 |
 |
Dear WEST Friends,
There is no time for January blues at WEST.
I am just back from London where I was meeting with beer buyers of some of the most celebrated London venues - and to say 'hello' to some inquisitive drinks journalists to tell them all about our brand new WEST lager. |
 |
| WEST - a session lager that has all the oomph of a premium lager |
Here at WEST, we have gained a reputation for brewing the finest lagers and wheat beers in Scotland. When we set out brewing our WEST beers we never concerned ourselves with what ABV a beer may have.
We wanted to brew the purest, finest lagers and, most of the time, they finished up at around 4.9%, which in "beer speak" is a premium product.
Call me naïve, but to my Bavarian heart, "premium" means quality, not strength of alcohol. So, imagine our surprise when late last year we were approached by several of our loyal customers to brew a 4% lager which, in our opinion, could stand up to any premium lager. |
After some soul searching, recipe tweaking and test runs with existing WEST customers (did you not always want to be a beer tester!?) we are proud to present you with WEST - a session lager that has all the oomph of a premium lager.
This lovely crisp lager doesn't need a convoluted arty name (some have tried to convince us it needed a 'big daddy' name) - we think the beer speaks for itself. |
 |
| WEST - Now stocked at Brunswick Hotel |
One of the first Glasgow outlets to install WEST on draught is the great bar of the Brunswick Hotel on Brunswick Street. It's been a secret hide-out of mine for years and I am delighted to see them list our newest addition to the WEST family. |
For news on where else to drink WEST on draught, please contact Terri at terri@westbeer.com |
 |
| The 2012 WEST beer hall menu |
We have finally decided to wave 'good bye' to our old leather-bound menus and, when we started the design of the new menu look, we overhauled the dishes at the same time.
Praise must go to Liam, Michael and Terri for coming up with an eclectic mix of old favourites (would we ever deprive you of Nürnberg Sausages or Jäger Schnitzel? ) whilst adding some brand new dishes which, I know, will over time become staples on the WEST menu.
I have gained a few pounds over recent weeks sampling the menu and I have to say, I am impressed. Have a look at the new menu here > |
To make a visit to the WEST beerhall even more attractive, we are offering a FREE case of St. Mungo lager with any dinner booking for 4 or more (Monday to Thursday) until 14 February 2012.
Please quote "Das ist Prima" when making your reservation to claim your case of beer.
Oh, and given February is approaching fast... If you want to get away from the slush that is Valentines Day, what better night to try out fresh, wholesome food at WEST for the one night of the year when you would rather sit in a noisy beer hall than stare at a room full of hush hush couples! :) |
 |
| Imbibe Personality of the Year 2012 |
Here is an admission. In 2011, we were spoilt with nominations for awards, both for our beer hall and our fine lagers and wheat beers. We knew we could hardly surpass the level of awards received in our best ever year at WEST to date.
If someone had told me 2 years ago that I would ever be nominated alongside Heston Blumenthal and Jamie Oliver for an award I would have laughed out loud and shaken my head. Imbibe Magazine, the UK's leading publication for the hospitality industry, have just published their nominations for Innovator 2012 and yours truly is up against Heston and Jamie! |
Now, these guys have a world-wide following and have more twitter followers than the population of Glasgow, so the chances of winning this are slim.
But, hey I'd be damned if I didn't at least try. So, if you think we do a good job here at WEST and deserve to win this, then click here to link to the Imbibe website where you can cast your vote. |
 |
| Glasgow Comedy Festival 2012 |
As you know, WEST has been a firm favourite for some really great Glasgow Comedy Festival gigs in recent years and we are continuing that tradition with 4 shows in 2012.
Comedy out WEST
Fri 16th March 2012 - 9 pm
Irish Special
Sat 17th March 2012 - 9 pm
Comedy out WEST
Fri 23rd March 2012 - 9 pm
Comedy out WEST
Fri 30th March 2012 - 9 pm |
On each of these four nights we offer a superb 3 course menu for £20, however, if you have a pre-paid ticket and book your table in advance we will give you a 20% discount on that set menu.
What a great night out at WEST. Who says you can't laugh at/with the Germans! :) |
| |
 |
|
Dear WEST Friends,
This is just a little note to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes and to thank you for your loyal custom in 2011. |
 |
| WEST Christmas opening times |
WEST is made up of a small team of dedicated people whose passion is brewing great beer, providing excellent service and, very importantly, looking after
our loved ones.
Being a "family brewery" we just wanted to remind you that the brewery and beerhall will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. |
We are open as usual on Friday the 23rd of December and Saturday the 24th of
December (though we will close at 10pm on Christmas Eve to allow us to prepare for Santa's arrival) and we re-open on Tuesday the 27th of December.
Come and visit us "between the years" for some lovely food, mulled wine or a brewery tour and beer tasting! |
 |
| Come and celebrate Hogmanay at WEST |
Hogmanay is THE night to be on Glasgow Green for our superb 4-course New Year's Eve WEST Dinner - if you can't make it for dinner time, come join us for the big party from 9pm onwards to bring in the New Year in style. |
Advanced tickets are £5 per person with all tickets purchased on the night being £10. We will be open till 2am and if you want to dance 'your socks off', this is your night! |
 |
| St Mungo Lager Prize winners and win a case |
We are delighted to tell you that ten lucky WEST friends were selected at random last week to receive a complimentary case of St. Mungo lager.
