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The Guardian
5 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
I've eaten Subway for decades. Today's offering is a joyless abomination of its former glory
I've been eating Subway sandwiches for a quarter of a century. Mainly out of habit. 2001 Subway was something else: booth seating, ceiling fans with gold trim, leafy green house plants, faux brick and black-and-white New York cityscape wallpaper with a repeating Empire State Building frieze. Ahh. My go-to back then was a foot-long turkey sub on 'hearty Italian' bread, cheddar cheese (there was only cheddar), lettuce, tomato and cranberry sauce with a dusting of salt and pepper. To complete the meal, a choc-chip cookie and a small soft drink from the self-serve post-mix machine with two little stamps for my Sub Club card. Collect eight, you got a free sub. If you've eaten at Subway lately you might be thinking I'm getting confused with some other sandwich place. Sadly no. 2025 Subway is a joyless abomination of its former glory. Let's start with the interior. Today's Subways have embraced the modern bland: grey, white and beige with a feature wall in vomit green. The booths that haven't been heritage-listed are long gone, replaced with coloured seating cubes with no backs – I assume designed to make you leave. But what about the menu? Well, the subs are now almost as expensive as the nuclear ones. Hearty Italian bread went about 2002, the same year Subway stopped stocking cranberry sauce. I was outraged. My complaints to head office were numerous and ineffective. A couple of times I brought my own jar to the Subway enclave at my local BP service station. Management didn't mind but they weren't so keen on the knife. About 2018 Subway did briefly reintroduce cranberry 'relish'. It wasn't the same. Much drier. Back in the day the cranberry sauce would be in a big plastic squeeze bottle with the other sauces. You hoped you were served by a competent sandwich artist who knew to bang the bottle against the garbage slot in the counter first to get the water out. If they didn't you got a soaking wet sandwich. My dad's dad used to run pubs back in the 60s. 'Ice is the cheapest thing you can put in a glass,' he'd say. So I find it bizarre that Subway made the choice about 2020 to replace the post-mix machines with fridges supplying soft drink in plastic bottles. At least Hungry Jack's just moved drink machines behind the counter. But if you want ice at Subway, forget it. Remember the joy of licking a stamp and sticking it to your cardboard Sub Club card? Or better yet, finding a discarded stamp in the street and getting that free sub sooner than expected! Today Subway offers a plastic 'Subcard' with a QR code. The person serving you never asks if you've got one and rarely seems to know when you should scan it. The credit points expire, too. But it's not all bad. Subway introduced toasting ovens in 2005 so you have the choice of a 'toasted' or 'fresh' sub, which does somewhat imply toasted is the opposite of fresh. A tip for employees: if someone orders a classic chicken toasted, you still have to put the fillet in the microwave. Just toasting the bread with the chicken on top leaves the meaty interior the same temperature as the fridge. Modern Subway does offer more cheeses: cheddar, swiss or 'old English' (the orange one). And just this year Anzac biscuits made a welcome return. Subway had abandoned them in 2008 after the Department of Veterans' Affairs noticed it was calling them Anzac 'cookies' and not using the 'official' ingredients. This is why Australia has a Department of Veterans' Affairs. As far as fast-food napkins go, Subway has always had the best. If you reach into any of my jacket pockets you'll always find at least one Subway napkin from a lunchtime past. But Subway has stopped printing its logo on them so now the napkins are just plain white. What other fun features will Subway gradually strip away from its dining experience over the next 25 years? I'll let you know. David M Green is a comedian who reviews video tapes on the web series VHS Revue. He also wrote for Mad as Hell on ABC TV. You can follow him on BlueSky, Instagram and Facebook
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'best city for a night out' that was named top Europe party destination
It features famous nightclubs, acclaimed restaurants, and much more. Summer is here, which means more people across Scotland will be heading out with their friends for some fun. Now that the chill of winter is long behind us, it is the perfect time to enjoy a night on the town. There is no wrong way to have a night out, and everybody will have their own preferences. Some enjoy heading to a nightclub for an evening dancing, while others prefer a more quiet and laid-back activity. Deciding where to go is also a major decision to make, with Scotland's cities generally offering the most variety. One was even previously named among the best in Europe for night out. As previously reported by the Daily Record, Glasgow topped a list of Scottish cities based on factors like late-night events, dance clubs, public transport, and facilities such as hotels and restaurants. It was even described by the experts as a "city that never sleeps". When it comes to nightclubs in Glasgow, there is a huge range of options to consider. There are clubs to suit every taste and preference. Among the most popular nightclubs in the city are Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and La Cheetah. The former is among the world's longest-running underground dance clubs, and specialises in house and techno music. Elsewhere, another top nightclub in Glasgow is Club Tropicana. Unlike most clubs in the city, which play predominantly contemporary music, Club Tropicana is dedicated to the 1980s—with themed decor and special event nights. If club nights are not your thing, many other venues in Glasgow regularly host other types of live music. The city was even previously named the UK's first UNESCO City of Music. Whether you are into jazz or rock, there is a venue in Glasgow for you. King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, The Garage, and Barrowland Ballroom all regularly feature famous musicians from around the world. A more unique option for a night out in Glasgow is Fayre Play, which describes itself as "Scotland's first funfair games experience for adults". It features nine funfair games, including 'skee-baw' and duck hunt, while food and cocktails are also available. Meanwhile, there are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in Glasgow on a night out. From fine dining restaurants where you can enjoy a fancy dinner before heading out to takeaways you can nip into on the way home, you are spoiled for choice. The city is home to Michelin-starred restaurants UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers and Cail Bruich, while other popular choices include Ox and Finch, Ubiquitous Chip, and Sugo Pasta. On the other hand, heading to Blue Lagoon for a fish and chips after a night out is a rite of passage in Glasgow. Unsurprisingly, given its status as Scotland's biggest city, there is also no shortage of places to spend the night in Glasgow. Whether you are looking for a fancy hotel with a spa or just a place to rest your head, the options are endless. Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel is a five-star hotel in the heart of Glasgow. It features recently renovated rooms, a renowned spa, and even destination seafood restaurant iasg. Other accommodation options include the Dakota Hotel Glasgow and the Doubletree By Hilton Glasgow Central. There are also many Premier Inn and Travelodge hotels dotted around the city.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Six legendary Scottish nightclubs that closed over the years but are still unforgettable
Scotland's legendary nightclubs may be gone, but their memories live on. Here's a look back at six of the most iconic. If there's one thing Scots know how to do, it's enjoy a night out. Whether it's heading through to Glasgow or Edinburgh for a gig, or simply popping down to the local for a pint, everyone has their own way of unwinding. But sometimes, nothing hits quite like a proper night on the dancefloor. Scotland has been home to some iconic venues over the years, from the legendary Sub Club in Glasgow to Sneaky Pete's in the heart of Edinburgh. But while some names remain etched into nightlife history, others have sadly faded into memory as once-beloved nightclubs closed their doors for good. From the underground energy of The Arches in Glasgow to the buzzing crowds of Amadeus in Aberdeen, these venues defined weekends for a generation of revellers. Though they're long gone, the atmosphere, music, and unforgettable nights still live on in stories and nostalgia. Those who danced until dawn at these spots will never forget them. And for those who missed out, consider this your chance to discover what all the fuss was about. Here are the six legendary Scottish nightclubs that may be gone, but are certainly not forgotten. Eros and Elite, Edinburgh Buster Browns, Edinburgh Bonkers, Glasgow
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ewan McVicar: Working classes are being 'priced out' of culture
When Ewan McVicar was a a teenager, he would spend what money he had going to clubs while dreaming of becoming a superstar having realised his ambition, he fears the next generation of working class kids are being priced out of Scottish 31-year-old, who brings his Pavilion festival back to his native Ayr over the first weekend in May, is concerned the rising cost of going to gigs or clubs will stop people being energised by told BBC Scotland News he often felt alienated at industry events because they are dominated by people from affluent backgrounds. McVivar was working in a cold storage warehouse when his cover of Rufus track Tell Me Something Good cracked the Top 20 in the UK went on to be downloaded more than 83m previously spent years training to be a teacher, before deciding to to pursue his passion for DJ traces this back to watching rave documentaries as a teenager and going to nights at Glasgow's legendary Sub Club able to spend a few pounds and take in music is something that is increasingly rare, with major concerts often costing three figures, aided by controversial dynamic pricing systems - where the cost can increase if demand is high. "Going to clubs and gigs changed my life," he says."I ended up working at the Sub Club so I could see my favourites for free, and before that I'd spend a fiver going to see any DJ - that inspired me. "If I couldn't afford to do that, then none of this would ever have happened. "If you look deeper, that's where my story started – going to see a DJ or a band can change your life." McVicar's father died before he was born and, growing up in Ayr, he had to work hard for believes the current state of play will squeeze out people from ever getting into the music industry."Working class people getting priced out of things is getting worse and worse," he says."I know what it is like to be skint. About five years ago I was living off my overdraft. "If you look at football, working class people are being priced out of going to games and that's true in music too. "Look at the Brit Awards, nearly all the winners were privately educated apart from Sam Fender. "I feel quite alienated at these events where you'll ask someone how they got into there to perform and they'll say it's because their dad did this and that."I worked my buns off to get where I am." That attitude is why the Pavilion festival - named after a famed Ayrshire club night in the 90s - is so important to launched the event two years ago, having long wanted to make use of the Low Green area near the beach in the town. More than 7,000 people attended each day of the this year he has expanded it to three days, with the first day on 2 May presenting bands including James and will play the middle day of the festival alongside an array of other DJ's, including Annie Mac and Ben he is excited about the final day when Madchester pioneers the Happy Mondays top the bill. "Pavilion in the 90s was predominantly a rock club, where STREETrave [veteran Ayrshire promoters] happened to do dance events. "So I always kinda wanted to get bands into the festival."It's mental. If you said before the festival started that the Happy Mondays would be playing on the Low Green, then you'd be like 'aye, sure'." McVicar says there was plenty of scepticism surrounding his plans to hold events in Ayr, but also local support as now has the backing of South Ayrshire Council, who previously stated the weekend bash gave a "massive" financial boost to the there is one supporter of the event far more important than anyone else - his baby son Mac, who arrived in December."I've been back on tour the past couple of months and it gives me more of a purpose than ever," he smiles. "I was scared in a way because my whole life has always revolved around music and now I have even more of a reason to do bigger and better things. It's for him. "When I get home from tour the best thing ever is just seeing him smiling."You've done three flights but you see him and exhaustion just goes away." 'It feels crazy to be doing stuff this big' He admits the past year has seen some big changes, like Mac's arrival and buying his first home with fiancée Aimei Melvin. McVicar's life has changed musically too - he broke up with his management last year, having felt they didn't understand what he wanted from his career. Now, having performed in Japan and Korea, he has booked an American tour and also hopes to release new music."I definitely pinch myself," he says."It feels crazy to be doing stuff this big. There's a Scottish thing of being hard on yourself, and sometimes I don't give myself a pat on the back. "You see other artists and they're so confident, it almost verges on arrogance. "Maybe it would be easier to be like that - but I suppose it makes me who I am."
