Derby Lane evolves and new hit spot opens in Finnieston

A bold new look, elevated dining and a hidden speakeasy... once hailed as Glasgow's most Instagrammable bar, Derby Lane has grown up!

Article Source: Derby Lane
Last Updated: 11 March 2025 12:40

Following a full-scale refurbishment, the Finnieston hotspot has unveiled a sophisticated new design, a revamped cocktail and wine menu, an elevated all-day dining experience, plus an all new hidden speakeasy bar in the basement.

The redesign brings more space, more seating, and an exclusive New York cocktail lounge vibe, creating a sleek yet intimate setting. By day, Derby Lane remains a go-to for indulgent brunches and laid-back dining. By night, it transforms—live music, DJs, and a dynamic cocktail scene take center stage. The new cocktail menu blends the jaw-dropping creativity Derby Lane is known for with timeless classics.

Meanwhile, the all-day dining menu has been given an upgrade, with brunch favorites reimagined—none more talked about than the Salt & Chilli Chicken French Toast. Unexpected? Absolutely. But it works. New menu highlights include Steak Frites—a nod to classic New York bistro dining, featuring premium Scotch beef and a mountain of shoestring fries—alongside the Blackened Salmon, a dish that helped Derby Lane land a nomination for Best Restaurant Bar at the 2025 Bartenders Awards. While the venue has evolved, it hasn’t lost its playful edge. Frickles (deep-fried pickles) and expertly crafted martinis remain in high demand, keeping the much loved spirit of Derby Lane alive.

To coincide with the full refurbishment the owners are bringing sport enthusiasts something completely new with Bar Brooklyn – A Gritty 70s-Inspired Sports bar tucked beneath Derby Lane.

Bar Brooklyn is the venue’s brand-new underground sports speakeasy, bringing a raw, 70s New York-inspired energy to Finnieston. With massive screens streaming live sports 24/7, a bold cocktail menu, and a comfort-driven food offering, it’s a spot where sports lovers and cocktail enthusiasts collide.

Keeping with the Derby Lane ethos, the food menu balances elevated casual dining with indulgent classics—think stacked burgers, crispy chicken strips, and signature Steak Frites, all served in a laid-back yet electric atmosphere.

The drinks list takes a speakeasy approach to sports bar cocktails, blending classic serves with unexpected twists. Alongside favorites like Negronis and Palomas, the standout is the Pizza Martini—a bold reinvention of a Bloody Mary, featuring oregano-infused vodka, tomato, parmesan-infused vermouth, and basil oil.

Camilla Bjørkestad, Operations Manager for the Group, said: “Derby Lane has built a reputation as one of Glasgow’s go-to destinations for creative cocktails and all-day dining. With Bar Brooklyn, we wanted to create something completely different—a space with a grittier, more laid-back energy that speaks to a male-skewed audience while still delivering the quality and creativity we’re known for. We’re confident that live sports, great food, and killer cocktails will bring something fresh to Finnieston.”

The launch of Bar Brooklyn comes as Derby Lane enters its next chapter, evolving into a more refined yet effortlessly fun space that stays true to its roots.

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