Here are the lucky ten: Christina Harcus, Andrew Morison, Karen Rodger, Jen Stewart, Andrew Tidswell, Kenny Gough, Isobel Rennie, Juuso Vesanto, Charles Mann, John Robertson |
Please feel free to forward this email to your friends and get them to sign up for our newsletter and you could win a case of St. Mungo lager at the end of January - what better way to get over some winter blues.
And remember to stock up on your St. Mungo lager bottles for the festive period by popping into the beerhall! |
 |
| Festive family fun at the Arches |
To get you and your children into the Christmas mood, why don’t you treat your family to a fabulous Christmas production at the Arches. Our friends under the “Heilinman’s Umbrella” in Glasgow currently show Rudolf and I will make sure to take Noah there for a bit of festive fun. |
You can get your tickets and more information here - www.thearches.co.uk |
 |
| WEST New website needs your input! |
2012 will see us launch our new WEST website. We would love to
incorporate a series of quotes which are relevant to Glasgow, beer, business, friendship & love. |
So please feel free to send us your favourite quotes (alongside who said it - unless it is your own!) and you never know, you may find it on our new website in the near future. |
| |
 |
The "almost awards"
for WEST this year |
As you know, 2011 has been a BIG year for us at WEST and the awards for our restaurant (2011 Scottish Family Friendly Restaurant) and fine lagers & wheat beers (more gold medals plus 2011 SIBA Supreme Champion for the WESTHefeweizen) have made us immensely proud.
In addition to winning awards, WEST was also a recent finalist at the Scottish Style Awards for 'most stylish bar' in Scotland and was shortlisted for 'Beer Quality Award' at the recent SLTN awards.
Now, ordinarily, I would say "I don't like losing" but I am also a realist. WEST brews the finest lager in Scotland and our sausages served in our Glasgow Green beerhall are legendary, but I also know that we were the "wild card" at the Style Awards. |
Therefore instead of drowning our sorrows in champagne, the WEST team simply enjoyed the splendor of Kelvingrove Art Gallery for the evening and marveled at Emeli Sande's voice.
If I was a conspiracy theorist I would say that WEST never had a chance of winning last week's 'Beer Quality Award" at the SLTN Awards given the category was sponsored by Tennents, our friends up the road on Duke Street. But maybe that would be unkind to the boys at the big T. :)
Needless to say we will continue to work hard at brewing the finest beers, serving the tastiest meals and providing excellent service to our guests and customers. I promise you that, no matter how many awards we will win in the future, we will never ever rest on our laurels. We are constantly striving to improve our standards here at WEST. |
 |
Feedback on all things WEST |
On that very note, let me share something with you which amused, puzzled and also angered me last week. Someone I know personally (who shall remain nameless) posted a half-hearted review about WEST on a website recently.
Yes, it is in his right to do that, but anyone who watched the Channel 4 programme on TripAdvisor last week will understand when I say this: Why do people REALLY post these reviews? Is it because it makes them feel important? Do they think that by seeing their
name in "bright lights" they have become a travel writer? |
We need your feedback to make sure we learn and improve. We welcome constructive criticism and we will always listen to your comments.
Please email me at petra@westbeer.com with comments, praise or any other
feedback! Or better, pop into the beerhall on Glasgow Green and speak to a member of the WEST team. |
 |
WEST supports MOvember 2011 |
WEST supports MOvember and we have just launched the WEST moustache competition. I may have 'bigger balls' than some guys, but unfortunately my moustache growing efforts have been in vain, so how about the following: For every photograph of a MOvember moustache from you lovely men holding a glass. |
of WEST beer (ideally tache and glass in the same shot!) I will donate £1 to this Prostate Cancer Awareness charity. I will then pick my top 3 favourites and they will be rewarded with a case of St. Mungo lager each. Sounds like a deal? Go on, happy MOvember! :) |
 |
Celebrate Christmas and New Year at your local brewery |
The leaves on Glasgow Green are turning the most beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow right now and Christmas preparations at WEST are in full swing.
Remember your local brewery when thinking about your office Christmas parties or nights out with friends. |
Ticket sales for our Hogmanay party are progressing well and we have already sold more than half of our tables for the evening. Come and join us on Glasgow Green to bring in the bells.
And remember the person who books the tables for Christmas and New Year will receive a case of beer as a thank you! More infomation on our menu and parties here > |
 |
WEST Beer Tasting at the Hillhead Book Club |
Our friends and beer customers at the Hillhead Book Club are hosting a WEST beer tasting (with our lovely Gemma) on Thursday the 10th of November from 7pm. For those of you who don't venture East to WEST, this is a great opportunity to learn about beer. |
The event is followed by a 3 course dinner priced at £20. To book call the Hillhead Book Club on 0141 576 1700 or you email them: info@hillheadbookclub.com |
 |
Win a case of St. Mungo lager by recommending a friend! |
Thank you for continuing to read our little WEST news snippets. We are keen to break the 10,000 reader mark by the end of this year and to help in the "readership recruitment drive" we have set aside 10 cases of our fine St. Mungo lager.
Every new sign-up (and the 'recommended by' email address) will enter into a prize draw for these cases. |
Winners will be announced via the website and our Facebook page on 1 December 2011 so how about forwarding this newsletter to your friends and you may be able to share a St. Mungo lager with them in early December!
