With a history of mythological proportions to match, the modern cosmopolitan city of Glasgow has a thriving nightlife. Then again, was it ever any different? Perhaps unsurprisingly, Glasgow City Council makes more information on alcohol and drug-related issues available to its citizens than any other in the UK. Like many cities, in some of the bars you will literally see people falling out of them and, rumor has it, you may also occasionally see people fly out of them. The city center is, to say the least, vibrant at night and a good night out is often judged by the noise it generates – more noise equals a better night out! Many bars in the city center have been refurbished to move away from the ‘spit and sawdust’ image that stereotypes them. While the style of the bars might have changed, the low-key, ‘let the good times roll’ atmosphere hasn’t. The most modern and quiet bars are found in the ‘Merchant’ area, on the east side of the city center, near the Cathedral.

Bars and Pubs:

It seems fitting that Glasgow has a pub that claims to have the longest bar in the UK. The Horseshoe on Drury Lane is that pub, although there is a pub in Birmingham that I would question. A legendary pub in Glasgow known for its cheap and good value lunches, also serving a good selection of lagers and lagers.

The winner of what, to non-Scots, must seem like Glasgow’s dumbest pub name is Babbity Bowster on Blackfriars Street. This is the pub to go to in the city center for a relaxing drink – a rare opportunity in Glasgow. Outside there is a garden, barbecue and petanque area; while in winter you can sit inside by the peat fire and enjoy a meal with a drink or two. This pub has a rather refined atmosphere and is mainly frequented by professionals and tourists from Glasgow. Interestingly, a Babbity Bowster is a Scottish dance.

There is, of course, the inevitable Wetherspoon drinking cathedral in the city. The Crystal Palace, on Jamaica Street near Central Station, is actually the second largest pub in the city; It occupies a building that was formerly a furniture store and still retains the original ‘cage’ elevator. This pub attracts an interesting nightly mix of clubbers, theatergoers and locals.

Blackfriars, on Bell Street in Glasgow’s ‘Merchant City’, is probably the best bar in Glasgow. Variously described as “a relaxing place to have a drink” and having “a cozy atmosphere”, this is a metropolitan bar that doesn’t care about providing what its clientele wants. Dim lighting complemented by candles sets the scene and ambiance at your entrance to this bar. This is one of the few bars in Glasgow where you can sit and chat without shouting, also some excellent jazz bands play there on the weekends.

Restaurants:

Nothing to do with the battered and fried ‘Mars bars’, etc.; is a highly reputable restaurant in Glasgow: the Ubiquitous Chip. Located on Ashton Lane, west of the city center and above the main campus of the University of Glasgow, it is notable for its use of local Scottish produce such as Ayrshire lamb, Dumfries rabbit and Perth wood pigeon. There’s an expensive restaurant downstairs and a less expensive bistro upstairs; a three-course dinner in the restaurant will cost £40 per person or in the bistro around £25 per person; prices do not include drinks, of course. Ubiquitous Chip has one of the best wine lists in the UK, not to mention Glasgow. With many decent wines in the £20 to £30 range, you can also treat yourself to a 1989 Chateau Beychevelle Claret at £140 a bottle. After the meal, the malt whiskey list is as extensive as the wine list, the apex of which is a Mcallan 25 Year Old at over £25 a measure.

At the other end of the spectrum, with outlets on Buccleuch Street and Ashton Lane, is the Wee Curry Shop. You can get a three-course dinner here for around £10 at this Indian restaurant, which is renowned for serving some of the best curries north of the border.

Entertainment:

The undoubted capital of Scotland’s live music scene – Glasgow has such famous venues as; King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on St Vincent Street and the Barrowlands on Gallowgate. Both venues have hosted appearances by most of Britain’s top modern music acts in recent decades. A-list touring acts use the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Center in the west of the city. Other important places in Glasgow include; the Royal Concert Hall, the Town Halls and the Old Fruit Market. For clubbers, ‘Arches’ on Argyle Street is probably the place to go as it regularly hires the best DJ/MCs in Europe. Glasgow’s Theater Royal is on Hope Street. As well as staging dramas and musicals, it is home to the Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet.