry-out only and most Glaswegians have their own local favorites.

The city centre is now full of restaurants serving all manner of cuisine and you do not have to go very far to find a good Chinese restaurant. One very popular spot for Glaswegians in the heart of the city centre is the China Buffet King. As the name suggests, this is a buffet style restaurant and it is always teeming with diners who want a wide selection of Chinese food at a reasonable cost. The trick is to try to visit just after opening time if possible in order to benefit from food that is cooked fresh. The problem with any buffet style restaurant is that often, food can lie getting cold and is simply not fresh.

Another favorite is Jade Garden in Sauchiehall Street, a restaurant that serves tasty, fresh food and has a large turnover of customers, always the sign of a good restaurant. The downside is that because they get so busy, they tend to clear your table in double quick time to make room for the next customer. The Jade Garden is a great place for food but perhaps not so if you want to linger over your meal with friends and make an evening of it.

A real favorite for those who enjoy Chinese cuisine is Mings, an establishment you will find within the Princes Square complex off Buchanan Street. This is one of the better Chinese restaurants within the Glasgow city boundaries Though it may be a little bit more expensive than other places, it is well worth a visit for the food. Princes Square is also a very nice place to visit if you want to eat out so you have the advantage of great food in a pleasant setting.

On the subject of Chinese restaurants, I must also make mention of my favorite take-away which is located on Pollokshaws Road on the South Side of the city. I discovered the Kamwa by accident one evening and having sampled it, decided to make this my regular spot for Chinese food. Although they do take-away food only, it is worth a try for their tasty food. I would rather enjoy good Chinese food carried home than not so good eaten in a restaurant. the other advantage of course is that it is much cheaper to carry out than to eat in. Yes Glasgow possibly does have a Chinese restaurant on every corner but you will want to look around to find the best on offer.

Entertainment in Newcastle-upon-tyne

As a major English city Newcastle-upon-Tyne has a full and lively selection of places to eat, drink and be merry.

Bars and Pubs:

If you’re arriving in Newcastle by train at the Central station, an ideal venue for meeting someone is the Centurion bar, which is actually located in the station. It was originally the station’s ‘first-class waiting room’ and now it is a bar and brasserie of high quality.

The Head of Steam, on Neville Street, just outside the Central station, has a relaxed atmosphere and bands play in the basement most evenings.

Two pubs located on ‘The Side’ are the Agora and the Crown Posada. The Agora is known for its jazz and funky atmosphere. The Crown Posada is a Victorian theme pub and has both local and guest beers.

Popolo, on Pilgrim Street, is an American themed bar and tends to attract a somewhat older clientele.

If you fancy something a bit ‘retro’ and utterly cool, try the Trent House (also known as the Trent House Soul Bar – motto “Drink Beer Be Sincere”) on Leazes Lane. Although it’s a bit out of the true centre of the city, it does have an old style vinyl jukebox and a Space Invaders machine.

Like most cities today, the Quayside is where the more sophisticated bars are located – ‘pick-of-the-bunch’ is probably the Pitcher & Piano.

Restaurants:

Whilst fast-food outlets and cheap Indian and Chinese restaurants seem to be everywhere there are some excellent restaurants worth finding. Many city centre restaurants offer cheap lunch and early evening prices.

Top of the class is probably the Café 21, located at number 21 Queen Street. It’s a classic bistro with a menu to match. It might appear expensive, but considering the quality of the food and the service you get it is well worth it.

Secco Restorante Salentino on Pilgrim Street is another of the more ‘classy’ restaurants in Newcastle. Its menus are a quirky mix of south Italian dishes prepared with local ingredients.

Should you fancy mussels served with chips and mayo the Big Mussel, on Side Street, will offer you seven variations on the theme. Middle priced and middle fayre.

Blackfriars Café (Friar Street) and Paradiso Café Bar (Market Lane) are both popular and well priced at between £7 to £15 for a main course. Blackfriars is located in the 12th Century refectory of a Dominican monastery, thus it is the oldest purpose built eating place in the country.

Cafés well worth mentioning for a cheaper bite to eat include; Café Live (at 27, Broad Chare by the Live theatre), Blake’s Coffee House (53 Grey Street, with a great selection of coffees), Intermezzo (Pilgrim street, convenient for the Tyneside Cinema) and Pani’s (look for High Bridge Street off Grey Street, this place is convenient for the Theatre Royal).

Entertainment:

Nightlife in Newcastle can tend to be in-your-face, full-on and no messing about!

However, starting off a little more gently the Theatre Royal has a long and proud tradition of being the Royal Shakespeare Company’s residence in October and November. Whilst throughout the year it hosts numerous touring companies and productions including ballet, opera, drama, musicals, comedies and of course a pantomime. The Theatre Royal is on Grey Street heading out of the city towards Grey’s monument.

Newcastle City Hall, on Northumberland Road (on the right off Northumberland Street as you head out of the city towards the Civic centre) is another famous venue for performances by bands, singers, musicians, comedians and events in need of a large space. However, in recent years the City Hall has lost its number one spot as a music venue to the Metroradio Arena Newcastle. Located on the banks of the Tyne behind the Central railway station, it is not only the venue for ‘big-name’ music bands, but touring shows and some indoor sports events.

Although strictly speaking in Gateshead, the new Sage, designed by Norman Foster with its distinct chrome and glass curves, has to be mentioned. Sage is now the home of the Northern Sinfonia and is widely used to showcase less well known folk, traditional and community bands/performers.

Smaller theatres include Northern Stage (off Barras Bridge) which houses small regional and touring groups of theatrical and musical performers. Also used for smaller venue/productions are the Live Theatre (Broad Chare) and the Journal Tyne Theatre (Westgate Road).

Newcastle does, of course, have a Carling Academy, which is on Fenkle Street near the city wall. It has a 2000 capacity and plays host to all the ‘usual suspects’ in the touring rock world.

There is no shortage of night-clubs in Newcastle with a range of styles to suit everyone. Top of the list is probably World Headquarters on Carliol Square. The club is actually inside Curtis Mayfield House, which gives a big clue as to the ambience and music played there. “No sponsors, No corporates, No sell-out” is its motto and laid-back, almost to the point of falling over, is its style.

Tuxedo Princess is a floating nightclub off Hillgate Quay. Again, strictly speaking, this is in Gateshead, but it is a very popular venue with its seven bars and seven styles of music. It can be raucous at times and is not for the reclusive or timid visitor. Also, at Hillgate Quay is the Baja Beach Club, known locally as the ‘Badgers’. Palm trees, surfing regalia and barmaids wearing bikinis should give you a picture of what to expect. Revellers here have been known to become “tired and emotional”.

The Foundation in Melbourne Street offers to some a more stylish experience, although others might say that it’s a typical warehouse/loud sound/dazzling lights club. You’ll have to visit it to make up your own mind on that one! Its ‘specials’ are the Thursday ‘indie’ night and a ‘funky house’ on Saturdays. This is where in Newcastle the big name DJs will perform.

Jazz café “does what it says” and can be found on Pink Lane.

If you just want to ‘catch a movie’, go to the Tyneside Cinema on Pilgrim Street, not far from Grey’s monument.

There is a gay quarter in Newcastle which is simply called the ’Gay Quarter’. It’s centred around the International Centre for Life, which is near the railway and coach stations. Pick up the ‘Crack’ magazine from the tourist information office for more details.

Tourist information offices are located in the Guildhall and the Central Arcade and have the current information on all events in the city.

Article by Susan Ashby of Newcastle Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Newcastle visit http://www.newcastle-singles.co.uk”>