Travel guide — after dark

Top ten bars & pubs in Glasgow

Glasgow has an extremely large and vibrant pub scene, so to pick just 10 was extremely difficult — in fact near impossible. Therefore we have gone for 10 of Glasgow’s oldest, most iconic or quirkiest bars.

Bars with status or history, which show you the “old world” Glasgow but still offer that Glasgow charm and banter. We hope you enjoy your time trying them out.

Sloan’s

This hostelry in Argyll Court off Argyll Street started life in 1797 as a coffee house. David Sloan bought the venue at the turn of the 20th century, transforming it into a lounge bar, dining rooms, cocktail bar and ballroom. A major renovation in 2006 brought back some of the original features. The courtyard is now a fairy-lit beer garden, and the ballroom can be hired for weddings, celebrations and events. Worth a visit, not just for food and drink but also to see the building and the architecture.

The Finnieston

The Finnieston has done a great job standing up to tough competition in Glasgow’s newest “trendy” area. All wooden beams, snug nooks and crannies and a lived-in feel, the pub gives off an air of superiority on this street full of great bars. The drinks are all very grown up with cool cocktails and a huge selection of gins. It’s a talking pub, so perfect for sitting and catching up with friends or chatting away to the friendly bar staff.

Bon Accord

Situated a couple of minutes’ walk from the Mitchell Library, this pub is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and whisky drinkers alike. The pub sells more than 400 whiskies on its gantry and even has its own online shop. The owner’s ethos is quite simple, centering on excellent products and excellent service.

The Pot Still

The Pot Still vies with the Bon Accord as the whisky capital of Glasgow, with over 700 in stock. Situated on Hope Street, a few blocks up from Central Station, wine and spirits have been a feature of this establishment since 1867. Try one of their homemade pies with your dram or ale — you won’t be disappointed.

The Waterloo

Glasgow’s oldest gay bar welcomes everyone into their friendly, inclusive venue. The pub is well known for its midweek entertainment as well as its mixed crowd. Expect a lively, upbeat atmosphere in this pub, which has a DJ playing most evenings as well as an array of colourful and wonderful characters.

Cottiers

This bar, restaurant and performance venue in Hyndland is one of the most popular in the West End, offering a range of opportunities for socialising and entertainment. For a wide range of beers it’s hard to beat. The complex of buildings that make up Cottiers is under the care of the Four Acres Trust, who have been looking after its restoration for more than 20 years. It’s a complete three-in-one package: drink, theatre and then after-show supper.

The Horseshoe Bar

This famous pub in Drury Street is notable for its 31m Victorian bar, reputedly the longest in Europe. The pub is also famous for its good value food, a reputation that goes back to the 1960s when you could buy a three-course meal for two shillings. In 1988 The Horseshoe was classified by Historic Scotland as a category A listed building of historical importance, safeguarding both the external structure and interior from modernisation. It’s a busy place whenever you visit.

The Laurieston Bar

As retro bars go, few can beat this famous Glasgow institution in Bridge Street with its atmosphere of the 1970s. The decor hasn’t changed in 40 years, and why should it? Light years from some of the city’s trendy drinking establishments, it’s a breath of fresh air. Pop in for a pint, banter, a hot pie from a vintage pie-heating machine and a wonderful trip down memory lane.

Hillhead Bookclub

Where else can you drink cocktails from a gramophone, play table tennis and Pac-Man while listening to the latest tunes? Only at Hillhead Bookclub — you can even take your dog along. A quirky, cool and fun experience only minutes from Hillhead subway station in Glasgow’s trendy West End. This fantastically decorated pleasure dome is one of Glasgow’s favourite hangouts.

Maggie May’s

This bar hits our top ten not because it’s the coolest or the trendiest but because it rocks with live bands seven days a week, plays all the major sporting fixtures and even has ping pong tournaments in the basement. This large industrial-sized bar is full of a mix of patrons: students, parents, trendies, couples and groups all party together in this huge venue. They also sell pub grub at reasonable prices — but be careful, as you may pop in for lunch and leave at 3am. Hey, that’s Glasgow for you!

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