1901 Bar and Bistro

Was looking forward to a great night in the 1901 bistro as i had been there before and loved the food and the service, i booked a table for 6 at 8pm, 4 of the party was arriving from ireland at 6pm, but we all got together at 8pm sharp in the bar, had a couple of quick drinks as the pub and restaurant was empty apart from a couple of old romantics in their 70s,( god love em). but we went through to the restaurant and had a fantastic meal and a few drinks and the service was excellent from the waitress, sorry i can't remember her name damn it.

When we left and had a few drinks.. in the bar ( well more than a few ) i went outside for a ciggie and seen this figure hanging over the rail next to the road throwing up, when he turned around i realised it was the guy from the kitchen who i had seen as i walked in. After he emptied his contents all over the road , he turned and apologised then realised that i was one of the party, apon this he complained that we were late, to which i can only deduce that we took away his time to get pissed. when i went back in and said to one of my friends about the inccident he told me he seen him at the bar downing a triple whiskey and a pint of amber liquid and looked rather uncomfortable at doing so. we didn't tell the rest of the party as im sure their imaginations would have went a bit off.....please Jacque don't let the standards slip as you have a great bar/bistro .....still love the food and service...local.

william's profile     Other reviews by william     william likes    

I wrote a glowing review of the 1901 not long ago, not just a recommendation from me but my whole family as we regularly eat there together. So I was all ready to go hell for leather defending the place when I read the first line of the last review, but then I read on. Unfortunely I have to agree with some of the points made about the level of investement in this place. Yes, recently the restaurant has been painted and looks much much nicer but unfortunely, when I visited a little over a week ago I noticed that the upholstry on the chairs we sat on was filthy. I didn't really want to touch it to pull my seat in. I hope they give them a shampoo. Next, the toilet off the restaurant was always a little worrying but when I went last it had somehow flooded over and the sign to say the place was out of use was missing so I walked in and ended up squelching on the sodden smelly carpet (luckily i was in wellies) which I thought they would have done away with because it was beyond horrible. That is the first time that has happened though so I wasn't too perturbed.

I have to say though, aside from these relatively minor decor issues, I still absolutely love the bistro at 1901. It's easy to be snobbish about somewhere on the outskirts of town that is so reasonably priced ,but I have to tell you that as someone who has payed through the nose for many an 'upmarket' meal, the 1901 has never disappointed on food unlike some other places. I visit here regularly simply because the food is so excellent, the portion sizes are just right and the price and service is always great. There really is nothing else I want in a place I take my family than this, on a Sunday when I can't be bothered cooking to be presented with hearty, delicious food at a good price served with a smile.

Moreover, the kids menu (while a little limited) is brilliant. The chicken nuggets are made with big chunks of chicken breast in breadcrumbs and look like the ones I would make at home. The chips are delicious as well and we always end up stealing a few when they are not looking. It would be nice though if kids could have mini portions of adult stuff like the steak pie or roast beef etc although they might do it because I have never actually asked.

As for the bar, I have never visited it. I have only gazed in longingly while my kids chirp chirp in my ear and I have to say it has never looked anything but welcoming and friendly. It's not the old man pub it used to be years ago that is for certain.

Overall, aside from the few issues mentioned here and below I have to recommend 1901 yet again with the strongest thumbs up I can give on a website. Put aside your City Centre or South Side preferences and give the 1901 a try because I guarentee you won't be disappointed on food, price and service and you will be back down in no time.

Cheers

Alanna's profile     Other reviews by Alanna     Alanna likes    

This once great restaurant and Pub is well past its sell buy date! Lets start at theHaggs Rd entrance just, the pavement is littered with cig butts - the owner refuses to spend some money on bins for cig butts; the outside tables bought from Poundstretchers are a real eyesore and sit at an angle to the uneven pavement - a little money spent on good tables plus some screens around them as seen at other restaurants in Shawlands wouldn`t go amiss - the pavement is certainly wide enough to accommodate this. The Bar is now just short of a `saw dust` pub, the wood is a dismal dark brown and the walls once cream now nicotine orange; the carpet defies description! The Toilets are a health hazzard and hardly a good sign for the kitchen area if the owner thinks the toilets ok.The restaurant had until recently its very own waterfall - unfortunately it was from the flat above and hadn`t been repaired in over a year. Recently the restaurant has been painted, but again they overlook the toilets leading off from the restaurant, where for some unknow and most unhygienic reason they store the baby highchair. What this restaurant needs is a new owner willing to spend money on it, as it could be a little goldmine.

This is a nice friendly bar in Shawlands, with a good bistro attached. The food is always fantastic and portions are of a good size, and great value. The staff are always very polite and helpful. The range of live music is excellent and there's an up-to-date jukebox too. The bad thing about this bar is it is looking a little tired and could do with some updating both inside and out. When you drive past it doesn't really stand out which is strange - being in such a prominent place. Inside the bar it is a bit worn out but still comfortable all the same. A great place to go but could be so much better if it had a bit of money spent on decor, furnishings etc.

My partner and I have eaten regularly at 1901 over the last 2 years and have never been disappointed. The food is fantastic value for money, fresh and delicious. Unfortunately the decor is now tired and could be updated.

angela's profile     Other reviews by angela     angela likes