Tasting Scotland: The Pipers Tryst Glasgow

The Pipers Tryst in Glasgow, Scotland: a meeting place for those who play bagpipes, perhaps?
 
It can be that, at times. It is also a very fine place to enjoy a meal or a drink, whether you are familiar with the pipes or not.

 
The Pipers Tryst is part of the former church building which has become The National Piping Centre. If you are familiar with Scotland’s pipe music or curious about it, that’s a good place to be. I will bring you more of what the Piping Centre has to offer in a story in future.

pipers tryst glasgow scotland exterior
 
About The Pipers Tryst, though: wood paneled walls, a bit of tartan,  a glittering range of bottles behind the bar: all these add to the welcoming, cheery ambiance of the room.  Members of the staff, too, have always been welcoming when I have visited, whether I was looking for a pot of tea or a full meal.

pipers tryst glasgow tea by kerry dexter
 
Those meals are certainly worth your exploration. The Pipers Tryst takes pride in sourcing food locally to Glasgow and regionally throughout Scotland, and in sustainable practices in sourcing and in preparation. It’s clear they take pride in presenting the ingredients in ways to let their natural flavors shine through, too.

pipers tryst glasgow sign
 
 
That’s apparent in menu offerings which honor Scotland’s food heritage while adding signature aspects of The Pipers Tryst’s own devising.
 
As a starter, for instance, you could enjoy Cullen skink, a creamy fish soup which in this case is made with Fraserburgh smoked haddock. That Fraserbugh haddock shows up in a quiche with spring onion, too. There are also several ways to have haggis – and The Pipers Tryst menu proudly points out that they offer “some of the tastiest haggis in the world.” If you like haggis you know you’ll have to try it, and if you are curious about this famous Scottish dish, this could be a good place to have an introduction. They offer both meat and vegetarian versions. You could have these sided with traditional neeps and tatties, which are mashed turnips and mashed potatoes. You could also try haggis as fritters, or in a really tasty choice, topping potato skins, with Mull of Kintyre cheddar, and chives.

pipers tryst glasgow scotland breakfast
 
For main dishes there is also a range of choices. Vegetarians, meat eaters, and seafood lovers are all well supplied. Roasted cauliflower with chips and roasted tomatoes is one good selection; so is butternut squash curry. You could have mac and cheese made with Arran cheddar, as a vegetarian choice with roasted tomatoes, or with bacon, haggis, or lobster added in. Roasted duck breast is often on the menu as are chicken dishes and fish suppers. Smoked haddock kedgeree is offered too. There is a children’s menu available, and a gluten free one as well.

pipers tryst glasgow chop veg meal
 
There’s a burger with varied toppings (yes, you can have haggis on it if you’d like) offered on the dinner menu. At lunch time sandwiches with a range of fillings are offered in addition to the main dish menu.
 
There are desserts, too. If you’ve not yet had cranachan, a dish which involves cream, whisky, raspberries, oats, and honey, The Pipers Tryst is a fine place to taste it. Perhaps, though, you’d prefer a lemon lime tart or a cheese plate with mini oatcakes.

pipers tryst breakfast glasgow
 
The Pipers Tryst has a varied wine list drawing on vintages from Spain, South Africa, Italy, and beyond.  They feature Scotland’s craft brews and ciders also, including local to Glasgow Saint Mungo and products of other other well kent (to use a Scots adjective) breweries including Fyne Ales and Black Isle.

The Pipers Tryst offers breakfast. This too is a range of dishes including the pipe major’s breakfast, which is the full Scottish breakfast meal, along with lighter choices including eggs of your choice, and porridge with fruit. You could also, though it does not strike me as a lighter choice exactly, have your porridge topped with Glenfiddich and cream.

scotland woman piper busker
 
The Pipers Tryst is not far from Glasgow city center. It is located a short walk from The Royal Consevatoire of Scotland, at the top of Hope Street – though do be aware you will need to cross a busy road to reach it. Prices at this writing are generally in the ten to fourteen pound range for mains, six to eight pounds for starters and desserts, and four to six pounds for a glass of wine or a pint of beer, with soft drinks at about half that. There’s also a good value two or three course Scottish Market Menu with mains of chicken, salmon, or mac and cheese offered at midday and early evening.

Photographs courtesy of The Pipers Tryst (meals, except tea service), and by kolibri5 (piper) and Kerry Dexter.

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