You can sign up to our mailing list on the bottom left link of our website. |
|
 |
|
Dear WEST Friends,
Our Oktoberfest here on Glasgow Green is still in full swing (1 more Thursday - the 20th of October - left to drink our fabulous Oktoberfestbier to the sound of traditional live oompah music) but our team is already busy planning how big the WEST Christmas trees should be and how much mulled wine we need to keep you all toasty when you come to visit us at the Templeton Building in December. |
 |
WEST Christmas Menu - book your table and get 12 bottles of St Mungo Lager! |
So, what do we have in store for you this year? I always say, Germany 'does' Christmas slightly better than the rest of the world. It's just like you imagined it when you were a child.
Here at WEST, we have the loveliest decorated Christmas trees, more ginger bread than even Santa could devour and, with a bit of luck, we may even get a sprinkling of white in the beer garden (please weather gods, no more snow chaos this year!).
The kitchen team have been busy refining this year's Christmas menu and I think you will be in for a Scottish / Bavarian feast. And on certain party nights, you are invited to show off your dancing skills to some cool tunes after dinner, mixed up by our very own resident Santa DJ. |
And to help 'persuade' you to organise your "Christmas day/night out" at WEST, we have set aside a case of 12 bottles of St. Mungo lager for the organiser of each lunch or dinner booking in December for 8 or more people (which must be made before the 1st of November.)
For more information please have a look at the 2011 WEST Christmas Menu here: |
 |
Come to celebrate Hogmanay at WEST (book a table and get 12 bottles of St Mungo!) |
Now, one thing Scots definitely do better than any other country in the world is Hogmanay, but what better place in Scotland to celebrate the New Year than a brewery? WEST will be playing host to a night of traditional Scottish Hogmanay fayre, some superb live music and of course lots and lots of party tunes (till 2am). |
Details of the night and menu can be found here and we are offering a case of 12 bottles of St. Mungo lager for all bookings of 6 or more people made before the 15th of November. |
 |
The Broad Chare - Newcastle, a new outlet for WEST beer |
As many of you will have seen from my little news snippets over the last 3 years, WEST has evolved from a little brew pub on Glasgow Green to a "force" on the Scottish lager scene.
I cannot tell you how proud it makes me to sit in some of the nicest hotels, bars and restaurant in my adopted home country drinking our fine lagers and wheat beers.
For some time now, we have even built relationships with outstanding outlets in the South of England and London, but never before had we ventured into the North East. |
Terry Laybourne is a hero for many UK foodies. Terry's Café 21 in Newcastle is a beacon of great British food and I am delighted to tell you that Felix, our head brewer, and I were invited for a WEST beer tasting at Terry's new gastro pub, "the Broad Chare" in Newcastle for their inaugural Oktoberfest.
The Broad Chare now stocks a selection of WEST beers on draught so if you are from that lovely part of the world or find yourself there for business or pleasure, please do visit! www.thebroadchare.co.uk/ |
 |
£10,000 for a new business in Scotland |
Some of you may know that in 2004 I ventured into the BBC's Dragons' Den to find a mentor for the WEST business. Call me naive, but there was a better chance of finding someone at the Barras who knew about beer, business and brewing than amongst a group of people eager to boost their own PR profile, but that is the beauty of hindsight.
So, imagine my surprise when years later and having proven that a German brewery in Glasgow wasn't such a daft idea afterall, I was approached to be a "sort of dragon" during 'Glasgow for Business Week 2011'. |
The reason I am telling you this is because the group of people I am part of is looking to give £10,000 to a new business in Scotland, plus of course the all important mentoring that I think is invaluable.
If you know anyone who may like to enter this (maybe even yourself) please go to their website and apply today! Good luck! glasgowforbusinessweek.com |
|
Fireworks Night
|
Remember that Saturday the 5th of November is Fireworks Night on Glasgow Green which is one of the busiest nights at WEST! |
The beer garden is THE place to watch the fireworks but please be advised that we can only accept table bookings for a non-refundable deposit of £5 per person. |
 |
2 for 1 voucher for meals at WEST during November |
And to make the wait till Christmas that little bit shorter, we are offering a 2 for 1 lunch or dinner throughout November. |
Email us at voucher@westbeer.com with your full name to receive a download link to your voucher |
|
 |
 |
Dear WEST Friends,
The summer is almost over (well, Noah starts P2 this week, so at least the school summer holidays are) but life at WEST continues to be exciting... |
 |
| David Coulthard jumps at the chance to get his photo taken with St.Mungo lager! |
Last week, the WEST team were guests at the Rox event in Glasgow when David Coulthard launched a new watch collection. The gallery owners had decided that the only lager to suit expensive watches, diamonds and Champagne was our fine St. Mungo lager (we agree!), so hundreds of guests enjoyed a cold WEST beer in the gallery's "Thrill Room".
My approach for a photo opportunity with David Coulthard was slightly different. Being the lager of choice of Tom Watson (another sporting legend), I thought I would offer David the chance to get HIS photo taken with a bottle of St. Mungo lager - and of course he couldn't resist! |
On the night he couldn't partake in the joy of drinking Glasgow's Premium lager, so I promised to send him a case of our finest lager to Monaco - a promise I intend to keep!
So you never know, next time you are heading to the Columbus Hotel in Monte Carlo, you may just find it at the bar. Watch this space... |
 |
| Live Lounge with Tom Urie - Thursday 18th August |
Come and listen to Tom Urie (Fat Bob from River City) play great tunes (and sing!) on the WEST grand piano this Thursday, 18th of August 2011 from 8pm. Tom recently recorded the promotional video to |
his new CD on our lovely Yamaha C3, and fell in love with it so much, he returns this week for his first (of hopefully many!) performances. This is a "Live Lounge" night NOT to be missed. |
 |
| WEST played host to the Harris Tweed Ride through Glasgow |
Sunday, 7 August was probably my favourite Sunday in years. WEST played host to the inaugural Harris Tweed Ride, a 12-mile cycle ride through Glasgow by 100 riders on vintage bikes dressed in Harris Tweed. Our group left the Blythswood Hotel on a grey Sunday
morning only to stop every few miles at a Glasgow "institution" for some "much needed" rest.
