Guests are being invited to step back in time as one of Glasgow’s most historic pubs opens its doors to a brand-new immersive dining experience today following a £500,000 investment.
The Merchant’s at Sloans sprawls across the entire first floor of the bar and restaurant where portraits watch from the walls, curious concoctions wait to be discovered and the grand old piano appears to have a mind of its own.
Bringing together food, drink, theatre and storytelling across three spaces, the space has been beautifully designed by Glasgow-based interiors company Surface-ID.
Owner Oli Norman said: “Sloans has been part of Glasgow’s story for over 200 years and we wanted to do something really special bringing the characters, stories and history of this incredible building to life in a way unlike anything Glasgow has seen before.
“When you walk in, you can feel the room come alive – it’s how I imagine David Sloan would have had it. Portraits of notable Glaswegians come to life and in the corner, the ghost has made itself at home at the old grand piano.
“Sloans has always been about generous food, good drinks and bringing people together. We’ve kept that at the heart of The Merchant’s but added a little theatre along the way.
“It’s a fun and exciting new chapter in the building’s history and we hope regulars and new visitors alike will pull up a chair and discover what we have in store.”
The Merchant’s offers a grand dining room for long lunches and decadent dinners; The Snug, a cosy hideaway for unhurried drinks and the Private Dining is for occasions calling for grander surroundings.
Guests can even get into character themselves, with a dressing rail of authentic vintage dresses, suits and accessories to transport them back in time and a photographer on hand to capture the moment.
On the menu, are hearty Glasgow and Scottish favourites served with a side of theatre, including Cullen skink served in a bread bowl, black pudding Scotch egg with truffle ketchup, beef shin lasagne and a collection of proper pies served with a choice of mash and a jug of gravy.
The Merchant’s Mac rightfully takes centre stage on the menu – a new tableside take on Sloans’ legendary macaroni cheese, with a trolley making its grand entrance at the table before guests choose their toppings and crumb for the final flourish. Desserts include a Johnnie Walker crème brûlée, torched tableside.
Behind The Cabinet, the drinks menu continues the storytelling, with house cocktails inspired by characters and tales from Glasgow’s past, alongside carefully chosen wines and a lovingly curated collection of Scotch whisky and flights.
Signature serves include The Tea Room Queen, a nod to Kate Cranston, combining Highland Scotch with Earl Grey, honey and lemon; The Showman, paying homage to David Sloan with Scotch, heather honey and bitters; and the intriguingly named Not Proven, inspired by Madeleine Smith, mixing Johnnie Walker with violet liqueur, vermouth and a whisper of absinthe.
The Merchant’s at Sloans opens Friday, October 2. Bookings are open now with limited walk in spaces available daily on a first come first served basis.