Bar Varia within Snow Factor

Ah, the call of the mountains, the allure of the slopes. Anyone with even a rudimentary knowledge of après-ski will know that this is not about picking at a salad or wincing over a juiced carrot and avocado smoothie. No, bring us hearty Germanic victuals, the stomp of an oompah band and hey look, here’s a fashion spread saying lederhosen are chic. No, really.

Today’s Big Deal takes you no further than Renfrew and the enjoyably ersatz slopes of Snow Factor, but otherwise the atmosphere at Bar Varia is recognisably Bavarian, as is the cuisine. The offer temps you with main courses from a classic German menu.

Super cool hangout

An independent, Bavarian-themed restaurant and Bier Halle, Bar Varia is a super cool hangout at Snow Factor in Braehead.

A quirky ski-ing and mountaineering flavour runs through the venue.

As well as a stove from a bothy on Ben Nevis, Bar Varia is decorated with 1930s hickory shafted ice axes while the DJ booth is actually a gondola from the Nevis Range.

Wurst class

Available seven days, this excellent Big Deal is for two people to have a main course each from the Bar Varia menu.

The food at Bar Varia is all freshly prepared on site using natural ingredients. Paired with smiley, friendly staff, it makes for a fun meal.

The menu includes such Teutonic classics as the Wiener Schnitzel tenderised pork fillet served with Bavarian potato salad, Frickadelle Eintopf meatballs with crusty bread, and Wurst Adendessen sausages in homemade bier batter served with paprika salted chips, pickles and curried ketchup.

Add in Germanic comfort food staples like Currywurst and Goulash plus a section of burgers and its apparent that the true bierkeller experience awaits your order.

If appetites are ambitious, the substantial Uber Burger, Table Breaker platter and Steak options come with a £4.95 supplement.

An extensive list of great German and global beers are the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Happy diners

Visitors have been quick to praise Bar Varia. The friendly staff and lively atmosphere are often singled out for mention, as is the food.

This review was posted on TripAdvisor earlier this year:

‘Fantastic food and great service. Delicious authentic food served on a well stocked platter. Good quality at an affordable price. Helpful friendly staff, great place to take the family. We will definitely be back.’

Today’s Big Deal would be perfect after a session on the slopes at Snow Factor or after visiting any of the other attractions at Braehead.