Celtic Connections Day 3

Stumbled into a newly opened cafe for brunch called Pania handily located halfway between our hotel and our first venue if the day, the Drygate Brewery. The cafe changes over to a Spanish type tapas bar in the evenings but serves a variety of egg dishes for brunch accompanied by the most delicious sourdough.

Brunch eaten we headed up to the Drygate in good time to watch the Battle of the folk bands. We were treated to five very different groups of musicians who had been shortlisted to appear as finalists. The final group of 4 young lads from Southern Ireland were robbed as they didn’t get chosen as the eventual winners but it was a great way to spend a couple of hours.

We headed back to the hotel to recharge our flagging batteries before heading back out at 7 to get the bus to Gloriosa, recently reviewed by Jay Rayner. We were not disappointed by our choice. Great ambiance and unusual food combinations based on a sharing plate basis. The focaccia was light and fluffy, the violet artichokes with fennel and mint were a taste sensation and the larger plates of chicken, Barnsley chop and pasta with pesto didn’t disappoint either. We pushed the boat out and enjoyed (non sharing) desserts.

Storm Isha was started to make its presence felt as it was pouring when we left the restaurant to head back to the Drygate for our second evening of late night sessions. The first act was the chap in my blip, Tim Dalling who performed a set based on the music hall genius of Ivor Cutler. Very very funny.

We lasted till 1.30 but left before the last act came on stage. Luckily it had dried up a little so we didn’t get too wet walking back to the hotel.

Backblipped Monday for Saturday.