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Top 10 Glasgow bars

Crafty cocktails

 

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Known for some of the best mixology in the city, The Kelvingrove Café has been serving locals and visitors since 1896. Chilled but trendy, the cocktails here are seriously creative, with clever ingredients like poppy seed liqueur, jalapeño vinegar and rose water, along with a fine list of wines, beers and spirits.

Must try: One Night in Jalisco – an irresistible concoction of mescal, grapefruit, jalapeño vinegar and all kinds of magic.

Bold brews with a view

 

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Fast becoming a Glasgow institution, WEST On The Green is the German-style beer hall run by the West Brewery. Innovative lagers, ales and pilsners abound, with a side of Bavarian bar snacks and barbecue in the summery dining garden.

Must try: The Heidi-Weisse is a cheeky little brew, named after the brewery’s dog. We love the top notes of clove and banana.

Clever cocktails with a difference

 

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Tucked away in Strathbungo, one of Glasgow’s best loved areas for a night out, Bungo Bar is a cosy, laid back and friendly place to spend an evening. Alongside the classics, there are some seriously special cocktails that have been barrel aged to bring out the depth in their flavours.

Must try: Brooklyn – a barrel aged, lovingly matured mix of Wild Turkey, maraschino cherry liqueur and sweet vermouth.

Classy modern cocktails

 

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If variety is your style, head to The Spiritualist for an unrivalled menu of spirits, liqueurs, cocktails, wines and craft beers inspired by old Scottish legends of the fey folk (fairies, to you and me). Whimsy meets good taste and beautiful presentation, all in elegant, jovial surroundings in the buzzy Merchant City area. Check out the wall on the right hand side that’s completely filled with spirits.

Must try: The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini – perfect if you’ve got a sweet tooth and like a caffeine kick to your cocktail.

A wee dram or two. Or three…

 

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Aficionados need look no further than The Pot Still for the whisky list of their dreams. If you’re new to the wonderful world of Scotland’s most famous export, talk to Frank – what this man doesn’t know about whisky isn’t worth knowing.

Must try: The Kilchoman 100% Islay, which combines citrusy notes and vanilla sweetness to balance out the Islay peat smoke.

Bespoke mixology

 

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Speakeasy-style bars are all the rage, but few retain that authentic secrecy that make them so special. Until Wheesht (Scottish for “shh”). Here there’s no cocktail menu – just tell the bartender what you like and they’ll whip something up for you. Weekly themes add an extra layer of intrigue and, since the talent behind the concept are two former Kelvingrove Café bartenders, you know the quality is well above par.

Must try: Your bartender’s current favourite.

Something a little bit different

 

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Just around the corner on Mitchell Lane is Tabac, a chic and cosy bar that has a tantalising secret. Head to the back and you’ll find Panther Milk – a tiny speakeasy in an old elevator shaft that serves variations on the Spanish Catalonian cocktail Leche de Pantera. It’s an infamous blend of condensed milk, rum, gin, Cointreau, peppermint and cinnamon – not for the faint of heart.

Must try: The classic mint flavour. Or the pink. Or the white. Or all three…

Fine wines and a bubbly or two

 

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Once home to one of Glasgow’s newspapers, first published in August 1864, this glorious building now plays host to The Citizen, a simply brilliant bar and restaurant. The wine list here deals in quality, not quantity, with every bottle carefully chosen by a sommelier who knows their stuff.

Must try: If you’re in the mood for a good red, go for the Angel Tears. It’s an easy-drinking wine full of ripe plums and blackcurrants and delightfully moreish.

A G&T to write home about

 

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If it’s a quintessentially Glaswegian pub you’re after, you’ve found it. The Horseshoe, named for its 104ft Victorian bar (the longest in Europe, no less), offers a warm welcome, with sports on the telly, a great selection of beers, wines and spirits, and even a gin parlour.

Must try: The JJ Whitley Violet gin is a deliciously aromatic floral blend – ideal with a good tonic and garnished with lemon.

A bottle of something special

 

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Serving since the 1930s, Rogano is known for its seafood, but don’t get distracted by the oysters and miss the bar. All the wines here are firm favourites, guaranteed to please, and the elegant surroundings add a sense of occasion without being stuffy.

Must try: Like a dessert wine now and then? Try the Monbazillac Domaine du Haut-Rauly – it’s on the pricey side but well worth it.

