1 DERBY Lane Glasgow is already a romantic dream, a beautiful romantic and stylish haven where the drinks are cold and the music is hot. The bar staff are a lesson to other hospitality venues in how to get it right. The cute couple who run this vibey Finnieston hotspot, Sophie and Sandy together with their gastronomic team have put together a libido-lifting delight of a Valentine’s menu, that sees Darby Lane style and quality transformed into a festival of love. Champagne, of course, Speyside fillet, Loch Fyne langoustines and more, with a side of after dinner jazz in AFS downstairs. It all costs £45 each from now until February 15th. For more info follow on Insta @derbylane.finnieston and afs.finnieston
2 THE Smoke Fairies are coming to Glasgow. Its been almost a decade since the early singles and the band haven’t lost any of their classic style louche loving smokiness and dreamy heartfelt sounds. Catch them at our favourite Venue, the indomitable King Tuts Wah Wah Hut on February 10. Follow them on Insta and Twitter @smokefairies and @sonicpr for more details. Tickets available at www.songkick.com
3 OVER on the east coast I have for your delectation and delight Scottish indie legends Astrid heading to the Voodoo rooms on February 11, they are touring on the back of their first new single in three years. A swirling cyclone of impossibly beautiful and sexy psychedelic pop and they aint too hard on the eye either. Get in there. Follow the band on insta @astridbanduk. Tickets are available at www.astridmusic.net
4 WINTER Words in Pitlochry has an exciting line up offering both live and online interactive events, including actress Denise Welch talking about her personal journey battling the depression. There will also be a fascinating interview with Alexander McCall Smith (author of the No1 ladies detective agency. Also featuring in this year’s line-up will be award-winning, best-selling and critically acclaimed author Craig Russell, whose latest novel Hyde last year won the prestigious McIlvanney Prize. The festival runs from February 14-20 but tickets on sale tomorrow. For all the gen head over to www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/winterwords
5 FANCY seeing if your man can turn into a Jamie Fraser if you take him to the Highlands? If so I have just the thing. The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool, a gorgeously stylish boutique gastro bar with lush rooms overlooking the shores of Loch Broom. The seven course Valentines menu is a showcase dream of seafood and the Scottish larder. Enjoy a nightcap in their very own “sweet shop” a treasure trove of sweet and boozy treats in their honesty bar. For more info or to book head over to
www.thedippinglugger.co.uk
6 THE Bridge Inn Ratho is breaking out the hearts and flowers so make a night of it and stay over in a canal view room. The food is local and sustainable, there’s a cosy fire, candles, flowers and an outstanding wine list. Have a ball for £80 a couple and £100 for the room. To book (and it's essential) www.bridgeinn.com
7 I STARTED with my pick of the week and I’ll finish with my pick of the year. The line up for the truly awesome Riverside Festival has just dropped and its a belter… Carl Cox, Roísin Murphy, Charlotte De Witte, and so so much more. Saturday will be an alliance with the LGBTQ+community in Scotland and the festival aims to bring a hedonistic fun with a capital F environment. Any festival that includes the almighty Optimo is sure to be the greatest night. Get your tickets now. Thursday June 2-4. www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com Follow on insta @riversidefestivalglasgow.com
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