I am proud to say that all but one of the stops were WEST customers! Café Gandolfi gave us sustenance with black pudding rolls; we all enjoyed some St. Mungo lager and Opus Dreizehn' (brewed in honour of Noah's birthday on the 13th of July and the World Pipe Band Championships on the 13th of August) at WEST on Glasgow Green.
We headed to the new Museum of
Transport for a photo call before continuing our journey to the Ben Nevis and Crabshakk for whisky cocktails and oysters. |
Then it was off to the Stravaigin on Gibson Street for some coffees and ice-cream before returning to the Blythswood Hotel for one of Mal Spence's warm cocktails and LOTS of WEST beer on draught in the Rally Bar. I have seldom been so drenched and cold and yet feel of such high spirit as on that day.
I would like to thank Joe from Gear on Gibson Street for lending me the bike that made me fall in love with cycling. And allowing me to purchase my "new love" on returning it to his shop on Monday morning. If you want a new bike. Go and see Joe. Oh, and the man behind the idea and who made the day a roaring success is called Mike Donald. He is the sort of man who would never praise himself so I will just have to do it for him.
Mike, you made 100 people happy that day. Please can we have another Harris Tweed Ride next year? |
 |
| WEST'S Hefeweizen Ice Cream |
Little did we know when we came up with the idea of making ice cream infused with our award winning Hefeweizen that it would make the headlines. Read the story on STV's website...
We had been happily selling this new way of enjoying one of our fine beers in our own restaurant for weeks until this week when the media finally got "wind" of this great new, adult-only, dessert. |
As with so many things that we do here at WEST, this may just have filled a gap in the market, and who knows, you may well be able to buy this in your local Waitrose later this year... |
 |
| Oktoberfest 2011 |
October is always one of my favourite months of the year. It's my birthdaymonth (and boy I do love birthdays) and it's Oktoberfest here at WEST.
When people think of Oktoberfest, they think Munich, big steins of beer, big breasted women in ridiculous outfits; and lots of sausage. You get my drift!
I guess October is the only month of the year where I succumb to the stereotype that is being a Bavarian. If you are unlucky, you may even spot me serving a pint in my dirndl.
So what do we have in store for you this year? Well, the "Bayrische Buam" (that's the 'Bavarian Boys' for you non-deutsch speakers) are back for 2 Thursdays of authentic Oktoberfest entertainment. |
On Thursday the 6th and 13th of October we invite you to reserve your table and join in the fun that is Oktoberfest at WEST. Tickets are £19.95 per person and include a goulash soup starter and a Bavarian platter.
Please note that we expect to sell out of seats very quickly so if you do wish to have a table on either night,please get your friends/work colleagues organised as quickly as you can and book those tickets.
Please email us at party@westbeer.com for all ticket enquiries or call 0141 550 0135 (and press 2) to make bookings over the telephone. |
|
 |
|
Dear WEST Friends,
Sometimes in life, we do things for reasons which make little sense at the time, which on the surface do not seem 'wise' for business or money, and others think they are totally crazy and do everything to discourage us from 'making a mistake'. Well, I have come to realise that, in hindsight, some of these weird and wonderful ideas and decisions I have had and taken in recent years have lead to the most fun and rewarding experiences ever... |
 |
Love letter to the
city of Glasgow |
I guess the craziest idea to date was to start a German-style brewery right here on Glasgow Green in the beautiful Templeton Building. I agree with the original skeptics, that a Bavarian brewery, beer hall & beer garden (and one that is called WEST even less) is not what you associate with Glasgow's East End, but I hope you would agree that we have proven the cynics wrong.
WEST is proudly producing some of the UK's finest lagers and wheat beers right here from its spiritual home on Glasgow Green and our restaurant team is doing everything to make sure we are deserving of our title of 'Scotland's Family Restaurant 2011'. |
Being a native of Bavaria, I am a proud citizen of Glasgow and I think Glaswegians are amongst the loveliest, quirkiest and funniest people in the world. WEST's St. Mungo lager is an homage to the city of Glasgow. It is my way of saying Thank You to a city that has made me feel at home for the last 19 years.
I am fiercely proud of Scotland as a country and Glasgow as a city and I will never stop telling visitors to Glasgow what makes this place so unique. I guess this is my love letter to the city of Glasgow. |
 |
Fast Romance
at the cinema
July 2011 |
This affection for Glasgow made
me back the team behind the
movie FAST ROMANCE which is
another homage to the city of Glasgow. FAST ROMANCE is a fabulous portrayal of what makes Glasgow tick - it's people!
If you love Glasgow, you need to see this movie. And if you have never been to Glasgow, you have to watch it because it will make you want to go and visit (provided it ever makes a UK wide release - keep your fingers crossed!).
The movie was made on the tiniest budget you can possibly imagine. It is not a Hollywood style production, it is a simple, honest but hugely entertaining piece of Scottish film making. Everyone involved in the making of Fast Romance followed their heart rather than their head when they gave money,time and boundless energy to this love letter to Glasgow. |
Please support it by going to watch it at the Cineworld in Glasgow.
