Five places to drink mulled wine

Bonhams, Byres Road, Glasgow, 0141-357 3424 A POPULAR haunt among staff from the nearby BBC and Glasgow University, a relaxed feel prevails here as diners linger over drinks before heading home or back to the office. Bonhams' very own special recipe mulled wine comes with a hearty dash of port, together with the usual cloves, cinnamon and fruits, making for a spicy tipple, and is priced #2.10 for a 175ml glass.

Brel, Ashton Lane, Glasgow, 0141-342 4966 A TASTE of Belgium in the heart of Glasgow's west end, Brel bar/bistro oozes effortless chic in the way no Celtic theme bar abroad ever could. They've just added mulled wine to the drinks menu, at #2 (small) or #3 (large) a glass which, along with its much-admired fruit-flavoured beers, puts a little extra taste into your tipple.

Maxies Wine Bar And Bistro, West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, 0131- 667 0845 Far less poncy than the name suggests, your request for a pint of bitter won't be met with raised eyebrows behind the bar. That said, it does offer a staggering selection of wines, and the laid- back atmosphere encourages a diverse set to sample them. Maxies' mulled wine is something special. Prices are #1.65 (125 ml), #2.30 (175ml) or #3.10 (250ml).

Traverse Bar, Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, 0131- 228 5383.

Being cooped up in an underground room with a load of suits and luvvies is no-one's idea of a good time, but thankfully the Traverse Bar is big enough to accommodate everyone and long enough to ensure you don't get blisters waiting to be served. Left to 'infuse' for three hours, the chef takes the business of seasonal merry-making seriously, with mulled wine at #2 a glass.

Whighams Wine Cellars, Hope Street, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 0131-225 8674 Long-established as a favourite among the city's west end office brigade, this wine cellar makes for a surprisingly civilised drinking and dining experience. Assorted candle-lit vaults lead off the central bar area, with stone flags adding to the secretive, subterranean ambience. Mulled wine is available at #2.20 a glass, or you can opt for one of the numerous unadulterated vinos on offer.

Claire Prentice

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