Westender @ Fonn Mór
Wine, food and piano in Glasgow… it’s a great combination
The Oran Mor is somewhat of a landmark in the west end. Everyone and their aunt has been to a wedding, a conference, an awards ceremony or some sort of event held within its walls, and now, there’s something new.
Nestled around the corner from the main entrance is the newly opened Fonn Mór; a piano bar and casual eatery that gives fans of the Oran Mor a more intimate and relaxed experience, but with all the aesthetic touches and quality service you’d expect in the heart of the building. A classically cool wine and piano bar that serves up small plates, cocktails and late night music in the heart of the old vestry.
Its doors are open from Thursdays to Sundays, with the venue staying open till 1am on Thursdays and taking you all the way through to 3am on Friday and Saturday, for those who dream of sipping good wine and cocktails while listening to the sultry sounds of a live piano man in the early hours of the morning.
Wine and Music
While wine and live music is the cornerstone of Fonn Mór, it would be remiss of you when visiting not to order some dishes from their small but wonderful menu. There’s plates to suit every level of hunger too, from simple bar snacks like smoked almonds, olives and charcuterie boards, to their small plates like Arbroath Smokie, or Hasselback potatoes with rosemary, sea salt and garlic. Or if you fancy some cheese, you can choose from a selection of Scottish cheeses served with local bread and butter.
For two of us, we opted for a selection of small and medium plates, and there were some definite standouts for me. First off, from the medium, slightly larger plates, quince glazed pork belly with fennel, celeriac, grapefruit and blue cheese. This was, by far, the strongest of the dishes, in my opinion. The pork was beautifully cooked and tender, and the creamy celeriac remoulade it laid upon was a perfect accompaniment, with pops of sharp blue cheese and puffed pork scratchings scattered around the plate.
Salad Followed by Dessert…
A special mention as well to the hispi cabbage, with a delicious satay-style sauce and a lip-smacking topping of chilli, lime and coconut salt. I was also a big fan of the roast chicken, with cos, pancetta, sourdough and caesar flavours – so, essentially, a mini caesar salad. The dressing on the salad was full of flavour and there was a great balance of chicken, pancetta, croutons and lettuce. How many times have you ordered a caesar salad only to be met with a sad bowl of leaves, a couple of dry bits of chicken and maybe three croutons? Not here! This one was well loaded and proportioned with a punchy dressing.
Don’t rush to fill up on the savoury stuff though, because their sweet offerings are just as good. In particular, the sticky toffee pudding with Butterscotch sauce and Arran vanilla ice cream. I have tasted many a sticky toffee pud in my lifetime and this one was definitely up there. The sponge was light but moist, and I could have bathed in the butterscotch sauce, if I’m being honest.
Wine, food and piano in Glasgow…what more could you ask for?
Fonn Mor
Oran Mor
Byres Road
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