One Devonshire Gardens has been synonymous with fine dining since Gordon Ramsay captained the Amaryllis receiving its first Michelin star back in 2002.  Back in those days, a meal for two generally required a special occasion and the removal of an arm and a leg.  Not so these days….since becoming part of the national Hotel du Vin chain deals abound, and no more so than now.  Du Vin at One Devonshire has no Michelin award, but the food is still very special and the service can’t be beaten in Glasgow.

So when they tell you that you can have 2 courses for a tenner, this seems almost laughable.  Don’t get me wrong, if spending a weeks salary in a couple of hours is the kind of thing your into, then you can still do that without breaking a sweat, but if you spend a little time hunting down the deals, you can have a fantastic dining experience for little more than you would expect to pay in a burger joint.   With their Du Vin or not Du Vin deal you can expect 2 courses per person with a carafe of house wine for a total of £30.  That correct £30.  You need to be careful however, sides of vegetables, bread, a little dessert here or there will bring your bill up considerably, but if your willing to tighten your belt a little, you will not be dissapointed.  I always prefer to have small portions of great food, than big portions of mediocre food.  The food in Du Vin is simply exquisite.

I started with the Kipper Parfait with Horseradish cream, pickled cucumber and demerara biscuit. I cant praise this dish enough –  a great start to a meal – a light, smoky and silky mousse of smoked kipper perfectly offset by the subtle and not overpowering cream of horseradish, with the sharpness of the lightly pickled cucumber cutting through the whole thing….a medley of textures, an harmony of flavours 10/10.

If the Du Vin or not Du Vin deal has a downfall it is that there is only a choice of 3 dishes per course, so it quite possible that there wont be an option for you.  Being an utter omnivore however, I have never had that fate befall me.  I opted for the simple but delicious Baby Onion and Pea Tagliatelle, instantly regretted once the meals arrived – I should have gone for the roast chicken with Pomme Lyonnaise!  On paper this dish sounds a bit naff, but the freshness of the peas, the subtle sweetness of the onions, beautifully fresh pasta, good butter…delicious – 8/10

To wrap things up I went with the Banana cream and Mango Sorbet with Pecan Crunch.  Creamy through sharp into crunch nutty sweetness – perfect end to a wonderful meal – 9/10

The food spectacular, the service impeccable, OK maybe there is a slight paucity of choice but what the hell are you expecting for £20 (£30 with wine).  A loss leader for sure, but a must try destination for anyone looking for something special.  Expect to fork out £100-130 for 2 eating off the a la carte with wine.  Try the 4 course tasting menu for £45 per head or £75 with course chosen wines.  Here’s the gist – Du Vin isnt inexpensive – but it can be!  Check out the menus here

Chef Paul Tamburrini has devised a menu using only the finest of natural ingredients, which demonstrates his expertise and skills, and showcases some of his favourite dishes.

Paul Tamburrini has worked for some of Scotland’s most prestigious five star establishments starting his career in 1989. He spent a year at Marco Pierre White’ Michelin starred L’escargot in London, and a year at the Michelin starred Airds Hotel in Scotland where he was head chef. The Bistro at Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens was opened with Paul as Executive Chef. The restaurant has gained 3AA Rosettes, and been awarded ‘Glasgow Restaurant of the Year’ by The List magazine, and ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ by The Metro Scotland Food & Drink Awards’. He has received great press reviews including 10/10 from Joanna Blythman, Sunday Herald, and 27/30 from Ron McKenna, The Herald.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro
1 Devonshire Gardens
Glasgow G12 0UX

T: +44 (0)141 339 2001