Reviews and Awards for The 78

In 2008 The 78 was in the Top 5 Best Places To Drink (Scotland) in the Observer Food Monthly readers awards and was also nominated in the Vegetarian Society Awards for the category Best Independent Pub for Vegetarian Food.

In 2009 The 78 was short listed in the Best Non-Approved Catering for Vegetarians Category by the Vegetarian Society.

What the papers say...

"The falafel platter comes with more extras than expected, including a sweet potato dip which proves the perfect addition to the densely packed, nutty-tasting falafels. However, the true skill of the chef is demonstrated in the seemingly less-imaginative options. The veggie burger, for example, so often the last resort for vegetarians eating from less accommodating menus, is a flavourful blend of vegetables, herbs and spices and is possibly the best in Glasgow. For afters there is a particularly indulgent cake selection. The chocolate and orange torte is rich and moist, proving that high-quality desserts need not rely on dairy produce. With friendly staff and an unhurried, relaxed atmosphere The 78 proves a thoroughly lovely place to spend an afternoon."

The List Eating and Drinking Guide 2009

"Firstly, the food. Most pubs do the minimum for vegetarians - chances are you'll get a veggie burger that glows like a spill at a nuclear plant and tastes rubbish. The 78 is the opposite. Superb vegetarian and vegan food is clearly at the top of their priorities.I took some grumbly friends of the what-would-be-the-point-of-cows-if-we-didn't-eat-meat school and they didn't complain because they were too busy munching. The food is glorious: onion rings as big as tractor tyres; lusciously good spinach curry; and humous and bread that are in love with each other. OK, the menu is small but that's because it's made properly; not heated up with a ping! But the beer! The chiller is humungous and is filled with brands that don't get a look-in elsewhere. Beers I've never heard of. Beers I want to try. Beers I do try. Repeatedly. Someone's had a lot of fun compiling the stocklist here and really knows what they're doing. The 78 is original and warm and comfortable and fun. And those onion rings. Brilliant."

"If the relative hustle 'n' bustle of nearby Byres Road is bringing you down, then head to 78, a boho bar - all simple wooden furniture, roaring fire, scattered sofas, vintage blues plick-plucking away in the background - that maintains a permanent air of unruffled, easy going calm. The main draw is 78's unusually zippy vegan menu, complimented by a range of, largely organic, beers. Staples like the falafel are memorable, the spiced chickpea burger or the roasted garlic hummus vibrant, while the salads, for instance the Thai aubergine, roasted pepper and smoked tofu with candied nuts and a sesame and lime dressing, are indicative of the kitchen's creative vigour. For a quick snack, grab a bottle of Caledonian Brewery's Golden Promise and a plate of beer-battered onion rings with BBQ sauce."

guardian.co.uk