The Absent Ear — Restaurant in Great Britain

Tucked away behind an unmarked door in Glasgow city centre, this secret bar offers a brilliant and unusual experience that really captures the speakeasy vibe. The mystery begins from the moment you arrive – though we did end up waiting longer than expected for someone to answer the door. That was the only slight disappointment of the evening, as it left us briefly wondering if we were in the right place!

Once inside, though, the atmosphere is spot on – low lighting, cosy surroundings, and a stylish, intimate feel. The cocktails were excellent – well-crafted, full of flavour, and clearly made with care and attention.

Once seated, service was a real highlight. Staff were quietly attentive – water glasses were refilled without asking, and drinks orders were taken at just the right moment. One member of our group is vegan, and the team were incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating, which was much appreciated.

It’s worth noting that there’s a strict 1 hour 45 minute time limit for bookings, after which you’re expected to vacate the table. We managed to enjoy two cocktails in that time, but if you’re looking for a slower-paced evening, it’s something to keep in mind.

That said, for such a unique and well-executed experience right in the heart of the city, it’s not overpriced and definitely worth a visit. I’d happily return – hopefully with a quicker entry and a bit more time to savour it all...

On a short trip to Glasgow we were recommended this place whilst in another bar. You should book but we couldn’t find a slot that worked for us so we just rocked up. You go down a neon lit staircase to a curtain at the bottom with a locked door and no handle. We got a bit confused but knocked a few times and someone opened a tiny hatch, we said we didn’t have a booking but the host found us a spot. Wow! It’s so cool! Very chilled, the music isn’t blasting and totally fits in with the ambience. Very cool art inspired decor and the menu selection is one of the most creative I’ve ever seen! The actual cocktails on their menu are very creative and unusual, with mixes you never thought would work, for example coffee and pineapple, but it really does! The host Fraser was an absolute gem! He knew his stuff, his ingredients and was one of the best hosts I’ve ever known. He said they could craft my partners cocktail without alcohol and they did! Then made me a totally bespoke cocktail which I’ll probably never have again in my life, both excellent! We were sad we only had an hour or so to spend here but we will definitely come back on our...

Hidden cocktail bar beneath the Amsterdam. We booked, not sure they do walk ins, the theming is fun and reflects the speakeasy vibe they're going for.

The menu is provided through an ipad, with the drinks represented by a painting, our server walked us through it, offered tastings and was knowledgeable about all the ingredients which went into them (many of which were new to me).

The drinks were completely out there, you choose which spirit you want (out of the three provided) which was a nice twist. We tried a thick Thai green concoction, my partner wanted to try one which she'd seen online but was no longer on the menu though they still made it, fortune cookie old fashioned, though my highlights were the margarita style drink with crack salt which I'll contend is probably the best variation of that cocktail I've had. Also the coffee with choux foam to finish on.

All in all the cost isnt much more expensive than other cocktail bars and this felt more of an experience, it's not cheap but a fun treat, the service was exceptional and you'll not find drinks like this anywhere else, so it's worth...