Viewings are at:
Mon 18 Jul 20:30
Tue 19 Jul 20:30
Thu 21 Jul 20:30
Tickets available to book online
now by clicking here>
The film's website can be
viewed here>
Every cinema ticket for Fast Romance will automatically entitle its bearer to a 20% discount on their next meal at WEST. And finally, all personal reviews of the movie sent to me at petra@westbeer.com will be rewarded with a pint of St. Mungo lager! |
|
 |
|
Dear WEST Friends,
Those of you who know me can testify that I probably have the worst taste in
music (yes, I am one of those people who loves Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond and the Scorpions...) But I have a brilliant excuse. I am German. And after all, we are the nation who believed that David Hasselhoff was not only a tasty lifeguard, but more importantly, an 'awesome' singer!
|
 |
Watch Eurovision
on the big screen
on Saturday 14th May |
So, not in a million years would I ever have admitted in public to watching the Eurovision Song Contest. That was until I kept getting emails to my westbeer email account asking me whether WEST was hosting a Eurovision Song Contest party on Glasgow Green this year. The senders thought this was a MUST given that the 2011 event was being held in Duesseldorf and WEST represents a bit of Germany right here in Scotland!
So, after a bit of deliberation, the WEST team have decided to "give this a whirl" and we will be showing the entire final on our BIG screen in the WEST Hop Room on Saturday the 14th of May. Yes, there will be ABBA wigs, yes, there will be beer and sausages (not sure that's relevant for the music, but we are a beer hall!), and yes, there will be cheese on little skewers with as many European flags as Noah and I can colour in between now and mid May. |
So, if ever you felt like a really 'uncool' night out, this is your chance to have exactly that. Think Eurotrash meets beer! That is what we are aiming for.
Bring your children, bring your dogs, but most importantly, make sure you dress as
a) a country of your choice
b) a cheesy pop star(let)
or c) Terry Wogan (whom I adore even more than I should admit in public and who sadly is no longer providing the commentary for this fabulous TV spectacle (or was it a debacle? My English fails me on that one...).
The best/worst dressed guest will receive a case of our St. Mungo lager to take home that evening. Oh, and we are taking bets that this year's winner is a Baltic nation... :) |
 |
WEST Beer Garden is open for the Spring / Summer |
Summer is (hopefully!) just around the corner and the WEST beer garden has already been in great use over the last few weeks with some of the dry and sunny weather we have seen in the last wee while.
This is just a reminder to all our WEST friends that we do have the BEST outdoor drinking area in all of Glasgow and that as a consequence we are incredibly busy on those lovely and sunny days (which unfortunately, are somewhat unpredictable at times!).
So if you are after a "quiet Sunday lunch" at WEST on a sunny weekend, please think again. I always say that the sun is our best friend and worst enemy here at WEST. |
We love the beer garden and we love you using it, but please bear in mind that because we pride ourselves in making your food fresh on the premises, we sometimes just have to say "sorry, we are really busy and there will be a long wait for food."
Also, the regular WEST folk amongst you know that we operate a queuing system for drinks at the bar. We find that it scares people to start with (because people are simply not used to standing in a row!) but it actually means you get served a LOT quicker. Trust me! Here is to lots of sunny days at WEST! |
 |
Save the Date for the 2011 "ST. MUNGO CHALLENGE CUP" |
The wonderful George Parsonage of the Glasgow Humane Society, is a personal hero of mine, a regular WEST customer, a talented artist and sculptor.
More importantly he is a man who for the last 40 odd years has saved countless souls from drowning in the river Clyde, operating from the Humane Society's base on the river right here on Glasgow Green.
George has very kindly gifted us three magnificent and highly collectable wooden racing canoes which we are in the process of restoring to their former glory and naming. They will have pride of place in our beer hall and to commemorate their arrival, we have started planning for the inaugural "ST. MUNGO CHALLENGE CUP" to be held on Glasgow Green on Sunday 4 September 2011.
This Cup is a "WEST take" on a triathlon, and will incorporate cycling, running and of course a rowing element to the challenge and the winner will be the first to have his/her name engraved in the actual "ST. MUNGO CHALLENGE CUP" (not to mention the large keg of St. Mungo lager to take home that day). |
This is an event NOT to be missed on the Glasgow sporting and social calendar. A lovely Italian, cycling-mad friend of mine, asked me whether there would be vintage outfits and vintage bikes plus pretty girls.
The simple answer is: I sincerely hope so!
Think Ralph Lauren meets Wallpaper! I would love to make this the most stylish sporting challenge in Scotland! So, whether you want to show off your pants, bikes, or toned bodies, this is your day to shine!
All profits of the day's shenanigans will go straight to the Glasgow Humane Society who have been looking after the going-ons on the Clyde since 1790 (that's a long time, me thinks!). We are limiting entry places to strictly one hundred "fit" and feisty entrants so make sure you book your place VERY early. Please contact Terri Gittens at terri@westbeer.com to reserve your prestigious entry. |
 |
WEST goes South |
In a way, I always feel slightly sad that some people who subscribe to our WEST newsflash can't just "pop into" the Templeton Building for a pint of our fine beers, simply because they live too far away. So here is the good news for those Londoners amongst you. WEST has finally gone South.
