Brechin Bar

«One more stop, just one more stop and we are safe». This place must hear many a Subcrawler mutter those words as they hit the last Southside stop before the generally slightly less intimidating Westend border is crossed. I actually felt a slight sense of sadness that the southside adventure was over so quickly!
Recollections of this place. It’s the sort of pub that could be a set on Still Game. Lots of wood everywhere, reminded me a bit of some sort of pub from a Western. It looked like it has not been done up in… well… ever. Very much a locals bar I think. Nobody really gave us a second look, so they must be used to subcrawlers tumbling through their local on regular occasions.
One of the key stops on the Subcrawl, I can’t imagine going back until the next one, but at the same time it was not particularly bad.

Another pub on the subcrawl trek, and if you’re doing it clockwise, it’s the last one «south of the river» before, as was suggested, we return to civilisation. You know what though? As Rodney Dangerfield would say «hey, it’s alright»
It’s a typical old school Glasgow pub, full of tables that are probably balanced with a stack of 1970’s yellowed and ripped Tennents Lager beermats; the toilets are «functional» at best and it’s whole décor theme is cheap — but it’s also welcoming and homely and you feel like you could stay for a while and the time would fly.
As Elizabeth pointed out, there’s a wee screened off bit at the back to sit in if you want some peace — something I always presumed was the kitchen or a staff area every time I’ve been in before! See, kids — the subcrawl is edumacational!
Again, it’s a bit out of the way, and off the beaten track to truly recommend, but I’d wager the locals prefer it that way, and merely tolerate the random subcrawlers that trawl through ‘their’ pub on a regular basis.

Lads, I’m putting it out there — Brechin’s has got what a lot of pubs in Glasgow don’t these days. Warmth!
I’m not talking about a good heating system, I’m talking about atmosphere. We may be becoming acclimatised to seeing swanky bars in the city centre decked out in cushioned seats, but that doesn’t mean we should avoid places that don’t have a big glitzy sign emblazoned on the front. Usually I find these places to be a bit cold anyway. In chain pubs ambiance is compromised for the sole purpose of getting people pished and making the business lots of dosh. Pubs like Brechin’s don’t alienate people who wouldn’t necessarily want to drink in some trendy pub where the loud music prevents people from actually talking to each other.
It does look a bit formidable on the outside, but inside you can expect to see a bar full of guys who clearly have formed a community around this pub. The bar staff seem to know everyone and make a point of chatting to everyone that they’re serving (when they’re not too busy, and this bar does get pretty heaving at the weekend). You get the impression that the customer is important, and there’s a real sense of cameraderie and old school Glasgow patter about the place.
You often get sub crawls who clamour into the Brechin since it’s a hop, skip and a jump away from Govan station. The bar staff are usually pretty welcoming to sub-​crawlers, and as far as Govan pubs go I’d say this is the one to stop at if you’re partaking in such a boozy event.
It can seem daunting when you’re not used to bars like this, but there’s no real sense of clique. The guys propping up the bar will gladly gab away to you, and seem to have a friendly, gallus nature. They are also full of stories. It has a cosy layout with a cubby hole in the back if you’re looking for some privacy. There’s also a function suite and some karaōke nights hosted here.
It’s a no frills kind of pub, but I like the fact that its décor hasn’t moved on since the 90s. It’s got character, the booze is affordable, and the manager is at the heart of the community. Looks can be very deceving, so don’t judge a book by what you think its cover looks like. Brechin’s is part of a dying breed in the Glasgow pub scene — accomodating, friendly, and brimming with personality.

Brechins Bar eh? Right then, if your anything like me you’re probably going to instantly judge any Govan boozer as a bit of a ‘heads down and run lads’ kind of place… and it kinda is… but it’s awright, kinda, a wee bit, ish…
Aye, they don’t call me ‘Tell it straight’ Chris D for nothing ye know! So then, the beef, the skinny, the deets, dough, ruff, dog, pants/​info is that it’s a ok drinking hole. The refreshing thing about this place (trying desperately not sound like an arse in saying this) is that it’s just a bloody pub… nothing themed, trendy or anything else about it.
It works purely on a…
‘fancy a beer man
aye, why not
know anywhere around here
heard awright things about the Brechin
done deal
bag it, big time
eh?
its fae Diehard
aw
aye’
…kinda way. Ahem, step back from the coffee boy.
Long, uncomfortable, story is that Brechins is a decent place to drink. Friendly staff, cheap prices and a alright selection of beers and other drinky poos.

Ahh good ol’ Brechins. When I started working in Govan a few months back and my colleagues suggested a drink after work and they said Brechins. I said «you’re kidding right?!» They said it’s the best pub that Govan has. So going on they’re recommendation we headed down.
Well it did have the old men in there sitting as if it’s their usual tables learing over fresh new blood to the bar but there was a wee bit screened off up at the back. So when ordering your drinks you ask for the key and then just open up and head on in. It was nice to have that wee bit of privacy. I have to agree though the toilet is ickle but it is kept clean.
Upstairs is the private lounge which is a fair size. I’ve never been up there for drinks but only the once with my company when we did an interview with the landlady about Govan. She’s absolutely lovely and very much part of the community. Brechin’s have been involved with many projects such as the Allotment
and A Govan Wave of Change. Also as of Saturday 11^th December Brechin’s will hold it’s very first burlesque night, Madame Magpie’s Bijou Burlesque Fundraiser.

Brechin’s is very much part of the community and they keep their finger on the pulse. Although the décor isn’t 21^st century minimalistic and it is a bit of an old man’s bar, which sometimes I quite like, shhh!!! Not for the old men of course but for the atmosphere. The staff are pleasant and the prices are reasonable so I if you’re passing by one day I’d drop in for a wee half.
Ooh totally forgot they’ve got Karaōke Tuesdays. I’ve yet to go but I’m sure I’ll be there soon enough.

Brechins was a pretty big bar. The seating consisted of booths around the outside, and a large space with plenty of tables. The toilets, however, were tiny. The décor was completely nondescript, but with a big, well-​stocked bar. The drinks were moderately priced.
The only other big group of drinkers in were a bunch of old English neds. Or chavs, as they’re more well known back home. We were the youngest in here by at least 10 years, but the atmosphere was still good and we didn’t feel out of place at all, as is sometimes the case in Subcrwal –route bars.