I love Glasgow – here’s why you will too
TV presenter Jean Johansson takes us on a tour of her hometown highlights
I TRAVEL across the globe filming A Place in the Sun, but the adage that there’s no place like home is true, and Glasgow is truly one of my favourite cities. And yes, I’m biased.
They say “People Make Glasgow”, and it’s true. It’s also welcoming, compact and, in comparison to a lot of other European cities right now, affordable. I’m proud to say I’ve watched it morph into a must-visit destination, so hereare my top spots for agreat short break.
WHERE TO EAT
Seafood restaurants Fat Lobster and Scamp are just two of the more recent additions to the dining scene. But if red meat is more your thing, enjoy sustainable-Argentinian steak in the sophisticated interiors at Gaucho Glasgow on West Nile Street. I’ll have mine rare with a large glass of Malbec. What a treat.
CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS
For a slice of Manhattan-inspired chic, step into 63rd+1st on Bothwell Street with its buzzy atmosphereand delicious cocktails – I recommend the lychee martini and its signature cocktail, Violet Reign. Elsewhere, The Duke’s Umbrella has acool gastropub atmosphere, while Celentano’s is the place to be on a Sunday for yummy Italian foodand live music overlooking the stunning Glasgow Cathedral.
WHERE TO PARTY
On a Saturday afternoon you’ll often find me in The Merchant Pride on Candleriggs. Thereare two things that make this place special: the diversity of the crowd and its resident singing star, the fabulous Barbara Bryceland.
Ialso recommend Kimpton Blyths wood Square for weekends in the iasg restaurant, featuring a guest DJ. And don’t miss the fabulous Red Sky Bar at Radisson RED, recently voted one of the 50 best rooftop bars in the world, or the basement Blue Arrow Jazz Club on Sauchiehall Street.
BEST SHOPPING
When it comes to shopping malls, Princes Square is a Glasgow institution.You can spend the whole day there– start with brunch at Cranachan, followed by a spot of pampering by Manhattan Nails, and great shopping at Space NK, Essence of Harris and COS.
Then why not fill up at the new Big Feed Kitchen, which promises to serve Scotland’s best street food. St Enoch is also an entertainment destination with The Vue and Boom Battle Bar aswell as agreat place for high street shopping favourites. Clydeside Collective is also a must visit shopping destination.
WHERE TO STAY
Yotel Glasgow is fun, reasonably priced, and perfectly located across from Glasgow Central train station. The best things are the rooftop bar and bowling alley! Vega is popular with the Instagram crowd, and you can party and take selfies to your heart’s content. Revolver is a new boutique hotel located in historic Virginia House, Merchant City.
TAKE IT ALL IN
Glasgow is Scotland’s capitalo f street art, and ranks the 4th best in all the UK. You can’t visit Glasgow without taking in some of its phenomenal murals. From Billy Connolly to the City Centre Mural Trail is a wonderful showcase of the very best of street art and local artists. Download the mural map and setoff on a journey to see some stunning art works. If you fancy hopping on a bus, why not experience the City Sight seeing Glasgow Music Tour, taking in the best music venues from KingTut’s Wah Wah Hut to the Barrowland Ballroom and The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Glasgow is welcoming, compact and, compared to a lot of other European cities, affordable