Pubs

The following pubs can be found in the Merchant City and City Centre.
Note that this information is provided on a best endeavours basis and the workshop organisers accept no liability for bad pints, hangovers, etc.!

CAMRA-Recommended Pubs

The following information was provided by David King, a keen CAMRA member.

CAMRA provides a list of pubs in Strathclyde. Three Glasgow pubs are listed in CAMRA's National Inventory, including:

• Old Toll Bar 1-3 Paisley Road West (phone 0141 429 3135). This is a "splendid example of a late Victorian Glasgow pub. It was remodelled in 1892-3 for the well-known Glasgow publican and restaurateur, David McCall."
• Horseshoe Bar 17-21 Drury Street: "A classic pub in a side street just a couple of minutes' walk from Central Station...."
• Steps Bar, 62 Glassford Street: "This is a rare gem - a complete, sleek pub of 1938 in the Moderne style. ..."

A list of Strathclyde pubs with no smoking areas is available. These include:

Boswell Hotel

27, Mansionhouse Rd, Langside (Tel: 0141 636 4471)

The Counting House

Recently opened in an grand old Bank of Scotland building on the corner of George Square and St Vincent Place, has a number of sizeable, well-labelled non-smoking areas. It also has clear signs saying "No smoking at the bar". It is a free house, part of the Wetherspoon chain. 2 St.Vincent Place, Glasgow, G1 2DH (Tel: 0141 248 9568)

The Clockwork Beer Co

Tel 0141-649 0184 1153/55 Cathcart Road, Glasgow G42 9HB
Free house brew pub managed by Robin and Gay Graham formerly of the Boswell Hotel. The Pub has a large family area which is non smoking and serves food all day. Extensive range of real ale, guest beers, ciders and imports.

James Stirling Maxwell pub

Also part of the Wetherspoons chain, the James Stirling Maxwell pub has opened in Shawlands arcade in Glasgow and has a no smoking area.

The Hogshead

At the junction of Woodlands Road and Eldon Street. Follow Woodlands Road north from Charing Cross; it's right in front of you when you get to the mini-roundabout. Grid reference NS575667 as far as I can make out.

A list of Suggestions for the Best Scottish Pubs includes the following in Glasgow:

Athena Taverna; Babbity Bowser; Bon Accord; Boswell Hotel; Brewery Tap; The Horse shoe; Mitre; Cask & Still; Sloane's; Station Bar; Tennents; Three Judges; Ubiquitous Chip; Victoria Bar

Other Suggestions

Bar 10

10 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU, Tel: 0141 572 1448
Opposite The Lighthouse and near the Tunnel, this is a well-placed 'cool' bar. Mongrel furniture and sliced-brawn tiles, high ceiling and design by Ben Kelly of Manchester's Hacienda fame, this place looks like it's been transported from Canal St, NYC. Good food, gossip and strong coffee served with a shot of iced water during the day [Map].

Blackfriars

36 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG, Tel: 0141 552 5924
Contemporary, but pub-like in middle of Merchant City - predates most of those around it. Hugh selection of European and E European beers. Eclectic menu till 6 pm. Regular programme of live music. 7 days noon-midnight. [Map].

Clutha Vaults

167-169 Stockwell St, Glasgow G1 4SP, Tel: 0141 552 7520
This and the pubs above are part of the same family of traditional Glasgow pubs. The Clutha (ancient name for the Clyde) has a Victorian-style interior and an even longer history. Known for live music. Mon-Sat till 12midnight, Sun till 11pm. [Map]

Corinthian

191 Ingram St, Glasgow G1 1DA, Tel: 0141 559 6800
Mega makeover of former Lanarkshire house to form cavernous bar/restaurant, 2 comfy lounge/cocktail bars and a restaurant near George Square and Gallery of Modern Art. Awesome ceiling in main room much much better than megabars elsewhere. Food in main room and good coffee. Older, richer, well-heeled clientele, some Armani. Totally Glasgow. 7 days, till 12midnight. (Piano bar Thur-Sun). [Map]

Rab Ha's

83 Hutcheson St, Glasgow G1 1SH, Tel: 0141 572 0400
In an area bristling with pubs and eateries this old Merchant City howff has a reputation for good food. Well-chosen selection of bar meals including organic veg specials. Restaurant downstairs in the evening. [Map]

Scotia Bar

112 Stockwell St, Glasgow G1 4LW, Tel: 0141 552 8681
Late-1920s Tudor-style pub with a low-beamed ceiling and intimate, woody 'snug'. Long the haunt of folk musicians, writers and raconteurs. Music and poetry sessions, folk and blues. Daily till midnight. [Map]

The Mitre Bar

12 Brunswick St, Glasgow G1 1TD, Tel: 0141 552 3764
Despite many fashionable bars nearby in the Merchant City, this more traditional pub is where the not dressed up people drink. Cheap food, karaoke upstairs on a Sat night. V old labour. Till 11pm, midnight w/ends. [Map]

Victoria Bar

159 Bridgegate, Glasgow G1 5HZ, Tel: 0141 552 6040
'The Vicky' is in the 'Briggait', one of Glasgow's oldest streets, near the Victoria Br over the Clyde. Once a pub for the fishmarket and open odd hrs, now it's a howf for all those who like an atmosphere that's old, friendly and uncontrived. Real ales. Mon-Sat till 12midnight, Sun till 11p m. [Map]