A'Challtainn at Barras Art and Design

There is no greater test of affection than small plate sharing.

Should you take that last, delectable, dripping-in-butter garlic prawn or leave it for your dining companion?

It’s your call. The first option will satisfy your stomach but the second will certainly earn you brownie points.

Face down these dilemmas with today’s Big Deal for five sharing plates between two plus a glass of Prosecco each at award-winning seafood spot, A’Challtainn.

Stylish seafood restaurant

A’Challtainn (pronounced a cawl tain) is an upscale but relaxed seafood restaurant and cocktail bar.

Diners can try out the finest, sustainably sourced Scottish fish and shellfish in an airy atrium space based at the Barras Art and Design complex. Carefully crafted meat, veggie and vegan dishes are also available.

Whatever you order, you can expect everything to be beautifully presented on the plate (this is an arts and design venue, after all).

Sharing plates + Prosecco for two

Available for lunch and evening dining, this Big Deal gives you and a friend the chance to try out the menu with five small sharing plates between two.

You can enjoy it Tuesday to Friday until the end of July. You can also buy multiples, with up to eight people at a table.

In fact, this would be ideal for combining with an event at the BAaD, the Barrowlands or Saint Luke’s.

Delicious selection

Menus can change, but here is a sample of the kind of sharing plates that will be available:

Panko breaded monkfish, house katsu, burnt orange, sesame salad, peanut & crispy shallot

Stout-braised West Moss-side beef shin, spiced butter, langoustine & horseradish

Red kelp dashi, choi sum, aged miso, almond tofu (vg)

Stuffed mussels, chorizo, brioche crumb, smoked paprika aioli

Octopus carpaccio, herb salad, confit lime, smoked sea salt (v)

Warm salad of Arbroath smokies, confit potato, cured egg yolks, oyster cream

The question is, which five will you pick..?

Contemporary restaurant

A’Challtainn is based on a mezzanine level overlooking the BAaD courtyard. The cocktail bar nestles underneath it and provides fascinating views of the chefs at work. Why not head down there afterwards and enjoy a concoction or two?

Alternatively, if you are heading to a gig at the Barrowlands or Saint Luke’s, this would be a great spot to tuck into some sharing plates beforehand.

If you are driving, there is restricted on-street parking and pay parking at Spoutmouth. The nearest train station is Argyle Street, a 12-minute walk away.

Happy guests

A’Challtainn has been such a success with diners that it has earned itself a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

5pm customers have also been posting praise for it on our website:

‘Great seafood restaurant. Visited this restaurant partly because I was attending concert in nearby venue but mostly because of it’s growing reputation as a great seafood restaurant and I wasn’t disappointed. Good choice of dishes, all well presented and brought by friendly staff.’ 4.5/5

‘Great food – lovely venue. Very tasty fish and chips accompanied by an excellent Sauvignon Blanc. Very friendly service from all. Well done.’ 4.5/5

‘Wasn’t sure of the exact location as it’s pretty tucked away in the Barras but what a find. Huge area for drinks/eats downstairs plus kids and families welcome. Real mixed crowd but very comfortable atmosphere. We ate upstairs which was cosy, really busy but staff were brilliant, just a longer wait for one of the party’s complimentary drink. The food was amazing, I had oysters for starters, juicy that didn’t need any frills and fish n’ chips (as the next table told us how good they were and we weren’t disappointed). Fresh fish, perfect batter and home made tartare sauce, delicious. We all raved about it, to finish off we had chocolate fondant which wasn’t as gooey as I’d like but nice enough. We sat for long after our table was due without actually realising, drinks n chat. This is a wonderful happy place that you immediately feel welcome in. Can’t believe I’ve just found it??!! But it’s deffo the place for me, no question. Try it, I dare you not to be impressed!! Fab fab fab.’ 4.5/5

Tuck into upscale small plates

Got a gig at the Barrowlands or Saint Luke’s coming up? Or do you just fancy trying out an award-winning seafood spot and cocktail bar?

Either way, this Big Deal will give you and your dining partner a chance to try out a delectable selection of small plates.

Your only challenge will be deciding which ones to try (no fighting, now).