There’s no place like home, and maybe girlfriend Dorothy wasn’t following the yellow brick road doon’ the Barras but dammit she was close! Glasgow is a one of a kind place, so when ASOS got in touch with me to ask 20 questions to get to know the place a bit better, I was more than happy to blow bubbles up my home city’s arse! Get your tourist hat on because this is all your questions answered about Glasgow.
Where should we go for one-of-a-kind shopping?
You cannot get more one of a kind than a trip down to The Barras market and there’s no better time to shop there than the end of the month at BAaD’s vintage flea market. While you are there you can browse local sellers as well as indie shops and stalls that have been built into the woodwork of the city. Wee Jinty or Magrit will no doubt point you in the right direction of all your needs!
What’s the cliché worth the hype?
A roll n’ square (sausage that is) and tattie scon, washed down with a cold glass bottle (or can) of Irn Bru or Dear Green Coffee. It cures every comfort eating craving known to man and is my favourite breakfast food ever. Make sure it’s laid on a buttered Mortons roll and your sauce of choice. All you locals know what I am talking about, but to all the tourists, you’re welcome.
Is Glasgow best by morning or night?
I’d say during the day, especially when it hits around 17 degrees! It turns into a totally different city. Everyone’s smiling, saying hello, making friends from strangers and ‘the hill’ in Kelvingrove Park fills up with music and street performers. Sunny days can be remembered for years that follow, but it really does bring out the best in the city. Summer this year was a Wednesday, what a day it was.
Which area should we stay in? Is there a particular hostel, cheap boutique-y hotel, or area…
There are loads of great places to stay in Glasgow but if I was visiting for the first time I would live like a local and grab an Air Bnb in the West End. The flats themselves in Glasgow are spectacular; with beautiful tiled closes, high ceilings and cornicing gracing most of the flats. If hotels are more your jam when on your jolly’s I’d recommend the Blythswood, citizenm and Mal Maison.
Where can we dance til dawn?
There’s many places you can get your dance on in Glasgow, but it does depend on the music you like. The Sub Club is a 30 year old legendary electronic music venue, Buff Club is great for some retro spins and Cathouse if you love yourself some punk, rock or metal! If pop’s your jam I’d head to the ABC but my personal favourite clubnight is ‘Pretty Ugly’. Held in either Stereo or The Admiral once a month It’s basically two awesome DJ’s ticking off all songs of nostalgia and more. From film themes to celebrations of Bey, these girls know how to get some shapes cut on the dancefloor!
Where can we cure our hangover the next day, and what’s your order?
Well, that depends on where in the city you are and if you are coming with or without a dog! Brunch is my favourite meal of the day, and nothing cures a hangover like a good egg! If I was out West, I’d head to the Drug Store Social in Finnieston for their take on the eggs Benedict with a tattie scon base the size of your face. Near the city, it would have to be Singl-End for the best Scottish – Italian style cooking and endless list of breads and home-baked beans to pick you up. In the South Side of the city (but worth the travel wherever you are) Cafe Strange Brew is a sure thing to shake up that hangover with their chilli hollandaise. My order is a ‘that guy’, if you’re asking!
What should we wake up early for?
People watching the walks of shame through Kelvingrove Park.
Which museum or gallery should we visit?
We are so lucky to have such incredible museums right on our doorstep. If pickled body parts is your jam, then the Huntarian Museum would be my first recommendation. If you are into spectacular architecture, classic art and wonder, Kelvingrove should be high up on the list. Call it my love for vintage, but my personal favourite museum is The People’s Palace. Showcasing the history of Glasweigians gone by, I love to look into how we lived, the clothes we wore and get to know the characters gone by.
What’s your favourite landmark?
It has to be the Duke of Wellington complete with the cone bunnet. It really captures Glasgow’s sense of humour, especially since the cone has been made a permanent feature when the authorities couldn’t keep it off! No matter how many times you see it, you can’t help but chuckle.
What’s the city’s best-kept secret?
Tap’s aff at 20. (degrees)
The most Instagrammable spot?
The Botanic Garden greenhouse, so much foliage, so much beauty.
Best activity on a tiny budget?
Grabbing a doorstop sandwich from Cafe Hula for £3.50 and sitting on the Theatre Royal steps on Buchanan Street to watch the characters go by. If you are lucky, you’ll spot a Glasgow legend like Leo the silent raver!
Best way to get around?
Glasgow is super easy by foot but everyone also needs to experience our local Subway. Assuming the smallest in the world, it’s one circle, going forwards and backwards around the city. Unfortunately, they don’t allow dogs on, so I am trying to change that with my petition. They said no first time around but the Glasgow Subway folks haven’t heard the last of me yet!
Best place to shelter from the rain?
Nowhere. It will find you.
And to enjoy the sun?
When it’s out, it has to be one of our beautiful parks, each one for different reasons. Botanics with the family, Pollock Park with the dog, Glasgow Green or Necropolis if you want to escape the city life or Kelvingrove for some good old fashioned day drinking!
Favourite drinks place, or bar or gig venue…
For drinks, I love Kelvingrove Cafe for cocktails, Nice n’ Sleazy or Bloc. Music wise, there’s no other venue apart from the Barrowland Ballroom. Soaked up in so much Scottish history, it has to be my all-time favourite gig venue.
Favourite restaurant?
Porter and Rye is without a doubt the best steak in Glasgow. If you like some tapas ‘i’ll have everything’ style I love Ox and Finch is so tasty. I am also a sucker for Topolabamba in the city centre, but I am not sure if it’s the food or the margaritas that keep me coming back!
Best day activity or adventure?
If I was here for a girly weekend I’d start off with cocktails and a BLOWdry at BLOW on the Finnieston Strip. After they put the bounce back in the bouffant, I’d haul ass to the sassiest nail salon in town, NAF, for a mani before painting the town orange. If you are looking for something a bit more outdoorsey, why not try our only outdoor swimming pool in Gourock? It’ll certainly get your blood pumping!
Indulgence worth the money?
A spa day at The Blythswood Hotel.
How would you sum up Glasgow’s general vibe to someone who had never visited?
Edinburgh’s ugly sister with the better personality; hilarious, cheeky, and oh so much fun.
Do you think I missed anything out? Let me know your favourite Glasgow hotspots over on Instagram @foreveryoursbetty.
Oh l love reading your posts and trying out your recommendations. Lol @ Edinburgh’s ugly sister, l love Glasgow so much too and no wonder why I’m there almost every weekend. I’m so gonna hangout around Kelvingrove a lot more now sounds incredible
Oh it’s the most fun! Have a walk along the river Kelvin and stop off for a pint at inn deep! Xx
Hahaha this is the best post especially for this line: Edinburgh’s ugly sister with the better personality; hilarious, cheeky, and oh so much fun.
Love it and taking notes of a few wee places you mentioned I’ve not been to yet!
Bahaha loved this! So accurate, cannae beat a roll and slice & a bit of people watching ;)