Glasgow Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Scottish Government has 'no interest' in nightlife culture
Mike Grieve, managing director of Glasgow's iconic Sub Club, said the Scottish Government's treatment of the nightlife industry is lagging behind the rest of the UK, and funding is too challenging for many in the sector to access. Mr Grieve, who chairs the Scottish Night Time Industries Association (SNTIA) and is a director of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), added that he is working on a Scottish Manifesto for the Night Time Economy due to be published in the coming weeks. Scotland lost more than 30% of its nightclubs in four years. The number of venues dropped from 125 to 83 between June 2020 and June 2024, according to the latest statistics from CGA Neilson. Speaking at a Save The Scene panel for stakeholders in Scotland's nightlife sector, Mr Grieve said: 'The Scottish Government has no interest in any cutting-edge culture. They see culture as that traditional, high culture. The kilts and shortbread culture. They don't actually see what we do as being cultural in the right way.' He added: 'They certainly don't support it financially compared to the rest of the UK.' (Image: Newsquest) Mr Grieve criticised the Scottish Government for not using UK Treasury funding to provide the same level of rates relief to nightclubs in Scotland as is happening with their English counterparts. In the 2024-25 financial year, eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England were offered 75% rates relief. From April 1 it was reduced to a 40% discount on business rates bills, capped at £110,00 per business. The UK Government described the move as an interim safeguarding measure until a permanent reform of the business rates system is introduced in 2026. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: 'Scotland's hospitality industry benefits from the most generous small business rates relief in the UK, with around half of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors continuing to be eligible for 100% Small Business Bonus Scheme relief. 'The Scottish Budget 2025-26 provides 40% non-domestic rates relief for hospitality premises liable for the Basic Property Rate, including grassroots music venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people, capped at £110,000 per business.' Hospitality businesses with a rateable value up to and including £51,000 are liable for the Basic Property Rate. This excludes around 2,600 hospitality businesses in Scotland, such as larger venues, with a rateable value above the threshold. In 2025-26, the Scottish Government said it plans to freeze the Basic Property Rate and provide a package of reliefs worth an estimated £731 million. Attendees at the event on April 9, including club promoters, DJs, musicians, sound and light technicians and more, suggested they 'hadn't experienced any effects of government funding' on their practices. Mr Grieve said: 'The reality is, sadly, the funding. What funding there is is inaccessible to people. I doubt there are very many people in this room who would know how to access any funding for any kind of cultural activity. And I think that's almost deliberate in our country. 'Sadly, I think you go to other countries in Europe, they make it easy for people to access whatever funding is there.' Creative Scotland distributes Scottish Government and National Lottery funding for the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland. It supports the live music sector via its Open Fund. The Open Fund was temporarily closed last year due to budget uncertainty, which led to a major crisis in the arts sector. Creative Scotland is currently under review. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: 'We have demonstrated steadfast support for culture and the arts in Scotland, with game-changing increases in funding for the sector. 'The highest ever number of artists and organisations will receive regular funding from Creative Scotland this financial year – including grassroots and community culture as well as the music sector.' Referencing the independent Nightlife Taskforce introduced in London in February and the Dublin City Night-time Economy strategy released in autumn 2024, Mr Grieve said: 'There are other examples around the UK and beyond the UK where nightlife (economic activity that occurs after 6pm) is taken seriously by the government.' There is hope that the forthcoming Scottish version of the NTIA's Darkest Before The Dawn Manifesto could provide a framework that offers key recommendations for policymakers on how best to support Scotland's night-time economy. Mr Grieve said: 'The idea is to produce a strategy for developing nightlife within Scotland, across the board.' He is also working with Glasgow's City Centre Taskforce to produce a nighttime vision for Glasgow city centre.
