The Curlers Rest used to be simply Curlers, a bright yellow eyesore next to Hillhead subway station. After closing for eight weeks and undergoing a £500,000 refurbishment, the pub has transformed from your typical student hangout into a surprisingly classy joint with a fireplace, solid oak tables and chandeliers.

Not surprisingly, this newly-posh pub serves equally posh gastropub fare, like potted pulled pork with apricot and ginger chutney and pan-fried Paris brown and oyster mushrooms with stilton on toast. I ordered the warm halloumi, avocado and toasted couscous salad (£8.50), which was served with watercress instead of avocado with no explanation from the waiter. The halloumi was grilled to perfection and the couscous was delicately flavoured, but I wished there was more of it, especially given the price tag. I was left hungry and forced to steal my dining partner’s wonderfully crispy chips.

We ordered coffees after our meal, which were served with a plate of tiny almond biscuits. It’s always nice when a restaurant throws in a little something for free – I’m oddly touched whenever I get an unexpected basket of bread or after dinner mint. However, we also ordered a sticky toffee pudding that never arrived – after waiting for half an hour, we asked for our money back.

They were clearly very busy and the staff handled our complaint in the best possible way – by apologising and refunding our money for the cake AND the coffees. But what will bring me back to Curlers Rest isn’t necessarily the food, but the beer. They have a range of 25 different draught world beers, ciders and real ales, and operate a ‘try before you buy’ policy.  I’m a big fan of the Witches’ Brew, a dark ale that’s currently featured as one of their seasonal beers.

And if you’re feeling a bit peckish while you’re sipping your ale (from a dimpled glass!), you can nibble on unusual bar snacks like wasabi peas, pigs’ cheeks and Cornish brie.

Oh, Curlers Rest. You had me at wasabi peas.

The Curlers Rest

256-260 Byres Road

Glasgow

G12 8SH

0141 341 0737

www.thecurlersrestglasgow.co.uk