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Ale
WHERE TO FIND GOOD ALE IN GLASGOW'S BEST PUBS
THE CAVE, 421 GREAT WESTERN ROAD (WEST END)
Located beside Kelvinbridge underground station, this is just a little shop. But inside they have what is probably one of the best ranges of bottled ales in the country. And on the other side of the bridge is a fish and chip shop that sells magnificent crispy fritters. So many good things in such a small area by the river.
Located beside Kelvinbridge underground station, this is just a little shop. But inside they have what is probably one of the best ranges of bottled ales in the country. And on the other side of the bridge is a fish and chip shop that sells magnificent crispy fritters. So many good things in such a small area by the river.
THE LISMORE, 206 DUMBARTON ROAD, PARTICK
This is in a typical location for a pub in Glasgow, in that it sits at the corner of a tenement, but this is far from being a typical pub. The standard of workmanship that went into both the exterior and interior in fairly recent times is a joy to behold; fine woodwork, magnificent stained glass windows, and loads of those small, almost unnoticed artistic touches that make the difference between a good place and one that is great. This is a great pub. No mistake about that. As well as real ale, they have more than 150 malt whiskies. The Highland clearances is the theme that runs through it all, possibly culminating in the toilets where one is given the opportunity to urinate on the names of three dastardly men who were very much involved... 'THIS URINAL IS DEDICATED TO THREE MEN WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. THESE MEN TOOK PART IN WHAT IS NOW RECOGNISED AS A FORM OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ENDORSED ETHNIC CLEANSING. THROUGH THEIR GREED AND BIGOTRY, THEY AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN DESTROYING A CENTURIES OLD SCOTTISH HIGHLAND WAY OF LIFE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PAY THEM THE RESPECT THEY ARE DUE.'
This is in a typical location for a pub in Glasgow, in that it sits at the corner of a tenement, but this is far from being a typical pub. The standard of workmanship that went into both the exterior and interior in fairly recent times is a joy to behold; fine woodwork, magnificent stained glass windows, and loads of those small, almost unnoticed artistic touches that make the difference between a good place and one that is great. This is a great pub. No mistake about that. As well as real ale, they have more than 150 malt whiskies. The Highland clearances is the theme that runs through it all, possibly culminating in the toilets where one is given the opportunity to urinate on the names of three dastardly men who were very much involved... 'THIS URINAL IS DEDICATED TO THREE MEN WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. THESE MEN TOOK PART IN WHAT IS NOW RECOGNISED AS A FORM OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ENDORSED ETHNIC CLEANSING. THROUGH THEIR GREED AND BIGOTRY, THEY AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN DESTROYING A CENTURIES OLD SCOTTISH HIGHLAND WAY OF LIFE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PAY THEM THE RESPECT THEY ARE DUE.'
THE HORSE SHOE BAR, 17 DRURY LANE (CITY CENTRE)
A stupendous and practically intact Victorian bar that is a true palace. Everywhere you look there are gilded mirrors and old fireplaces and dark wood and tiles and the sort of fine fixtures and fittings that only the Victorians knew how to create when they set out to build pubs like this. Horse-shoes adorn practically every surface in this busy city centre establishment much frequented and loved by locals. Spend an hour in here and you will very much come face to face with the warm heart of Glasgow. It is just wonderful.
A stupendous and practically intact Victorian bar that is a true palace. Everywhere you look there are gilded mirrors and old fireplaces and dark wood and tiles and the sort of fine fixtures and fittings that only the Victorians knew how to create when they set out to build pubs like this. Horse-shoes adorn practically every surface in this busy city centre establishment much frequented and loved by locals. Spend an hour in here and you will very much come face to face with the warm heart of Glasgow. It is just wonderful.
THE BEN NEVIS, 1147 ARGYLE STREET, FINNIESTON
A great small pub with superbly crafted modern internal fixtures and fittings that give it a feel of Scotland in ancient times. They sometimes have bottled ale - and at times draught - brewed by the Inveralmond Brewery in Perth, and I would highly recommend bottles of Blackfriar, a delicious 7% ABV ale made for the American market. This is a pub in which you may find great dogs spread lazily over the floor like friendly carpets. 2009 winner of The Good Soup Guide's Best Pub in Scotland Award.
A great small pub with superbly crafted modern internal fixtures and fittings that give it a feel of Scotland in ancient times. They sometimes have bottled ale - and at times draught - brewed by the Inveralmond Brewery in Perth, and I would highly recommend bottles of Blackfriar, a delicious 7% ABV ale made for the American market. This is a pub in which you may find great dogs spread lazily over the floor like friendly carpets. 2009 winner of The Good Soup Guide's Best Pub in Scotland Award.
THE SCOTIA BAR, STOCKWELL STREET (CITY CENTRE)
This is a very snug old Glasgow pub with low beams on the ceiling and wooden partitions with little nooks to hide in. Superb live music on a Saturday afternoon (and at other times). Go now, drink ale and pen a poem - you know you want to.
