Hillhead Book Club to many may sound like a straight-laced, head nodding night out but this book club has quite a few stories waiting to be told.
The Venue
Housed in an old Art-Deco styled cinema with paint peeling off the walls outside, friends may raise a few eyebrows as they follow you in. That's where the doubts will stop though. The sheer grandeur of the arch ceilings, operatic balconies over looking the downstairs and vintage lighting will mesmerise. There is a lot to take in, from cool kids playing on the Nintendo in the games corner to groups cheering on their mates on the Ping Pong tables. Couples clutch cocktails at candle lit tables whilst the bar buzzes with weird and wonderful libations being concocted. The site of a waiter bringing out a cocktail served in a Gramophone adds to the retro vibe.
The old converted cinema still has stunning original features.
Atmosphere and Clientele
There is a very laid back easy going vibe yet the hipsters are well represented alongside young professionals. During the week DJ's spin vintage vinyl tracks that allow for casual conversations which sees more couples and catch ups but come the weekend the place is packed with classic and underground disco, hip hop and funk whipping up a delightful young crowd. The events programme throughout the week ranges from Bingo to Vintage fairs which shows that its not just books that inspire here.
Crowds pack in for DJ nights at the weekend while midweek is a chilled out, yet bustling bar.
Food & Drink
Food, glorious food is the motto at the Hillhead Book Club and the kitchen certainly proves it. Serving up brunch, lunch and dinner, there are plenty of homely and fresh dishes on offer from Chickpea & Coriander fritters to Salted pork belly & braised cheek and Seafood Chowder. You can't fault the price either as they proudly boast that lunch is covered by a fiver and dinner no more than a tenner. Cocktails, all roughly under £6, are refreshing with Honey I Drank the Monkey and Me, Myself and Melon stand outs but also look out for the cocktails dumped with Ice Cream on top. Craft Beers are well represented on tap for those who have sweetened that tooth too often.
Ping pong is on offer at the Hillhead Book Club, head down on a Monday night for their Ping tournament.
Summary
Vintage, quirky, grand yet homely and heart-warming, Hillhead Book Club has something for everyone and I am their latest club recruit.
