Record Factory - Glasgow

There was one other person who kept coming in and out of the pub, and he joined us for a chat about Johnny Cash. For the rest of our visit, his music played overhead, which was lovely. There are some pool tables in the back, along with plenty of comfy couches and large tables if you're with a group. The drink selection is impressive, and I even spotted a tap for Pimm's and lemonade—sounds delicious! Just before we left, the bartender changed the music but checked with us to make sure it was okay. What a nice guy! We might have to return when there are more people around, but honestly, it's a fantastic spot for a quiet chat and some drinks during the day if you're looking for a place to have to yourself.

**Visit 1:** On a weekday lunchtime, two of us popped in for burgers and a pint. The place was empty, but the service was friendly and fairly quick. They were running a deal (which I can't quite remember), so our meal was quite affordable. The food was decent for a lunch deal, though nothing exceptional. Some items not included in the deal looked tempting but would have been too heavy for lunch. **Visit 2:** On a Friday night, I reserved a space for 10 people to enjoy drinks after work. It was a fantastic time, and many of us ordered food, which took a bit longer to arrive this time—but not excessively so. Most people were really pleased with their meals. However, around 9 PM, the shutters came down to reveal a DJ booth, and the music got so loud that it became difficult to have a conversation. It was strange, considering there were hardly any other patrons in the place at that point. We all decided to leave. **Visit 3:** On an early Saturday evening during a bar crawl, my partner and I chose to step away from the main group and relax in the beer garden, which is more like a yard. The atmosphere was delightful, and I could have easily spent the whole afternoon there if the weather had cooperated. We ordered burgers from a BBQ set up outside, priced at £5 each, which included free salad and potato salad (oddly, fries were an additional £2). The food was decent for the price, and I would definitely order it again if I returned to the beer garden. Overall, I would rate The Record Factory as "A-OK." Typically, my experiences there are satisfactory, although there are occasionally some unusual decisions made regarding the venue’s operation. The beer garden, though lacking in the West End, is appealing enough that I’ll likely return for that alone.

This week, with the sun shining brightly in Glasgow (I was starting to think I’d never say that again), and our stomachs rumbling after skipping lunch, we headed back to the newly reopened beer garden. The sunny weather truly enhances the atmosphere of this place. The garden was adorned with festive string lights, and although heaters are on the way, we made the most of the beautiful spring sun at elevated picnic tables in the back. Naturally, we ordered burgers and pints, which we devoured quickly. Lisa, our friend Pat#1, and I all chose beef burgers with various toppings. In my hypoglycemic daze, I went for a fried egg, jalapeños, and chilli slaw, which was actually delicious. Lisa, however, made a smarter choice with a towering stack of onion rings skewered in her burger. Our other friend, Pat#2, opted for the chicken burger with bacon, and judging by her expression, it was an excellent decision. As a lover of crispy fries, I would have preferred them cooked a bit less (but no one else seemed to mind), and the side salad was quite good too. Hettie received plenty of attention throughout our visit, with water bowls, visits from the staff, and loads of dog treats. Once the sun set, we moved inside for another pint as the venue filled up for an evening gig. It does have a somewhat student-y and windowless feel, but it's still a decent spot. If the sun ever decides to shine again, we’ll definitely return!

If you 've only been here when it was called Faktory then take a wee wander down again now that it 's rebranded. First of all, get something to eat here, for the mighty MEATHAMMER inhabit the kitchen, and they have burgers of immense goodness and size. For my money, Meathammer consistently produce the best and most imaginative burgers that Glasgow has to offer, and at a decent price too. The staff in here are a lot more helpful and cheery and just downright nice than I remember from the last time I was in here. Not one person I spoke too seemed to be put out by any of my daft questions about the food, or the seating outside, or the football on the telly. The space itself is pretty amazing. It 's a lot bigger than you would expect upon entering down the fairy light laden hallway and there 's a huge beer garden at the back with several big comfy leather couches would be ideal for watching the football on, if it hadn 't been raining earlier. The beers on tap are nice and cold; I had a pint (or 3) or Innis and Gunn and really enjoyed it. Side note that may be totally World Cup related during the half time break in the football, they turned the sound of the TV off and put on music. A nice relief from having to listen to the pundits do their thing and bore you to tears. On the whole, The Record Factory seems to be a nice change to the other bars in this part of town, and I 'd definitely return again. Especially for the food. Oh, the glorious food...

I paid a brief visit to Faktory one Saturday and left with a not too bad impression. We were there to see a band so spent most of the time in the band room which isn't a bad space there's some seats and it's a pretty decent size room. It is hard to find though if they have the shutter down on the room (they apparently open up this shutter to the main room but if it's closed you need to walk through a pool room and past the toilets to find it). The main room didn't seem overly busy for a Saturday night but maybe it picks up later on. It really has a cheap student vibe to it which isn't necessarily a bad thing it's just not my thing. I didn't visit the toilets or go to the bar so I can't comment on these aspects. I would return here in future if I had a reason otherwise, I can't this being a place I'd visit for a drink when there are other places nearby that are much nicer.