Where to drink
Stereo
Simple Minds, Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian. Three titans of music who all herald from the city of Glasgow. And while none of them actually played at noted Glasgow venue Stereo, they do illustrate the the importance of places like this as a part of the city’s rich musical heritage. So our first bar – while it is a bar – is also something of a club. A club with a bar and a vegan cafe in it. Did we mention Glasgow’s the ‘vegan capital of Britain’? No? You’ll soon see.
22-28 Renfield Ln, G2 6PH
www.stereocafebar.com
Chinaski's
There’s something oddly morose about naming a bar after famed author and boozer Charles Bukowski’s alter ego. But if you look past the misplaced nod to his infamous alcoholism and just enjoy the vastness of Chinaski’s whisky list. You’ll probably not be too bothered. Plus, the bar itself is very welcoming. There’s also some really excellent food on the go here and if you don’t like whisky, don’t worry there are plenty of other options.
239 North St, G3 7DL
chinaskis.com/
The Vintage
As if you needed any more evidence of just how cool Glasgow is. The Vintage at Drygate brewery is a stripped down bar and restaurant that combines the work of upstart craft brewers Williams Brothers with the foundations laid by Glasgow stalwarts Tennants. This is more than just your average brewery bar. The beers are all (obviously) brewed in house and the food has been been locally sourced to really compliment the drinks. Expect to be dazzled.
85 Drygate, G4 0UT
drygate.com/
Where to eat
The Gannet
Never has a restaurant so uniquely epitomised the regeneration of an area as well as the Gannet. Located on the rather trendy Argyll St in Finnieston, this place serves up truly unbeatable contemporary British food. What’s really great about the Gannet though is its modesty. From the stripped down interior of the glass, wood and metal decor to the easy reading menu. It’s one big undersell. But once you’re inside, you’ll quickly discover it’s anything but simple.
1155 Argyle St, G3 8TB
www.thegannetgla.com
The Finnieston
If like us, you enjoy the finer things in life then to hear that the Finnieston serves a menu of oysters and gin, will be music to your ears. But this place doesn’t just bang out any old seafood. It takes pride in finding the freshest and best possible produce. Whether you’re guzzling down shellfish or picking at locally sourced seabass, it’s got it all. And with a phenomenal list of gins, wine and beer to match, you’ll likely be in gourmet heaven. The interior is typically comfortable for bohemian Argyll street
1125 Argyle St, G3 8ND
www.thefinniestonbar.com
Nanakusa
Looking like it would be altogether more at home in Tokyo than Glasgow, Nanakusa is a stylish, modern Japanese restaurant that has taken the city by storm. All wood panelling and light boxes, this restaurant embraces the now familiar canteen vibe of larger Japanese restaurants but still keeps you seated separately. The food is a great match for its location, as the fresh local fish is put to great use in some delicious sushi and sashimi dishes. If you love Japanese food, you’ll be right at home here.
441 Sauchiehall St, G2 3LG
www.nanakusa.co.uk
What to do
Riverside Museum
Even if you don’t go inside the museum of transport (which you should), then just to stand outside this incredible building and gawk at it is almost enough. Designed by the incredible Zaha Hadid, it has become an indelible part of Glasgow’s landscape. And for that alone it should be commended. Of course, it helps that if you go inside it also houses some of the world’s finest, cars, motorbikes, locomotives and trams. But that’s just a bonus.
100 Pointhouse Rd, G3 8RS
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/riverside
Glasgow Cathedral
Over the past two centuries, Glasgow has absorbed so many different cultures that you’d think it’d lose its own identity a bit. But that’s just not the case. A fact that’s never more obvious than when looking at its architecture. From the ultra modern vernacular of the Riverside Museum to the ancient Gothic splendour of Glasgow Cathedral. Visit this stunning building and get lost in its dark, ornate history. It’s as enlightening as it can be spiritual, depending on your persuasion.
Castle St, G4 0QZ
www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk
Auchentoshan Distillery
It’s a cliche, definitely, but are you really going to come all this way and not try some whisky? The Lowlands region may not have an abundance of distilleries but if you are going to visit one then we recommend Auchentoshan. Pronounced ‘Ock-entosh-un’, this stunning dram can be everything from light and honeyed to full bodied, amber and delicious. The tour lasts an hour but only costs £7. You’ll need a taxi to get there but we know a fella who can help.
By Dalmuir, Clydebank G81 4SJ
www.auchentoshan.com/the-distillery/visitor-centre.aspx