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Top 10 Manchester bars

Cocktails and gins with Japanese flair

Inspired by Manchester’s proud history in the cotton trade, Cottonopolis offers such a stunning menu of Japanese cocktails, beers, sakes and teas that you’ll simply have to come back to sample them all.

Must try: Drunken Life, Dreamy Death – an intoxicating mix of gin, bergamot and lemon verbena.

Ale, ale and more ale

Whether you’re a total novice or a proud Real Ale champion, you’re bound to find something in the Oast House’s Ale Inventory that’ll surprise you. There’s everything from IPA and lager to Trappist and dark varieties, and their Ale Masterclasses are legendary.

Must try: Brodie’s Prime Porter – a rich, dark brew with notes of dark chocolate and treacle.

Big Bavarian biers

If you’re looking for a place that takes its beer seriously, you’ve found it. At Albert’s Schloss, the team makes a weekly 1,500 mile round trip to the Urquell brewery in Prague to fill their tanks with the good stuff before serving it in Manchester’s very own Bier Palace.

Must try: The Manchester Rein – brewed right here in the city to Bavarian standards, using Munich malts.

Whimsical cocktails and bold beers

Fresh, young and quirky, The Font is fast becoming a Mancunian favourite. If you like your cocktails tooth-teasingly sweet, with rainbow ice and a unicorn horn, you’ve found your tribe. If you don’t, you’ll still find plenty to love on the beer menu.

Must try: The Unicorn Juice – a fruity frolic of bubble gum, rainbows and glitter.

Beer where it’s brewed

Most people find themselves at Seven Brothers for the first time while they’re waiting for a table at Rudy’s Pizza, but it’s well worth a visit in its own right. A family brewery through and through, here’s where you’ll find some of the best beers in town.

Must try: The Honeycomb Pale Ale, with its subtle hints of honey and proud Manchester heritage.

Experimental mixology

Whether it’s served in a hip flask, copper kettle or tea cup, the cocktails at The Alchemist are something to behold. With innovative mixes, ingredients you’ve never heard of (yet) and spectacular presentation, you’ll be Instagramming every round.

Must try: The Caviar One, simply for the joy of making your own rhubarb caviar to add to rhubarb gin and prosecco.

Beer and wine with Mancunian soul

Under the railway arches behind Piccadilly train station is Fairfield Social Club, home to the city’s newest food market, cider festivals, vegan delicacies and a fine list of wines, beers and cocktails to sample.

Must try: Anything from the new line of boozy sodas from local pop producer Steep Soda – we love the Tropical Crush, which is exclusive to Fairfield Social Club.

Booze with a side of live music

One of the Northern Quarter’s top gig spots is also one of its best bars. Matt & Phred’s has the feel of a real neighbourhood joint – albeit one that Jamie Cullum and Adele have played at. The bar is well stocked with classic cocktails, fine wines, beers and spirits – don’t miss the carefully selected bourbons that go brilliantly with the bar’s own wood-fired pizzas.

Must try: The happy hour deal – buy two alcoholic drinks and get a free pizza. A whole pizza. For free. Seriously.

Top-notch tequila

Take a detour from the Northern Quarter via Mexico City. At El Capo you’ll find terrific tapas, as well as South American-inspired cocktails, cervezas, wines and spirits, as well as one of the largest collections of tequila in the whole city.

Must try: Lady Marmalade, with its moreish mix of gin, peach liqueur and marmalade.

Bold Mexican blends

Mexico meets Vegas at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, where you’ll find a huge range of bottled and canned craft beers and a cocktail menu packed with bold fresh fruit flavours. There’s also a killer happy hour, with £5 margaritas and £2 tequila shots – it’s not to be missed.

Must try: The paletas – Mexican ice lollies made with fresh fruit, doused in sparkling prosecco.

Fresh new flavours

Tucked away under the railway arches behind Piccadilly train station, GRUB is Manchester’s favourite street food festival. On Fridays and Saturdays there’s an incredible array of cuisine, but don’t miss the bar scene while you’re there. They have great selection of craft beers and ales, wines and cocktails, many of which you won’t have come across before.

Must try: Marble Mango – a local Kölsch-style brew by Marble Beers, packed full of juicy mango pulp.

 

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Glasgow’s top 10 restaurants

I’m in the mood for…all things Scottish.

