Make BRU your new third space in Glasgow

A third place is descriptively known as the social concept of a social setting that is seperate from your usual two environments of home and the workplace. This is the space for you to socialise away from responsibilities and expectations, enjoy your down time, participate in leisurely activities, whatever they may be. It is often thought that most people now are missing a third space, and that is where BRU comes in, providing a third space for the people of Thornwood, and any other visitors.

With its spacious indoor eatery and plenty of outdoor room, as well as being dog-friendly and child-friendly, BRU has been designed with escapism and comfort in mind. Catch up with a friend over a cup of coffee at one of the sunlight tables indoors, or take it outside and banter over a pint and pizza to wash away the workday. Unlike any old pub, BRU really does aim to be your reliable home away from home.

Local and seasonal is the name of the game at BRU. Saying “Customers can expect pints from Overtone brewery and Williams Brothers, coffee from Good Coffee Cartel, milk from Mossgiel Organic Farm, ceramics from Pots from Scots, eggs from Corrie Mains Farm, bread from Soja’s Bakehouse,” if it can be found locally, be sure that it’s made its way over to BRU’s dishes.

The menu consists of brunch, small plates, pizzas, and dessert. From 10am to 4pm, get your hands on a South African big breakfast with beef and pork sausages, chakalaka (spiced vegetable relish), brie, red onion and caramelised pear croissant, or the highly anticipated Brekkie Bunny Chow. Taking the traditional South African street food dish of Bunny Chow and breakfastfying it, you’ll receive a crispy Morton’s roll hollowed and filled with a butter bean & sweet potato curry topped with a Corrie Mains fried egg.

Dinner is on from 4 pm, and we always start with a few share plates. Top picks at BRU are always halloumi sticks, prawn crostini, sweet potato fries, and the Mexican bean salad. But, a special mention goes to their Biltong – which is not always easy to find! The traditional dried cured meat is a must-try for those who haven’t, offering a texture and taste similar to jerky, but just so much better.

No one’s coming to BRU’s and not getting a pizza. The gourmet pizza menu keeps it simple, which we’re fine with because they do it very well. Try the Hey BRU with boerewors and chakalaka, the Med Veg with Mediterranean vegetables and sun dried tomato pesto, the succulent Lamb pizza with slow braised lamb, red onion, feta, rocket & tzatziki, or the slightly niche Black Pudding pizza with Stornoway black pudding, caramelised pear, blue cheese and honey drizzle. All made to blown minds and keep you coming back for more.

If you’re anything like us, no meal is complete without a sweet element to round things off. In BRU’s case, you have two options: dessert or a delicious cocktail. Or both, we would never judge.

On the dessert menu you’ll find a range of out of the box desserts, starting with their Nutella and mascarpone calzone, and the Cranachan with toasted oats mixed with vegan whisky cream, raspberries and maple. Try the Malva pudding, South Africa’s take on the sticky toffee classic served with vanilla ice cream or the Melktart, similar to a custard tart and made from milk, flour, sugar and eggs.

If a nightcap is more your speed, BRU will not disappoint. Choose from all the classics, from an espresso martini to an lychee martini to amaretto sour or passionfruit mojito. Otherwise, direct your gaze to the dessert drinks section of the menu and you’ll find delights such as a rum hot chocolate, Kahlua dom pedro boozy milkshake, an Irish coffee, or a Windsor port.

BRU certainly doesn’t skimp on their drinks list, offering a multitude of local and craft beers, from a smooth creamy stout to an alcoholic lemon brew. The wine list stays equally impressive with blends from Sicily, France, Spain, and of course plenty from South Africa. Best enjoyed at one of BRU’s outdoor tables or hidden indoor sunspots, sit back and relax with a cold one in hand and let BRU really keep you at peace during your stay.

You’ll find BRU at 734 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6RD, open Wednesday to Monday 10 am to 10 pm. Book your table here! 

Don’t forget to sign up to Dish Cult Rewards when you dine at BRU. Then simply use the card you’ve registered to pay for your meal here so you can earn your points!