Chef who fed some of Scotland’s biggest music stars takes charge at Glasgow’s newest dive bar

A new “elevated” dive bar and grass-roots music venue inspired by one of New York’s most iconic Soho restaurants is coming to Glasgow’s city centre.

At the helm will be a chef to some of Scottish rock’s biggest stars, executive chef Stevie Holt, with new venue Lucky Strike opening at the former site of popular cocktail and dining spot August House later this month.

The firm behind the move, who also recently opened the much-anticipated Last Bookstore, say the takeover aims to transport Glasgow diners to the streets of New York city.

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When working at The Mixing Rooms - a now-closed recording studio on Sauchiehall Street - between 2004 and 2005, chef Stevie found himself feeding some of the biggest names in Scottish music: including KT Tunstall, Sandi Thom, and Deacon Blue.

Stevie said: "The kitchen was so small, if they asked for something elaborate, I'd have to take apart the kitchen and put it back together again. It's worlds away from what I cook now – I’d usually just be making cheese sandwiches and bacon rolls.

"They were always lovely – we'd say 'hi' in the morning, and I'd ask what they wanted. Then I'd run out to get the ingredients.”

Now, as the executive chef for Lazzurri Group's latest venture, Lucky Strike, Stevie is set to return to his rocker roots. "It does feel a bit like it's coming full circle – the menu is very American and rocker-inspired. We set out to create the New York dive bar of our dreams. Hopefully, we’ve elevated the concept. "

Glaswegians will get a taste of Soho dining when Lucky Strike opens its doors on Mitchell Street later this month, offering beers, cocktails, American eats and live music with late opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Live bands will play each weekend at the event space downstairs, providing Glasgow’s best local talent with a chance to perform.

Smash burgers, loaded fries, and hot dogs are just some of the dishes on offer, as well as up to 12 beer taps behind the bar, a cocktail menu with classics available from just £7 and spirit mixers for £3.50.

The bar will also be home to ‘Sirens’, a piece of art created by street artist Conzo, depicting mermaid artwork in acrylic and gouache, which was previously housed in Fat Lobster.

General Manager at Lucky Strike, Euan Barker, said: "Lucky’s is the style of place that has always drawn me; and my experience in the industry so far, running TABAC, and before that The Palais, has all been setting me up for an experience like this. For someone who has worked in, and has very close ties to the Glasgow music scene in particular, I’m ecstatic to take on this challenge.

“With the amalgamation of beer, bourbon and good old-fashioned American Diner scran hand-in-hand with the draw of live music and fun events in a dive-style bar; it’s a recipe for success.

“The scene here in Glasgow for live music is almost unparalleled on a national level, and the thought of being able to create a stamp on that stage is something that fills me with both elation and anticipation.”

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