Your weekend local doesn't have to be a drab affair, there's plenty of bars and diners across Scotland channelling themes to lighten up your food and drink options.
Picking a theme doesn't equate to a drop in quality either - here are selection of great bars and restaurants across Scotland that have kept themselves loyal to their idea and offer food, drink and bags of atmosphere.
(26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EN)
Converted from an old Church in Edinburgh's historic George IV Bridge - Frankenstein's provides a suitably spooky atmosphere, from the gothic Church decor, to hidden restrooms behind creaking book cases, 'monster' burgers and eery-looking cocktails. Frankensteins attracts a large tourist contingent but still can be fun for an Edinburgh native, with a good music selection using blasting from the parapet-come-DJ booth.
(79 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NF)
Director of Panda & Sons Iain McPherson . Picture: TSPL
A modern twist on the old-fashioned. To the quick-glancing passer-by, it would be easy to mistake this establishment for a vintage barbers - but the facade up front is to hide the speakeasy style bar located below. Pandas & Sons decor definitely gives the establishment some extra quirky charm, but their selection of cocktails more than speak for themselves.
(71-77 Byres Road, Glasgow G11 5HN)
Bringing a slice of the Deep South to the heart of the West. Bar Gumbo in Glasgow takes it's New Orleans influences seriously - from its selection of rib dishes, to catfish bites, to Bourbon Milk cocktails and a rotating selection of Blues acts. New Orleans cuisine is world-famous and Bar Gumbo is offering a taste on your doorstep.
(162 Bath Street, Glasgow G2)
Basing your bar/club on a flat similar to the one people left to get there may just be a stroke of genius. Everyone remembers those great house parties - whereas nights in pubs can fade into a blur. Flat 0/1 is as rough around the edges as the flats it's based on, but you have to admire an establishment looking to bring back 'Frosty Jacks' to some degree of decency.
(18 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BJ
Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8LX)
White Russians? The Dude definitely abides. The twin Lebowski's bars on both the East and West look to honour the Coen Brothers cult classic. Their dedication to the White Russian classic (the favourite of Jeff Bridges character) is highly impressive - with multiple variations. The burger selection also makes for good eating, if you're after something dirty with all the trimmings.
(14-18 Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JH)
In a similar vein to Edinburgh's Frankenstein's - Slains Castle draws its inspiration from the literary world. Channelling the spookiness of Bram Stoker's Dracula into a renovated church - Slains breakfast menu is difficult to beat for a fix of quick, tasty grub whilst their 'Saint or Sinner?' themed cocktail selection is a nice touch to the conventional drinks listings.
(3 Murray Street, Perth, PH1 5PJ)
If you're hungry for pub-grub but are something a little different in Perthshire, The Foundry got its name from the ironworks which used to be in its place. This means the whole building is blessed with tall arched ceilings and a cool industrial feel. If you're looking for a swanky establishment for a romantic meal - then you're best to look elsewhere. If you're looking for comfort food, a fine beer selection and plenty of atmosphere then head into the heart of the ironworks.
