The best bars and pubs in Glasgow
The Pot Still
In this pub, a giant whisky collection is dwarfed only by owner Big Frank and his family's warm welcome. It's the kind of place every character on earth walks through from students to lawyers. When you're having a pie and a pint here, you feel like you're in the real Glasgow. 154 Hope St, G2 2TH; thepotstill.co.uk
Bier Halle
Pizza and brews flow at this sprawling basement venue in the city centre. With a huge beer menu, a freezer full of schnapps and virtually zero natural light, you can easily lose a day in here. It's always busy and a great all-rounder. 9 Gordon St, G1 3PL; republicbierhalle.com
The Old Toll Bar
My favourite bar in the world, hands down. It's Grade-B listed and reminds me of bars back home in Belfast. It's become a proper hipster hangout in the yet-to-be-gentrified Paisley Road toll area found south of the river, but it still retains all of its charm, offering up beautifully crafted cocktails and ice-cold pints. Just heaven. 1 Paisley Rd W, G51 1LF; facebook.com/theoldtollbarglasgow
The Kelvingrove Café
This place is a real bartender's bar with a chilled Parisian feel. It's as great for brunch as it is for late night drinks. I usually go for a negroni, listening to jazz and reading the paper before the lively crowds descend – but I've been known to don my party hat and hit the mezcal with them, too. 1161-1163 Argyle Street, G3 8TB; kelvingrovecafe.com
The best restaurants in Glasgow
Alchemilla
Aim for a seat at the of bar of this Mediterranean-inspired Finnieston restaurant so you can chat to the team and watch the chefs put their little plates of happiness together. The menu has all the makings of a Michelin-style restaurant, but it's still super-chilled and the ideal place for long lunches and late dinners. 1126 Argyle Street, G3 8TD; thisisalchemilla.com
Eusebi Deli & Trattoria
Giovanna Eusebi's family have run their original deli in Glasgow's East End for more than 40 years, and it's now a well-known institution. Her new West End deli and restaurant takes it to a new level. Everything here bursts with incredible colour and flavour, and you'll feel pleasantly distant from the Finnieston hustle and bustle, even though it's only across Kelvingrove Park. 152 Park Rd, G4 9HB; eusebideli.com
Porter and Rye
At Porter, steak is a religion. The meat comes from an exclusive organic family farm, and is a native breed that's aged in-house. The minimum age statement is 52 days but I've eaten 275-day aged longhorn there in the past – I would've happily died afterwards as it really doesn't get any better. Until you see the wine list, dripping chips and bone marrow macaroni cheese, that is. 1131 Argyle St, G3 8ND; porterandrye.com
Asia Oriental
I found this place by accident. There's no sign, very few seats, no external menu and only the kitchen vent gives it away. Nonetheless, it's rammed full of Chinese students craving takeaway-style Sichuan cooking, which is a good sign. Order one of the speciality hotpots, steaming full of fresh vegetables, huge tiger prawns and crispy fried chillies. 61 Old Dumbarton Road G3 8RF
Graham Suttle opened his first venue Lebowskis in 2007 along with two friends. Since then the trio, who form Kained Holdings, have shaken up Scotland's food and drink scene with nine more restaurants that share a passion for ethical, local produce and a commitment to the local communities in which they operate.