This is a very snug old Glasgow pub with low beams on the ceiling and wooden partitions with little nooks to hide in. Superb live music on a Saturday afternoon (and at other times). Go now, drink ale and pen a poem - you know you want to.
THE 78, KELVINHAUGH STREET, FINNIESTON
Arranged around a real fire at one end of the pub are a wooden settle, a two-seater couch and two of the softest snuggiest armchairs this world has ever seen. All these seats are gathered around the fire, making it a wonderful, untaxing focal point. There's a homely lamp-standard in a corner, black and white family photographs on the mantelpiece, and as you quaff whatever it is you're quaffing you feel your head drop and your body drifting off to Dreamland on a bed of marshmallow magnificence.
Arranged around a real fire at one end of the pub are a wooden settle, a two-seater couch and two of the softest snuggiest armchairs this world has ever seen. All these seats are gathered around the fire, making it a wonderful, untaxing focal point. There's a homely lamp-standard in a corner, black and white family photographs on the mantelpiece, and as you quaff whatever it is you're quaffing you feel your head drop and your body drifting off to Dreamland on a bed of marshmallow magnificence.
COTTIER'S, 93-95 HYNDLAND STREET (WEST END)
Yet another church that is now a pub and theatre. They have a good range of Scottish bottled ales brewed by the Williams Brothers in Alloa, along with a large and glorious real fire which may warm your cockles on a cold wintry night. There can be few more enjoyable pleasures in life than supping ale while staring dreamily into the flames of a real fire.
Yet another church that is now a pub and theatre. They have a good range of Scottish bottled ales brewed by the Williams Brothers in Alloa, along with a large and glorious real fire which may warm your cockles on a cold wintry night. There can be few more enjoyable pleasures in life than supping ale while staring dreamily into the flames of a real fire.
ORAN MOR, BYRES ROAD (WEST END)
This is a pub and a theatre in a church, although it's really much more than that. The standard of craftsmanship that went into the internal transformation from religion to fun is very high indeed, and you may spend some time running your appreciative hands over surfaces and generally wandering around in utter awe. A couple of real ale taps are available. (See July 2011 News page)
This is a pub and a theatre in a church, although it's really much more than that. The standard of craftsmanship that went into the internal transformation from religion to fun is very high indeed, and you may spend some time running your appreciative hands over surfaces and generally wandering around in utter awe. A couple of real ale taps are available. (See July 2011 News page)
THE BON ACCORD, NORTH STREET, CHARING CROSS
A bit of a real ale Mecca in Glasgow for a long long time. A few years ago it sort of lost its way a little, but is now back to full fighting fitness as a result of excellent management. The Bon Accord is a very well run pub. It is hard to imagine a community in the bustling office-filled quarter that is Charing Cross, but this is very much a thriving community pub full of spirit. And speaking of spirit, they also have an outstanding selection of malt whiskies. Inside, it feels snug and cosy, and as well as a superb range of real ales and whisky they offer good food. I've seen the Bon Accord termed 'a world famous ale house and whisky bar,' and that's exactly what it is. [Check out their website at www.bonaccordweb.co.uk]
A bit of a real ale Mecca in Glasgow for a long long time. A few years ago it sort of lost its way a little, but is now back to full fighting fitness as a result of excellent management. The Bon Accord is a very well run pub. It is hard to imagine a community in the bustling office-filled quarter that is Charing Cross, but this is very much a thriving community pub full of spirit. And speaking of spirit, they also have an outstanding selection of malt whiskies. Inside, it feels snug and cosy, and as well as a superb range of real ales and whisky they offer good food. I've seen the Bon Accord termed 'a world famous ale house and whisky bar,' and that's exactly what it is. [Check out their website at www.bonaccordweb.co.uk]
THE THREE JUDGES, PARTICK CROSS
A traditional Glasgow corner pub with window stools where you may perch and watch the hustle and bustle of the West End. Worth a visit for that alone. Although they've won numerous awards over the years, I maintain that for such a small pub they could get rid of a couple of hand-pumps so as to boost the quality of the ale being served. Inside, it's busy at times, but during the day it can feel quiet and slow, and that is no bad thing.
A traditional Glasgow corner pub with window stools where you may perch and watch the hustle and bustle of the West End. Worth a visit for that alone. Although they've won numerous awards over the years, I maintain that for such a small pub they could get rid of a couple of hand-pumps so as to boost the quality of the ale being served. Inside, it's busy at times, but during the day it can feel quiet and slow, and that is no bad thing.
