Ken Loach has always had a varied career, and has always been one of the UK’s most socially engaged filmmakers. Given this, it is unlikely that even his most ardent fan will have expected The Angels’ Share – a Scottish heist movie!

The film starts with a rogue’s gallery of the main characters on the day of their criminal sentencing, each ordered to perform Community Payback. One, Robbie (newcomer Paul Brannigan), stands out because of the ferocious violence of his crime. His sentence does not please those he had attacked, who are now out for revenge. The family of his pregnant girlfriend want him out of her life, but on the birth of his son, Robbie vows to go on the straight and narrow and put his past behind him. The foreman of his Community Payback group, with whom he strikes up a friendship, turns out to be a whisky buff. Robbie becomes interested in the subject, for which he has an unexpected talent and appreciation. When a cask of extremely rare and valuable whisky comes up for auction, Robbie finally sees a way out.

Even from this description, it’s obvious that the film is uneven in tone; establishing Robbie’s life as one of quiet desperation is standard Loach fare, but this is forgotten when the film turns its focus to the great whisky caper. Of course, being Loach, Mission: Impossible it’s not – a headlamp and some rubber tubing is as hi-tech as it gets – but it is very funny and very likeable, with some excellent supporting characters, and may be the most purely enjoyable film of the director’s illustrious career.

We've teamed up with Jute Cafe Bar to toast the release of The Angels' Share with a special whisky deal*. Audience members attending the 19:00 screening on 1 June will be able to take their pick from a range of Monkey Shoulder cocktails or a dram to take into the cinema for free, and throughout the film's run you'll be able to buy one of these drinks for £3. Slainte!

*Terms and conditions apply. Offer is only available for those who are 18 years or over.