If you want to experience traditional Scottish cuisine, Café Gandolfini is your first stop. From cullen skink and haggis to smoked venison, the menu is a veritable culinary voyage across the country. It’s also just one of a growing local restaurant empire, with Bar Gandolfi, Gandolfi Fish and takeaway Gandolfi Fish to Go all flying the flag for seasonal Scottish cuisine.

I’m in the mood for…something hearty.

Germanic meets Glaswegian at West on the Green. Drink brilliant beer where its brewed, all alongside big, bold Bavarian barbecue, bar snacks and more. Think schnitzel, currywurst, and strudel for dessert. It’s also great for breakfast and brunch – try the West Full Breakfast or the Eggs Portobello – and there’s al fresco dining space too.

I’m in the mood for…fancy Scottish fare.

Inspired by the famously greedy bird that gave this place its name, The Gannet is a wonderfully elegant Three Rosette restaurant. The menus here are both delicious and seasonal, using lovingly sourced Scottish produce from across the country. The wine list is excellent, too – the organic and biodynamic vintages are well worth a try.

I’m in the mood for…sizzle and spice.

Julie Macleod, MasterChef contestant and resident Glaswegian, has opened one of the city’s favourite foodie spots. Serving vibrant, lovingly prepared Malaysian dishes passed down from her mother, Julie’s Kopitiam is the place to go for a proper culinary adventure. It’s a tiny place and there’s no booking, so be ready to join the waiting list, or turn up for an early dinner when it opens at 5pm.

I’m in the mood for…a big, juicy burger.

El Perro Negro is the home of Scotland’s best burger, according to scores of reviews and regular queues. Using carefully sourced beef from small farms and ingenious garnishes like bone marrow butter, truffle mayo and black pudding, these are more than just something to soak up the booze on a night out.

I’m in the mood for…something fresh and authentic.

Bibimbap is simply Korean comfort food – a warm and cosy rice dish that’s just one delicious option on the menu here. Bibimbap in the heart of town is the perfect place to experience authentic Korean cuisine, from bulgogi (barbecue beef) and japchae (sweet potato noodles) to saeu (prawn katsu curry) and the ultimate KFC – Korean fried chicken.

I’m in the mood for…a kebab.

No, not a sweaty pile of questionable meat in a microwaved flatbread. We’re talking real kebabs, as their Greek, Turkish and Levantine heritage intended. At ‘Babs, great quality lamb, chicken, swordfish and vegan steak is grilled over proper charcoal fires, all served on freshly baked pita bread, with hummus and a tangy shredded salad. There’s also plenty of moreish mezze and artisanal baklava for dessert.

I’m in the mood for…fine French food.

You needn’t venture far for Glasgow’s best French cooking. In fact, all you need to do is trot downstairs! Atlantic Bar & Brasserie at Native Glasgow offers a fresh take on Gallic classics. Think escargots, French onion soup and moules frîtes, along with a brilliant rotisserie for the juiciest roast chicken you’ve ever had. There’s also live jazz at the weekends, and a delicious low FODMAP menu.

I’m in the mood for…the best pizza in town.

Credited with bringing real Neapolitan pizza to Glasgow, Paesano now has two restaurants in the city and shows no signs of slowing down. Here the pizzas are made with moist, light and soft crust, simple but brilliant quality ingredients, and are made by pizzaioli who are truly passionate about what they do.

Book your stay in one of Native’s Art Deco holiday apartments in Glasgow and take a food-lover’s tour of the city.

Travel well with Chessie King and Native Bankside

Once we’d worked up an appetite, we headed straight to one of Chessie’s top local eateries (and one of our own neighbourhood heroes), Tibits, just a seven minute stroll from Native Bankside. Here we treated ourselves to a lunch of delicious veggie treats and Chessie was happy to answer lots of questions about keeping fit, well and happy in the heart of town.

“If I wake up in the morning and I really just want to get out and run,” she said, “I’ll do exactly that. You can literally just put on your running shoes and just go and explore. That’s my favourite way to exercise when I’m travelling. I think that’s how you find the real gems in London.”

To finish up, Chessie took us back to her Native Bankside apartment and showed us how to make the most of the spacious, comfy rooms with some chilled out yoga, deep stretches and mindfulness. There’s also our lovely fitness suite on the fifth floor, if you fancy a change of scenery while you work up a sweat.