HILLHEAD BOOKCLUB (WEST END)
Bit of a gem here. No... let me rephrase that: it's a gem, not a bit of one; a whole sparkly and quite wonderful three-hippo gem. Hillhead Bookclub, located at 17 Vinicombe Street, just off the top of Byres Road in Glasgow's West End, is housed in a very special building. It was built in 1913 as a cinema - The Hillhead Picture House - and inside there are many original decorative and structural features that remain in place, in particular a glorious ribbed ceiling with fine decorated plasterwork. It was described in its early days as a luxurious picture house, where people watched silent films to the sounds of a celebrated orchestra. Today, it is worth a visit for the plasterwork alone. We're talking jaw-dropping decoration here. But Hillhead Bookclub is much more than just a glorious old building. It's atmospheric interior has many interesting little areas where one may sup real ale in fine condition and admire the beauty of this refined structure. There are areas that feel gothic, areas that feel cosy and secluded - wee isolated rooms with old lamp standards - and a table tennis table for those who might like to bounce balls around over their ale. Hillhead Bookclub is a first rate establishment, and I highly recommend it.
Bit of a gem here. No... let me rephrase that: it's a gem, not a bit of one; a whole sparkly and quite wonderful three-hippo gem. Hillhead Bookclub, located at 17 Vinicombe Street, just off the top of Byres Road in Glasgow's West End, is housed in a very special building. It was built in 1913 as a cinema - The Hillhead Picture House - and inside there are many original decorative and structural features that remain in place, in particular a glorious ribbed ceiling with fine decorated plasterwork. It was described in its early days as a luxurious picture house, where people watched silent films to the sounds of a celebrated orchestra. Today, it is worth a visit for the plasterwork alone. We're talking jaw-dropping decoration here. But Hillhead Bookclub is much more than just a glorious old building. It's atmospheric interior has many interesting little areas where one may sup real ale in fine condition and admire the beauty of this refined structure. There are areas that feel gothic, areas that feel cosy and secluded - wee isolated rooms with old lamp standards - and a table tennis table for those who might like to bounce balls around over their ale. Hillhead Bookclub is a first rate establishment, and I highly recommend it.
BREWDOG, 1397 ARGYLE STREET (WEST END)
Brewdog's new Glasgow pub is located opposite Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. As such, it is ideally situated for a few ales and a bite to eat after overdosing on dinosaurs, armour and art. It is, I have to say, an exceptionally good pub. From around the 1960s the premises were known as the Calypso Bar, and while no doubt the bees knees in the 60s, and maybe even the 70s, as time passed by it lost its sparkle. BrewDog have turned the place around. The Calypso's innards were completely ripped out and replaced. The result is most pleasing, with large windows looking out at the wondrous museum and the hustle and bustle of Glasgow. There has been no attempt to emulate an old pub, with fake dust and such like. Make no mistake, this is very much a modern vibrant pub, complete with a counter made of bricks, exposed stonework and girders, and the atmosphere of a German beer festival. It is a pub that feels exciting as soon as you walk through the door, and a pub I am very very fond of. [See the September 2011 News page for a larger photo of the inside of Brewdog's Glasgow pub.]
Brewdog's new Glasgow pub is located opposite Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. As such, it is ideally situated for a few ales and a bite to eat after overdosing on dinosaurs, armour and art. It is, I have to say, an exceptionally good pub. From around the 1960s the premises were known as the Calypso Bar, and while no doubt the bees knees in the 60s, and maybe even the 70s, as time passed by it lost its sparkle. BrewDog have turned the place around. The Calypso's innards were completely ripped out and replaced. The result is most pleasing, with large windows looking out at the wondrous museum and the hustle and bustle of Glasgow. There has been no attempt to emulate an old pub, with fake dust and such like. Make no mistake, this is very much a modern vibrant pub, complete with a counter made of bricks, exposed stonework and girders, and the atmosphere of a German beer festival. It is a pub that feels exciting as soon as you walk through the door, and a pub I am very very fond of. [See the September 2011 News page for a larger photo of the inside of Brewdog's Glasgow pub.]
INN DEEP, 445 GREAT WESTERN ROAD (WEST
END)
Inn Deep is another great addition to Glasgow's already excellent range of superb bars. As soon as I wandered through their door I knew instantly that it was a three-hippo job. You just know. And yet if you didn't know, you could oh so easily pass it by. For Inn Deep is hidden in a scenic area right beside Kelvinbridge and right beside the River Kelvin, way below the road level. It occupies old stone arches near where there once was a railway station, and the arches themselves make for a seriously atmospheric place. Add a range of real ales and craft beers that are out of this world and what you have is one of Scotland's finest drinking and eating establishments. I cannot rate it highly enough. Just superb.
Inn Deep is another great addition to Glasgow's already excellent range of superb bars. As soon as I wandered through their door I knew instantly that it was a three-hippo job. You just know. And yet if you didn't know, you could oh so easily pass it by. For Inn Deep is hidden in a scenic area right beside Kelvinbridge and right beside the River Kelvin, way below the road level. It occupies old stone arches near where there once was a railway station, and the arches themselves make for a seriously atmospheric place. Add a range of real ales and craft beers that are out of this world and what you have is one of Scotland's finest drinking and eating establishments. I cannot rate it highly enough. Just superb.
RATING
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