My first time at the Tiki Bar in Glasgow - and hopefully not my last, despite a couple of minor teething troubles. I was double booked, so was asked if I could change the time of my class. I got in touch with the girls and put the request to them, and - possibly motivated by the offer of some free cocktails from the bar staff - they happily agreed.
It's a great venue. The decor is perfect for a class like this. The fact that they describe themselves as a "Bar and Kitsch Inn" says it all, really. On the day I found this place, I had been walking the streets of Glasgow, checking out all the options and it started pouring down - typical Scottish weather, I suppose. I was soaked right through to the skin, but still slogging on. I fell in love with this place from the moment I saw it, though - I knew it would be ideal. I spoke to a barman, who promised to pass on my message to the bar manageress. Frustratingly, that usually means my inquiry will go no further - even if I make follow-up 'phone calls. But this time, the manageress called me up the very next day for more information and seemed to love the idea.
So... four free jugs of cocktails, a group of happy hens and a bride who - for some reason - completely refused to divulge the name of her future husband to all her friends. I found that to be very enigmatic and wondered whether they had invitations to her wedding. Perhaps they'd only find out who he was when they turned up at the church?
The girls arrived very slightly early, so we got started right away to make the most of the tight scheduling - but we still had other people coming into the room before we were done. A charity cocktail-making class were the next group due in and it seemed they had to decorate the room in advance. Cue one startled lady, who clearly wasn't expecting a naked man to be there, as well.
After the class was done and after I got dressed and tidied up, I saw the girls ahead of me as I was heading to the bus station. I caught up to them and apologised. I was a little concerned that they felt a bit harried right at the end, and wanted to make sure they were all still happy with their event. They were all completely cool, though - and assured me that they'd had a great time.
And so... off to Buchanan Street for the bus back to Edinburgh.