We are very proud to tell you that two of my personal favourite London pubs now regularly sell WEST beers on draught. The Cask Pub & Kitchen in Pimlico and the Euston Tap at Euston Station now sell a selection of WEST beers on draught - so next time you are lusting after a freshly poured WEST beer in the big smoke, you know where to go! |
In addition, we are proud to announce that Mark Hix, a kinda food god, has decided to stock our St. Mungo lager in bottles in all of his London venues. Word has it that some of London's coolest artists have already fallen in love with our little saint, so keep your eyes on those Hello and OK mags for pictures of our favourite WEST tipple.
And if your budget stretches to Park Lane in London and you fancy a night in THE most wonderful London hotel, go to the Four Seasons and order it at the bar, or even better, open your mini bar, take out a bottle of St. Mungo lager and have it whilst luxuriating in one of their fantastic baths! Life simply doesn't get any better! |
 |
WEST – Voted Best Business Initiative
at BII Awards |
Some members of the WEST team and a few of our good friends and customers attended the British Institute of Innkeeping Annual Awards dinner on Sunday night and we scooped yet another award! Yippee! WEST was awarded ‘Best Business Initiative’ for our crazy idea of brewing German-style lagers and wheat beers in Scotland (and doing that quite well, we would argue!) which is once more testament to the entire WEST team’s efforts. I am very proud of our gang here on Glasgow Green! |
Following the dinner, we went on to celebrate our efforts at the Corinthian on Ingram Street, one of WEST’s newest draught beer customers, and mingled with some very tasty footballers who had just come from the SFA’s annual dinner. I didn’t quite go as far as invite all of them for a pint of St. Mungo lager, but we did have quite a few WEST beers that evening!
Love & Hugs from the Wild WEST, Petra
|
|
 |
|
Dear WEST Friends,
I am over the moon! In late 2010 I had a feeling that 2011 may be the "WEST Year" and this week I am very happy with what we have achieved here on Glasgow Green over the last few years/months...
Petra M. Wetzel |
|
WEST wins Family Restaurant of the Year. |
In March 2011, Liam Bedwell, our truly awesome (only a BIG American word will do for him!) WEST General Manager and I, went along to the Science Centre for the Scottish Restaurant Awards, and WEST beat stiff competition to the title of 'Family Restaurant of the Year', an accolade we would like to dedicate to our 5-year old boss, Noah. |
 The "boss" enjoying an apres-ski milk on a recent ski holiday. The glass next to him, which looks like it contains Irn Bru, is actually Mama's Veneziano - a cocktail you will soon see at WEST. It's gorgeous!
|
Noah, and all the many little customers we have catered for over the last few years, is the inspiration for many of the "family friendly ideas" we have made the "WEST way".
When your "boss" is just five, you better make sure you always have a selection of colouring books, crayons, great children's cutlery, fresh children's meals (home-cooked by our fab kitchen team under the stewardship of Calum!) and most importantly, a smile and a joke to hand. |
We don't just say we are family friendly, we really do believe that dining out with children should be a joy not a chore. We know from personal experience that only when your children are having a good time do parents enjoy their own meal (and pint of WEST) so we ensure the whole family feels welcome.
Our regular guests love us for what we believe in and we love you for coming back, telling your friends about us and, very importantly, nominating us for this fabulous award. We will do you proud. |
We will try and be even better for you in 2011. Like everyone, we thrive on praise, and we will do our utmost to make sure that we continue to provide excellent service for you.
We realise that there is always room for improvement so keep giving us constructive feedback. We promise we
will always give you our best effort. |
 You'd never tell we were happy to win!
|
|
 |
WEST scoops three medals at UK keg beer competition |
In January, our brewing team scooped three medals at the UK keg beer competition including a gold for our WEST Hefeweizen, a silver for our Munich Red and a bronze for our Dunkel. |
That's now 3 UK awards in addition to our 3 German awards, so Adam and Felix, our wonder boys in the brewery, are happy campers indeed! |
 |
For our "big customers", 2011 has been a great start with the continued
success of our Monday night (8pm!) 'WEST pub quiz' and Kelly's 'live lounge' on a Thursday from 8pm. |
Scott, our quiz master, has acquired a loyal following from old familiars, but seems to attract new faces every week - what a brilliant way to meet your next love over that ever so tricky question. Kelly's 'live lounge' on a Thursday night from 8pm has featured some of the best new talent on the piano. |
Our WEST grand piano is slowly but steadily becoming one of THE features on Glasgow Green. Watch this space for the announcement of the super exciting new music sessions from April. I had to fly all the way to Boston, USA to bring back one of the simplest yet coolest musical ideas ever. I will keep you posted. |
 |
WEST celebrates its
5th birthday this month |
And as if all of the above isn't reason enough to come and visit here on
Glasgow Green... WEST is celebrating its 5th (fifth!) birthday on the 10th
of March this year. The brewers have come up with a beautifully crisp spring koelsch |
style beer to help us all celebrate in style and we will enjoy a whole week with some of our very first favourite dishes (like my good old Sauerbraten) on the menu. This is a week NOT to be missed if you are a real WEST fan. Check our website for more info! |
 |
 |
| Summer 2010 - Watch the World Cup at WEST and enjoy the beer garden. |
The real WESTies amongst you will know that our team here in the Templeton Building on Glasgow Green is a pretty eclectic mix of people.
We have a Scottish /English /Aussie brewery team, a Scottish /English / Polish /Arabic kitchen team, a Dutch General Manager, several pretty German ladies serving you in our beerhall and of course there is always the German Kaiser herself, who makes sure things run smoothly at Scotland’s Premium lager brewery.
