Tabac.

 To kick off my big, continuous pub crawl, I decided to start with a bar I've been to before - somewhere I know I like - Tabac. Situated on Mitchell Lane (directly across from the lighthouse, which is also worth a visit), just off Buchanan Street, Tabac is right in the city centre, making it very easy to get to.

Tabac from Mitchell Lane

 Walking along Mitchell Lane, Tabac is the kind of place you could quite easily walk by if you didn't know it was there, but looking in, the place looks warm and inviting - especially on a night as cold as last night was. Inside, Tabac has a unique look and feel to it, with some unusual decor choices (where else would you find cigarette machines repurposed as fish tanks?) and some even more unusual artwork on the walls; both of which serve only to make Tabac stand out and be more memorable than other bars.
 At the weekends, Tabac have their very own DJs, playing a selection of tunes as unconventional as the place itself, which very much fits with the general feel of the place. While Tabac isn't a huge bar, it was large enough to feel busy and lively without being overcrowded, and service was still exceptionally quick. We had a variety of drinks between us , all of which were extremely good and very reasonably priced, and the cocktails in particular were quite entertaining to watch getting made, making the wait for drinks less of a chore and more of an experience in itself.

Tabac from inside (apologies for the poor photos)

 Up the back of Tabac is the somewhat mysterious Panther Milk Bar, which is hidden behind a fire exit, adding to the intrigue. Inside however, the Panther Milk Bar is a small, candlelit, speakeasy-style bar, which only serves the drink after which it is named. While I've been before (and would definitely recommend a visit), the Panther Milk Bar had unfortunately been run dry of their signature drink, so we didn't stay - my only disappointment of the night.

Overall, Tabac is one of the most individual and distinctive bars I've been to - while not being so quirky as to make you feel out of place. As the first visit as part of my blog, Tabac has certainly set the bar very high, and I will be sure to return in the future. As usual, be sure to have a swatch of the insta.

Score: 8/10