We review Made in Glasgow food trail visiting Vega, Swadish and the Gate

So, when we were invited to try three out of almost fifty restaurants taking part in the #MadeInGlasgow food and drink campaign in one afternoon we were more than happy to take on the challenge.

Here's how it went:

What better way to start the day than by taking a birdseye view of the city we're about to explore at Vega.

It's fun, flashy and just a little over the top in the best kind of way as crowds of Sunday brunches gather around us. 

Pictured: A fun combo platter of snacks

In keeping with the infectious party atmosphere, we're served a selection of snacks as a 'combo platter' including nachos with dip, olives and moreish kernels of giant chilli corn.

Granted, it's not the most foodie focused stop on the map but a visit to Vega is an experience in itself, especially if you go all out with a game of bowling.

Pictured: A Gutterball and Red Dust cocktail

While hours could easily be spent people spotting from high up on our Argyle Street perch, it's soon time to make our way to Merchant City where we'll be welcomed warmly at Swadish.

Pictured: Inside Swadish on Ingram Street

This Ingram Street restaurant has recently been awarded the prestigious title of the Best Indian in Scotland and, in our humble opinion, it's a win well deserved.

As we're seated we find ourselves distracted by nearby tables that have chosen to indulge in 'big daddy' grills, a pre-ordered special that arrives with a series of loud sizzle and pops filling the air with a heady swirl of spices.

Thankfully, our own perfectly sized portions of curries and steamed rice arrive in no time, curing any sudden bouts of found envy.

A classic butter chicken hits the spot while Swadish earns extra points for a clearly marked vegan menu from which we order a punchy dish of garlic and chilli mixed mushrooms with soya chunks.

Pictured: A close up of our vegan friendly main dish

There's no shame in admitting that not a single scrap of our crispy nan bread is left as we say our goodbyes and journey on to the day's final stop.

Pictured: The Gate in Glasgow's East End is our final stop

The only hint of regret we have throughout the entire Made in Glasgow experience is in wondering why had never walked through the sunshine yellow entrance to The Gate before.

Taking welcome refuge from the queues of teenage superfans who had started to gather for a gig across the street from the Barrowland Ballroom, the cosy interior of the 'modern Scottish Pub' is an oasis of calm.

Pictured: A selection of cocktails from the Gate's ever evolving menu

As for the drinks?

There aren’t many places that could serve a cocktail list with ingredients like Miso Washed Highland Park Whisky or 'discarded' banana rum with barely a whiff of pretension. The Gate manages just that.

Pictured: Staff were happy to talk us through more unusual ingredients like Miso Washed Whisky

Their laid back yet confident approach to service goes further still as we leaf through the menu to find that the bar's main food offering is a carefully curated selection of cheese toasties.

Comfort food carbs and show stopping cocktails all under one roof?

Just like that, we make an instant promise to return.

There’s no need to take on multiple locations in one day as we have when giving the Made in Glasgow map a go.

Pictured: A map of the Made in Glasgow campaign

However, in doing so we've discovered a fantastic way to appreciate the variety our local Food and Drink scene has to offer, which is ultimately the goal of the Made In Glasgow campaign.

From casual bar snacks in the heart of the city to irresistibly sophisticated cocktails in the East End, it’s been a true showcase of what Glasgow brings to the table, even after a challenging two years for its hospitality industry.

We end the day, full, happy and having fallen in love with the city all over again.

The Made in Glasgow campaign runs until May 31. For more information click here.