THE JOURNAL
The Salon, Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow. Photo courtesy of Blythswood Square Hotel
The biggest city in Scotland, Glasgow has earned itself a reputation as a party town, and one with some very friendly and outspoken locals – assuming you can understand what they’re saying. But it’s also the gateway to Britain’s most captivating scenery, and some of the last true wildernesses left in Europe. And, where it was once unfairly known for Tennents Super and fried Mars bars, today the city has a booming culinary scene and offers access to the Highlands’ wealth of whisky wherewithal. It’s a place that guarantees a good time, but there’s always room to make a good time better. Handily, your guide – Mr David McKendrick, co-founder of award-winning design agency BAM and the former creative director of British Esquire – was born and raised in Clydebank, studied at the famous Glasgow School of Art and, as such, is fluent in Glaswegian. Here’s his take on the Dear Green Place.
Where to eat
Alchemilla
Octopus, ajo blanco and roast red peppers. Alchemilla, Glasgow. Photo courtesy of Alchemilla
“Alchemilla in Finnieston is run by a former Glasgow School of Art student and Ottolenghi-trained chef, Rosie Healey. It offers a relaxed vibe, a Scandi-style interior, and the food is seriously good, with fuss-free, colourful and exceptionally tasty small plates at great prices. I would recommend going with a group so you can try everything on the menu. Or sit at the bar for a quick bite and watch the chefs create the magic.”
Where to drink
The Ben Nevis
“The pub culture in Glasgow is unique to this city. Take yourself to The Ben Nevis on Argyle Street straight after dinner, and work your way through one of the best whisky selections in Glasgow, washed down with some quality draft beers on tap. But most importantly absorb the atmosphere and ‘patter’. The pub is the environment in which Glaswegians work best!”
Where to stay
Drovers Inn
The Drovers Inn, Glasgow. Photo courtesy of The Drovers Inn
“I would thoroughly recommend my mum’s house, but I’m not sure bunk beds are everyone’s first choice. For a real treat, I’d book yourself into the Blythswood Square Hotel. Its posh rooms and central location make it the perfect base. On the flipside, take an adventure out west and book yourself a room in the ‘haunted’ hotel The Drovers Inn, on the banks of Loch Lomond. You might find yourself in the same room as famous Scottish outlaw Rob Roy.”
What to do
The Common Guild
“The best thing about Glasgow is proximity to the wilderness. Just 30 minutes west of Glasgow by road you will find yourself on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond; two hours and you’ll be at Glen Coe, taking in some of the most dramatic scenery known to man. However, if you want to stay put in Glasgow, take a quick visit to The Common Guild, a contemporary visual arts gallery with an exciting programme.”
What to wear
“You know the drill: ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong outfit.’ Make this your mantra when visiting Glasgow. It is going to rain at some point, so invest in a good set of wellies. You cannae go wrong!”