Scotland is famous for its distinguished drinking culture, whether it’s locally brewed craft beers, traditional ales, or good old-fashioned Scottish whiskey.
While not quite as old as Sloan’s claims to be, The Horseshoe Bar is still one of Glasgow’s most distinguished and beloved pubs. Almost a Glaswegian institution in itself, the pub takes its name from its distinctive horseshoe shape. As one would expect from a Victorian establishment, the decoration is rich and warm with varnished wooden panelling, ornate lighting on the ceiling, and original tiling on the floor.
The Horseshoe Bar has a very musical tradition, being the proud owner of Travis’ gold and platinum discs after they were donated to the pub. Each day of the week the pub also offers a karaoke night, with live music played on special events.
The food offered is classic pub grub, with a full British breakfast in the mornings and classics such as burgers, pies, roasts and soups offered during the day and the evening. The drinks menu includes a variety of local and international beverages, as well as wines and cocktails.
Sloan’s lays the claim to being Glasgow’s oldest pub and restaurant, being established at the closing years of the 18th century. The building is multipurpose, often being hired for parties, weddings, and banquets, boasting an impressive ballroom as well as a fully stocked bar. Tables spill out from the old building onto the street, and the pub itself is bursting with historical character and charm.
A weekly ceilidh is held each Friday, so anyone with a taste for traditional Celtic music should ensure they’re in town for it.
The pub offers a varied and extensive menu, which holds all the traditional Scottish pub fare and more. Sloan’s macaroni and cheese are famous throughout the city for good reason. The restaurant itself is contained within a stunningly elegant Georgian-style ballroom, in which its diners can truly appreciate the timeless charms of the building.
It’s rather odd to recommend an Irish pub in the middle of Scotland’s largest city, but honestly Waxy O’Connor deserves a mention on this list. Found on West George Street, the bar looks like a cross between an Edwardian parlour, a medieval Catholic church, and a set from the Lord of the Rings. The entire premises are decorated with richly varnished and textured wood, which lends greatly to a warm and organic aesthetic that’s at once luxurious and highly eccentric.
The venue is cosy and has suitably warm lighting, but while the bar may be a little cramped, there are plenty of more spacious seating areas available. The lighting is also consistent and bright.
You’ll come for the decoration, but you’ll stay for the drinks and the food. The menu offers Scottish, Irish, and Scots-Irish classics such as haggis, steak and Guinness pie, and a wide variety of heart stews. Buffet meals are also offered, should you find yourself spoilt for choice. Naturally whiskey, Guinness, malts, and ales are on tap as well.
Found on the Great Western Road, The Belle has come under new management in recent years and has successfully turned itself into one of Glasgow’s most popular pint-sized pubs. It offers a cosy and homey atmosphere to its patrons, from the roaring open fire to the intimate environs. While it makes for a more personable experience than some pubs, do keep it in mind if any of the party are uncertain on their feet. The place can be a little cluttered.
The Belle has ceased trying to get a foothold into the gastropub market, and has instead specialised on what it knows it can do well – serve some of the best drinks in Scotland. From local brews to popular imports, the drinks are not cheap, but they’ll definitely soothe the soul.
The pub is warm and inviting during the winter, and during warmer seasons it offers a relaxing beer garden towards the back.