The Herald - The Herald Magazine
District gave the city its groove back
Paul Trainer’s
Music, fashion, food and drink, good times – the resurgence of Finnieston is just one of the fascinating stories covered in book The Best of Glasgow, a new city guide featuring highlights, lists, secret treasures and interviews with the city’s favourite stars
A COLLECTION of businesses around a short stretch of Argyle Street have emerged over the last decade, making the name Finnieston a byword of a new wave of Glasgow confidence and personality.
Where to start with this modern version of a village that has roots in the 18th Century? The pub.
Strip Joint to be precise, across from the statue of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and close to the alluring panini of Accento Cafe.
The name is a wry nod to the fact Argyle Street started to be referred to as the Finnieston Strip some time after the construction of The Hydro. You can sit outside Tajura Cafe, grab a coffee and read a book - just make sure it’s a suitably hefty tome, you will be judged. The Brass Monkey is another great local and had a previous life as the Two Ways, the pub in Rab C Nesbitt.
As we move further along the street, Gallus Alice is a bright and breezy independent clothes shop. Across from Blow, Glasgow’s most stylish hairdressers, there’s a wee window where you can get a cup of homemade soup from Soula to takeaway. The Grove Fish & Chips will serve you a single supper - or you could get a roll and deep fried square sausage from The Kent.
Let’s pause beside The Finnieston bar and restaurant.
The building is part of local history - it was a drovers inn, one that Rob Roy MacGregor is said to have frequented. These days, it’s a seafood and cocktail destination with a gin garden out the back. Across the road, The Crescent will mix you up a cocktail. Porter & Rye for a relaxed steak dinner. Rebel Rebel is your local barber. Roots & Fruits for groceries. The Ben Nevis, Six by Nico, The Gannet,