Brutti Compadres

Given the chance, we would love to spend the next few weeks sitting out the winter by scoffing tapas on a bar terrace somewhere in the Med.

Given that we haven’t seen our fairy godmother since the end of the panto season, that happy dream is looking unlikely.

Happily, today’s Big Deal on tapas and wine to share from Brutti Compadres can keep the fantasy alive.

Brutti Compadres – it means ugly mates – is a laid back and stylish cafe bar tucked away in Virginia Court in the Merchant City.

Built on the site of the original tobacco exchange, it is an innovative space that combines a soft industrial decor with witty pieces of art.

If you can imagine a hip Barcelona bar and kitchen with a Glasgow accent then you are in the same ballpark as Brutti Compadres.

Little plates, big flavours

Available from noon to 10pm, seven days a week, this offer is for two people to share six small plates plus a bottle of house wine at Brutti Compadres.

Split into veggie, meat, fish and seafood sections, there is plenty of choice.

We like the idea of the halloumi with chilli; some wild mushroom crostini; haggis croquettes in a whisky sauce; squid in its own ink and the Brutti fish pie.

Although we are tempted by the chipolatas in streaky bacon – the only thing we miss about Christmas dinner.

The seafood dishes are always very popular with lots of diners mentioning the ‘angry’ and ‘peaceful’ prawns – two dishes which you should really choose if only to find out what got the angry prawns so riled.

We’re guessing chilli.

Happy guests

Brutti Compadres has been winning friends on their Facebook page:

‘Been dying to try this place for ages and I wasn’t disappointed. Tucked away in a lovely little fairy light-lit lane, it’s the perfect setting if you wish to slip away and relax from the hustle and bustle of city life. Food was gorgeous, (I highly recommend the peaceful prawns). The staff where really helpful, engaging and genuinely friendly. All in all a lovely time was spent by me and my mum in Brutti Compadres.’

And on TripAdvisor:

‘Hidden delight. Been here several times now and still worry I won’t find it! In lovely little passage behind M and S that reminds me of similar ones in Prague. Spanish tapas style dishes with great range to choose from and excellent choice of wines. Good value for this quality of food (would especially recommend the angry prawns). Staff really friendly and attentive… What’s not to love? Would recommend highly.’

Vouchers are valid until the end of February which means that this offer would be ideal if you fancy dinner before a Celtic Connections gig at the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall or the Tron.

This offer is user-friendly, flexible and rather tasty.

You could also use it for Sunday lunch; a catch-up dinner with a friend; a break in a shopping trip; an after work bite or simply as an alternative to another lunch in the office.

Brutti Compadres may mean ugly mates but this is a handsome offer and we’re going to take all our pals – even the ones with the wonky teeth and slightly too big ears.