Found in the Finnieston neighbourhood of Glasgow, The Gannet is a modern restaurant serving a sophisticated menu of classic Scottish dishes. Opened in 2013 by three friends, the restaurant, which takes its name from the species of bird, has a focus on using local produce wherever possible to create dishes that mix traditional techniques with the contemporary. The restaurant's informal yet ultra-slick service gives The Gannet a relaxed ambience, and aims to encapsulate the spirit of Glasgow as a city.
The small restaurant has rather striking interiors, with its high ceilings and exposed brick walls giving the space a very modern feel, while the exposed pipework above and flashes on concrete provide a brutalist edge. There is counter seating up at the bar as well as along the windows and a smaller room at the back has space for a few more diners.
The Gannet's kitchen is led by chef Peter Mckenna, who changes the tasting menu regularly to reflect the availability of seasonal produce. You can expect savoury dishes on the menu such as meadowsweet-cured Gigha Halibut with cucumber, radish and cultured cream, and saddle of red deer served with beetroots, a game beignet, wild mushrooms, and elderberry sauce. Meanwhile desserts might include West Kilbride honey, strawberries and white chocolate.
When it comes to drinks at The Gannet, the short wine list has an emphasis on small scale, artisanal growers, and features both classic styles of wine and some more modern numbers. You can also opt for a pairing to accompany the food menu if you want to try a few different wines over the course of your meal. The restaurant also offers a decent selection of inventive cocktails which are perfect for post-prandial drinks, and bartenders are happy to make customers drinks that aren't on the menu, provided they have the necessary ingredients.