We all love football here at WEST (to various degrees!) but we love WEST beer even more, so what better way to watch some footie action than on the BIG SCREEN in the brewery’s Hop Room with a cool & crisp pint of WEST St. Mungo lager and a soft pretzel (or make that a few pints and a yummy Schnitzel!). |
As of Monday 14 June 2010, we will show most of the World Cup football games (there are some days on which we are unable to show games as we will be closed to the public for weddings – details of which are listed here or simply call us on 0141 550 0135) on the BIG SCREEN.
So come one down to WEST and support your team (or whatever team you like better that day!) and enjoy the best Glasgow beer garden, finest lagers and wheat beers … and of course some hearty German cuisine. |
 |
January 2010 - A new busy year ahead at WEST with the upcoming Comedy Festival, speed dating on Valentines Day, not to mention the Frank Sinatra tribute act!
|
St Mungo, the award-winning lager brewed by WEST, Glasgow’s independent brewery, is now available in Waitrose’s first store in the West of Scotland at Byres Road. |
Securing shelf space in the upmarket supermarket’s first Glasgow branch means that the premium lager is now available at all three Waitrose branches in Scotland. |
 |
Magners Comedy Festival -
Line up for March 2010 at WEST
Thursday 11 March
MARC MARON
This top US stand-up has been performing raw, honest and thought provoking comedy for over fifteen years. He has also appeared on HBO, Letterman, Conan, and two Comedy Central Presents specials.
Friday 12 March
TODD BARRY
You may recognize Todd from his role as Mickey Rourke’s mean boss in the critically acclaimed movie The Wrestler or the annoying bongo-player on Flight of the Conchords. He’s done multiple standup appeances on the Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
Saturday 13 March
HENNING WEHN – GERMAN COMEDY AMBASSADOR!
Henning Wehn - special solo extended show from this German comedian ambassador! Germans allegedly have no sense of humour. Henning Wehn doesn’t find that funny and will counter this ludicrous claim with an evening of Teutonic jolliness. |
Sunday 14 March
JENA FRIEDMAN
Jena has opened for Robin Williams and been a finalist in the Time Out Chicago Funniest Performer Competition. Expect dark and original comedy from this rising star of the New York comedy scene.
Wednesday 17 March
IRISH COMEDY SPECIAL
Celebrate St Patrick’s day in style with 4 of the best comedians from the Emerald Isle. Featuring Martin ‘Bigpig’ Mor ‘He wore us out with laughter … Irrepressible exuberance.’ Scotsman. Thursday 18 &
Friday 19 March
DANNY LOBELL
Brooklyn based Danny returns to the city of his roots. ‘Danny Lobell shines, deliciously sniping impressions, very funny’ Scotsman Saturday 20 March & Sunday 21 March – Rob Rouse TBC |
Thursday 25 March
BRIAN SCOTT MCFADDEN
Brian Scott McFadden has become famous for his high energy performances and his unique and incisive routines. He recently performed on Letterman, catch him live before he goes
Friday 26 March
AMERICA STANDS UP! EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW
Catch this preview of the sold out showcase exclusively at West Brewery. Four of the very best from the New York comedy scene. Hannibal Buress, Rachel Feinstein and Brian Scott McFadden Saturday 27 March
RACHEL FEINSTEIN
Fresh from recording her own Comedy Central Special, Rachel Feinstein brings her unique, character driven comedy to Glasgow. Sunday 28 March
HANNIBAL BURESS
Cool, confident and intelligent Hannibal is one of the brightest talents to emerge from Chicago. A natural storyteller, Hannibal captivates the room with his quirky observations and laidback style. |
 |
| 14th Feb - Valentines Day events at WEST - join us for the most unromantic meal of the year and speed dating!
|
As Lady GAGA put it "Bad Romance", here at WEST we want to create the most UNROMANTIC meal of the year - come to WEST for a unique experience - we'll be putting on a lunch like no other! What could be better, keep the other half away by eating some delightful flavors and messy food! Break away from tradition and the competition.
Come to WEST for a relaxing Sunday afternoon, listen to some decent tunes- NO soppy rubbish! WEST is going against the rulebook – when it comes to food! Let us help you break tradition, and make your day truly memorable. Don't pay through the nose for a cattle market valentines, every couple competing against each other in a stuffy & pretentious, over priced, white clothed restaurant - a whitewash of in and out service, with no real care! We will be providing everything that is a NO go area, messy, spicy, fried, chunky, and of course yummy in a more relaxed environment!! What the rulebook says –
“The six foods to avoid on Valentines Day -
- Any kind of shellfish that requires the use of your hands
- Spicy foods that could linger
- A messy plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce
- A burger or sandwich that's too big or sloppy to eat gracefully - - Strawberries, poppy seeds, or anything that could easily get
stuck in your teeth
- Anything too spicy for your own good
- Onion rings, onion soup, or anything with raw red onions in it“ We of course, will be making sure all these rules are broken… with some truly tasty dishes! All for an amazing £15.95 per head for 3 courses! And of course bring your Dog, Kids, the Grandparents if you please - we have an open door policy like no other...
Packages - Dinner - Sat 13th £24.95 per head
(Includes FREE Sunday WEST Breakfast!!)*
Lunch - Sun 14th £15.95 per head
Dinner - Sun 14th £18.95 per head
To Book - Please call (0141 550 0135) today to book your table or by email (info@westbeer.com) *Please note Breakfast will be served between 10 am – 12.30 pm, on Sunday 14th February 2010 only)
Fast Romance from 7PM (our alternative to speed dating)- Come join the antics, let WEST help you find your true partner... or a NEW one!!
