Glasgow

The UK’s best Pride festivals: 2021

Pride Glasgow
Date TBC

Scotland’s largest LGBTQI+ festival returns, with an incredible Pride Parade, a two-day music festival and plenty of sexy Scots in kilts. Last time saw over 13,000 revellers flood the streets with joy and colour, and this year’s set to be even bigger. Pride Glasgow is still taking volunteer applications, and more details are being confirmed soon.

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Edinburgh
Date TBC

Pride Edinburgh regularly draws more than 15,000 people to the capital, so this year they’re putting safety first with an online festival. Details are still being confirmed, but there’s plenty to do in the city without joining a crowd of thousands.

Edinburgh’s most popular gay bars are near the city centre, at the north end of Leith Street and Broughton Street. It’s known locally as the Pink Triangle and is full of great restaurants and bars. Try The Street for a buzzy, laid back dinner-and-drinks atmosphere, and Street NightClub downstairs comes alive after dark once you’re ready to storm the dancefloor.

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The historic Glasgow building we transformed into 64 luxe apartments

New Luxury Apartments

Our beautifully furnished and fully equipped apartments offer a hotel-style service including a 24-hour reception and concierge, on-site breakfast options and weekly cleaning service if you plan to stay with us for a while.

Perfectly placed to explore the city, we’ve got Queen Street Station on our doorstep and the all-important Style Mile. Before you leave for the day make sure to stop for some breakfast on the ground and basement floors at the infamous and much loved Anchor Line restaurant.

We hope to see you soon at our stunning boutique hotel in Glasgow.

Best live music in Glasgow

St Luke’s

What was originally St Luke’s Parish Church on the outskirts of Glasgow’s Merchant City is now a breath-taking music venue, beautifully restored to show off all its original features, like stained glass windows and an 1800s pipe organ. Catch up-and-comers and big names alike, from Jessie Buckley and Joan As Police Woman to top notch tribute bands and club DJs.

What’s on at St Luke’s?

The Old Fruitmarket

Home to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, this glorious spot is also Glasgow’s oldest purpose-built performance space. In January it’s home to the annual Celtic Connections music festival and in June it’s Glasgow Jazz Festival, while classical, rock and folk concerts fill its vaulted ceilings the rest of the time. It’s broadened its scope over the years too, with theatre and comedy performances on the bill.

What’s on at the Fruitmarket?

The Barrowland Ballroom

Starting life as an actual ballroom – sprung dance floor and everything – this iconic venue now boasts a prominent neon frontage and a capacity of 1,900, as well as one of the best gig atmospheres you’ll ever experience. The Barrowlands has proudly hosted legends like David Bowie, U2, The Stranglers, The Clash, Muse and Foo Fighters, just to name a few. So, it’s no surprise that both Metallica and Oasis have said it’s one of their favourite venues in the world.

What’s on at Barrowlands?

The SSE Hydro

Scotland’s largest entertainment venue regularly plays host to the megastars of music, and it’s little wonder. This imposing Foster + Partners-designed building welcomes up to 13,000 fans at a time and is ranked globally alongside the likes of Madison Square Garden and The O2. From classic rockers like Kiss and The Eagles to Khalid and The Chemical Brothers, there’s something for every musical palate.

What’s on at the Hydro?

Base yourself at Native Glasgow and experience Glasgow’s celebrated music scene.

Best walks near Glasgow

Ayrshire Coast (45 minute drive)

With quaint country towns, an ancient castle, museums, stately homes and sandy shores, the Ayrshire coast has been drawing crowds since the Vikings landed there.

Less than two hours’ drive away

Ben Vorlich and Lock Earn (90 minute drive)

Close to the Highland border and offering awe-inspiring views of the Lowlands, Ben Vorlich above Loch Earn is one of the most popular climbs in Scotland.

Two to three hours away

Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas (2 hour drive)

One of the country’s most popular hill walks, Ben Lawers is the tenth highest Munro, bordering the beautiful Loch Tay, and you’ll cross Beinn Ghlas on the way.

Schiehallion (2 hour drive)

Rich with botanical life and archaeology, this is a walk for scientists and history buffs. The mountain made its name in 1774, when it was used to estimate the Earth’s mass, and it’s simply a beautiful place to spend the day.

Buachaille Etive Beag (2 hour drive)

If rocky ridges and loch views are your thing, this magnificent summit is a little known gem among the Munros, offering plenty of Instagrammable views of the surrounding Glencoe peaks and down to Loch Etive.

Loch Ness (3 hour drive)

Nessie, the mythical monster, may be the most famous thing about Loch Ness, but thousands of people flock here every year to enjoy the 23 miles of lakeside trails, towpaths and falls amidst the lush greenery and mountain vistas.

Plan your route from Native Glasgow.

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.

Explore Scotland: The Best Day Trips From Glasgow

Edinburgh – 40 minute drive

Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital is most famous for its world renowned festivals, legendary Hogmanay (new year’s eve) celebrations and incredible castle. It’s also a seamless blend of old and new, melding a friendly, student town feel with its unique gravitas and impressive architecture.

St Andrews – 90 minute drive

St Andrews University may be where the love story of Will and Kate began, but there’s more to why visitors flock here every year. Beaches, botanical gardens and museums draw in the crowds, as do the famous golf courses.

Top scenery to explore from Glasgow

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs – 30 minute drive

A breath-taking national park that stretches over 720 square miles, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs include mountains, glens, forest parks and the famous lochs (lakes).

Loch Ness – 3 hour drive

It’d be a shame to take in the sights of Scotland and not drop in on dear Nessie. You can see why the mythical monster has made her home here – this huge, stunning lake is contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales put together.

Ayrshire Coast – 45 minute drive

The home of the great bard, Robert Burns, is Ayrshire and Arran, which comprises countryside towns, an ancient castle, museums, stately homes and the sandy shores once landed upon by Vikings.

So, what are you waiting for? You take the high road and I’ll take the low road… come and visit Scotland.

Book your stay at Native Glasgow today.

The UK’s best Pride festivals: 2021