Tchai Ovna Under Threat

Some news from the West End of Glasgow which I was quite shocked to hear, but it appears that there is a chance that Tchai Ovna (which is a really cool and charismatic tea shop) may end up going the way of other notables like Insomnia (the old 24hour opening one, not the restricted opening one we have now). According to an article buried in The List (Jul-Aug edition) Glasgow city council has granted planning permission for a block of flats, to be put up next to/in Tchai's garden (which used to be wasteland and not strictly part of Tchai Ovna).

Just what we need more luxury flats in Glasgow's West End, where you'll pay in excess of £100,000 for a nice 2 bed flat, and at the expense of one of the most charismatic places and venues in the whole of Glasgow.

Tchai Ovna (http://www.tchaiovna.com/) was started by Martin Fell and his brother 4 years ago, whilst they were students at Glasgow Uni and since then has become focal point of community, playing host to gigs and poetry readings. And no one would ever be derided for spending some time (or even foregoing a whole night on the piss) in this haven of non-alcoholic beverage.

My experience of Tchai was back when a friend of mine used to run an acoustic open mike night (well a little warning was appreciated), and comprised of about 8 of us trooping down to hear another friend play. We sat about and drank tea...lots of tea.