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Sister venue to Mono, Stereo, The Old Hairdresser’s and The 78, The Flying Duck began life in 2007 as a dedicated nightclub and sometimes gig venue in the basement of a tenement building adjacent to the Herald building at the top of Renfield Street. But over the years its hours have been extended and its scope widened so that now it’s also recognised as a bar-café, serving a limited but good quality menu at great prices – pretty much everything costs a fiver or less.
The feel is shabby-chic, with vintage furniture dotted around or deconstructed and stapled to the walls, and a bar styled like a kitchen replete with old units (don’t be confused if staff offer you free toast while you’re dancing, it’s house policy). Long-running monthly clubnights include Singles Night – indie, soul and rock’n’roll from Belle & Sebastian’s Chris Geddes – hip hop/disco/new wave party Houndin the Streets, and Swedish-themed night Super Trouper, among others.
The food – all vegan, as all food at this family of venues is – begins with basic lunchtime specials such as soup and sandwiches, and runs all day until 10pm around a mainstay of veggie burgers, hot dogs (onions, chilli or a full currywurst upgrade optional), mezze platters, nachos and tacos (on Taco Tuesday you can get two for just £2). Food is geared less around meals, more accompaniments to beer (can of Oranjeboom and a burger for £5 on Thursdays).
As well as retro board games and books, there are also regular events, including a Monday night quiz, and life-drawing on Tuesdays.