“If I’ve been travelling and if I’ve had a long day,” Chessie said, “I love waking up my body with a flow. Sometimes I do [yoga] just before bed, to stretch out the day. I just take some time to give some love to my body – and then it’ll love me back.”

Watch the full video on how Chessie King stays healthy and active while travelling below.

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Manchester’s top 10 restaurants

I’m in the mood for…the avant-garde.

Named in honour of Manchester’s cotton-trading heritage, Cottonopolis serves up Asian-inspired small plates like dim sum and sushi in a Grade II listed building, all alongside a delectable selection of sakes.

I’m in the mood for… civilised dining.

The Restaurant at the CULTUREPLEX’s full service restaurant. Its approach will be to offer uncomplicated good food, drink and service with common sense and good taste. Menus by Chef Director Blaine Duffy.

I’m in the mood for…top notch tapas.

Canto’s celebrated older sister, El Gato Negro, might well serve the best tapas you’ll ever have outside Spain. It’s also worth booking the chef’s table, where you can enjoy the theatre of the open kitchen while you savour every bite.

I’m in the mood for…variety.

Mackie Mayor is a gorgeous Grade II listed indoor food market that boasts ten exceptional eateries under its brand new glass roof, with everything from Taiwanese bao to some of the finest pizza in town.

I’m in the mood for…a big, beefy burger.

Make sure you’re hungry before you venture to Almost Famous for some of Manchester’s biggest and best burgers. Pulled pork, BBQ chicken and deep fried mac ’n’ cheese await, along with beers, cocktails and shakes.

I’m in the mood for…Mexican with a twist.

Visit Mexico via Vegas with big, bold burritos, burgers, tacos and steaks from the team behind Almost Famous. At Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, the ingredients are so fresh that they even make the guacamole at your table.

I’m in the mood for…a hangover cure.

If brunch is your thing, head straight to Moose Coffee and join the queue – trust us, it’s worth the wait. Enjoy classic Benedicts and sure-fire remedies for the morning after the night before, like the Lone Star Moose meat-fest.

I’m in the mood for…understated elegance.

Yuzu is a little haven of Japanese calm that’s tucked away amidst the bustle of Chinatown and has been gaining country-wide accolades since The Guardian’s food critic, Jay Rayner, raved about it. Be sure to book ahead – it fills up fast.

I’m in the mood for…the perfect pizza.

A little taste of Napoli in Ancoats, Rudy’s is a neighbourhood favourite, serving brilliant pizzas (at brilliant prices) alongside a lovingly selected craft beer and wine list. Perfect for an easy-going night out.

And, one more for luck (because we couldn’t pick just ten)…

I’m in the mood for…everything!

Manchester’s legendary street food festival now has a permanent home under the railway arches behind Piccadilly train station: GRUB at Fairfield Social Club. Fridays and Saturdays see the place burst into life with food, drink, events and live music, and they even have a vegan day every Sunday.

Take a trip to Manchester and create your own foodie festival.

Where to Cool Down in London

Hamstead Heath Swimming Ponds

A beauty spot for London and a life saver for cooling off. Originally dammed off clay pits, the three pools are open to women, men and mixed groups. Even in the height of summer, the water is still chilly so you’re guaranteed a refreshing dip.

London Fields Lido

Located in the heart of hipster central, Hackney, London Fields can get busy but it’s worth a visit. Unlike the Swimming Ponds, the lido is heated – it might not be as cool but there’ll be no shock to the system and you can enjoy it on cooler days too.

Tooting Bec Lido

This is lido is nothing short of fantastic. It’s over 100 years old and spans 90 metres of water. The beauty of this spot is that even on sunny days, with lots of people poolside, there’s still always plenty of room to swim.

Serpentine Lido – Hyde Park

Perfect for a solo cool off, couples, families, you name it. It’s open from 10am until 6pm, with a sun terrace and sun bathing area for catching rays too. The Serpentine is a natural, no chlorine, no heat spot and the water is checked weekly to ensure quality. There’s also a separate heated, chlorinated kids pool too.

The Berkeley Hotel

If lidos aren’t your thing, The Berkeley is the place for you. Its stunning rooftop pool is available everyday to hotel guests and it’s truly a refreshing gem on a hot summer’s day. The seventh floor pool is what tranquil dreams are made of and it even boasts panoramic views of London too. You can also enjoy the secret garden, where sun loungers are among green leaves and fragrant flowers.