This completely light hearted and informal event, is set to be an event not to be missed, bring your friends, ex-partner or soon to be... - male or female, gay, straight, or whatever... we have something for everyone. Hosted by the Kaiserin of WEST – Ms Petra Wetzel, if you haven’t seen her on the telly now is your opportunity! Start time - 7 pm (please don’t be late)
Price - £6/Early bird £4 (bookings before 31 Jan 2010)
Register by phone - (0141 550 0135) or email info@westbeer.com |
 |
Frank Holden Interprets Sinatra - Thursday 28th January at WEST.
Free Entry |
Frank Holden brings his unique floor show to Glasgow’s exclusive venue “WEST”. Join Frank and his Quartet for a great set of Sinatra classics.
“You should be in Vegas, Frank! Your Sinatra floor show is the best we have ever seen." (The Kabana Club, July 2009)” |
|
|
|
| St Mungo now available at Waitrose |
St Mungo, the award-winning lager brewed by WEST, Glasgow’s independent brewery, is now available in Waitrose’s first store in the West of Scotland at Byres Road.
Securing shelf space in the upmarket supermarket’s first Glasgow branch means that the premium lager is now available at all three Waitrose branches in Scotland.
Part of the John Lewis Partnership, Waitrose has a policy to stock qualityproduce from local food and drink producers, and WEST fits the bill perfectly! |
Tracey Marshall, Waitrose Product Manager - Local & Regional, said:
“WEST is a great example of the type of local and regional supplier that we activelyseek out – someone that’s producing an innovative product, made with high quality ingredients to exacting standards.” |
 |
| WEST appointed exclusive provider at Blythswood Square Hotel |
WEST is delighted to announce that it has been appointed as the exclusive provider of its award-winning WEST St. Mungo lager and WEST Hefeweizen at the new Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow. Blythswood Square in Glasgow’s city centre is the newest, most magnificent addition to The Town House Collection of luxury boutique hotels in Scotland.
The hotel building dates from 1823, and was previously the home of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. This splendid, landmark property, which commands one side of Blythswood Square, a lovely, green space in the centre of the city of Glasgow, has been lovingly transformed into a luxury hotel and spa. |
WEST’s lagers and wheat beers are now available on draught at the hotel restaurant as well as The Rally Bar, which was named after the Monte Carlo Rally, which started out from Blythswood Square in 1955.
Blythswood Square is the latest in a burgeoning list of boutique hotels throughout the country supplied by WEST. These include the world famous Turnberry Resort in Ayrshire, the award-winning Ardeonaig Hotel on Loch Tay and Monachyle Mhor Hotel in Balquidder. |
 |
Join us on Hogmanay for a special one off night at WEST. Line up and details opposite.
For more information and tickets please click here |
MATTHIAS
TANZMANN
(CIRCO LOCO / DC 10 / MOON HARBOUR)
BROKEN/TOWIE (NO DOUGH)
HARVEY McKAY (SOMA)
ANDREW DORAN (tictactoeclub)
SIMON STOKES (SLEAZE)
SAVAS YAAS (HOTBOX)
BOBBY WILSON (EQd)
TERRY WHITE (OPTIK) |
|
Come and swing a few steins and sample some hearty German fayre as part of the WEST 2009 Oktoberfest
 |
This year's Oktoberfest at WEST has an exciting (and somewhat eclectic!) line-up of music. All events are free and we have already lots of reservations for some of the nights, so if you are thinking of bringing a big group, please call and reserve a table to avoid disappointment. We look forward to welcoming you all at WEST in October.
|
The WEST Oompah Band will be playing live every Friday in October from 8pm. Our Head Chef and his team will be serving up some old Bavarian favourites and some new Oktoberfest creations incorporating this year's WEST Oktoberfest bier.
|
 |
Christmas 2009 - Come and join us to celebrate "Weihnachten"
(Christmas in German) in the beautiful surroundings of the Templeton Building on Glasgow Green
|
Here at WEST the atmosphere during the lead up to Christmas will be warm, friendly and relaxing as we recreate the feeling of a traditional German Christmas.
We will be serving lunch from 12 noon to 4pm. Why not stay and enjoy a leisurely afternoon relaxing by the Christmas tree.
No visit to WEST would be complete without tasting at least one of our famous beers brewed in our beautiful copper-clad brew house, which you can view from our restaurant. Our 2009 Weihnachtsbier will be available from the 1st of December.
|
Throughout December, our resident WEST Santa will entertain our guests on the Grand Piano every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 8pm till closing.
The entire team at WEST are looking forward to welcoming regular and new guests to celebrate "Weihnachten" at Glasgow's brewery.
TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE CHRISTMAS MENU CLICK HERE
To make a booking for Christmas Lunch or Dinner please call the brewery on 0141 550 0135 or email:
info@westbeer.com
|
|
| WEST at the Scottish Wedding Show |
Come and see WEST at this year’s Wedding Show at the SECC. The Scottish Wedding Show, Scotland's best event for brides-to-be, will take place at the SECC, Glasgow on 19th and 20th September 2009. The show will bring together over 300 of Scotland's leading wedding suppliers under one roof. |
WEST was granted a wedding licence in 2007 and couples can celebrate their entire day in this magnificent building which still captures the essence of a bygone era with its panoramic views.
With over 50 weddings under its belt to date, WEST has a venue and team to make your big day just perfect.
Click here for more information about the Wedding Show |
|
