Cosy pubs

Òran Mór

Housed in a former church, the Whisky Bar at Òran Mór is a welcoming pit stop in the west end. Enjoy something to drink or eat in this charming space and take in the Robert Burns-inspired paintings by Scottish artist Nichol Wheatley. Book a table at Òran Mór’s website.

Chinaski’s

A snug, candle-lit bar named after writer Charles Bukowski, Chinaski’s has a trendy feel. Found at Charing Cross, Chinaski’s serves some tasty food and has a beer garden complete with a canopy and fire to enjoy crisp, winter evenings alfresco. Book a table at chinaskis.co.uk.

Henry's

Brand new to the scene is Henry's in Shawlands. From the team behind the popular Chinaskis, Henry's is a wine and cocktail bar with a selection of small plates. The vibe is cosy and candles, with a covered outdoor section, bathed in red lighting. Visit Henry's Instagram page for opening times.

Duke's Umbrella

The Duke's Umbrella is a gastropub on Argyle Street, which serves up great food. Matching the quality of food is the beautiful design of the venue, with chesterfield couches, candles, paintings and more. Visit dukesumbrella.com.

Babbity Bowster

Built on the site of an old monastery and tucked away down a lane in the Merchant City is Babbity Bowster. Enjoy chatting with locals or visitors in this laid-back, friendly bar, where you’ll often come across musicians jamming in a corner. Check out babbitybowster.com to find out more.

The Belle

The Belle is a welcome haven in a quiet stretch of Great Western Road. The roaring fire makes for a relaxing place to enjoy a pint. With bags of character and dog-friendly, The Belle has the feel of a village country pub. Follow The Belle on Instagram to find out more.

Cottiers

A unique Scottish bar and restaurant housed within a renovated church, Cottiers is known for its laid-back vibe and for hosting weddings. Its open fire and cosy vibes make it the perfect place to spend a chilly afternoon. It also has a theatre space, which programmes live music, theatre, markets and more. Visit Cottier’s website to book a table.

Kelvingrove Cafe

Kelvingrove Cafe has an old-fashioned feel with turn-of-the-Century period details on display. With exposed brickwork and an open fire, the west end bar is a cosy spot for cocktails. Visit kelvingrovecafe.com.

The Lismore Bar

A lovely spot to spend an evening with friends, The Lismore has become an institution of the Partick area. With regular toe-tapping live music sessions and traditional Scottish décor, The Lismore has a village pub feel. And make sure you take a look at their world-famous stained glass. Find The Lismore on Instagram to keep up-to-date.

Waxy O’Connors

With cosy fires, beautiful wooden décor and traditional music every Sunday, Waxy O’Connor’s is an Irish bar in the city centre with lots of charm. Inside is often referred to as a maze or a treehouse with 6 bars to choose from over 3 floors. Book a table on Waxy O’Connor’s website.

Rab Ha’s

Robert Hall, ‘The Glasgow Glutton’, was a resident of Glasgow’s Merchant city in the 19th century and as his nickname suggests, was a man who loved food. Rab Ha’s restaurant keeps his spirit alive with a Scottish menu while the cosy bar serves a range of beers from around the world. Book a table at rabhas.co.uk.

226 Gallowgate

Sharing its name with its address, 226 Gallowgate is in the east end, right next door to the renowned music venue, the Barrowland Ballroom. Having undergone an extensive restoration and opened in 2019, the venue contains some unique original features, offering cosiness and charm. Find out more on the 226 Gallowgate website.

WEST on the Green

Found in the iconic Templeton Building on Glasgow Green, WEST on the Green is a beer hall-style bar and restaurant which successfully combines German and Scottish beer and cuisine, alongside its very own working brewery. Head to westbeer.com for more info.

Article last updated: January 2024