The Botanist: Happening Now: Glasgow Mini Guide

Two of our favourite places to eat also happen to have been given the Michelin seal of approval: Fallachan Kitchen and Brett. Head to sensory dining experience Fallachan Kitchen for their local, hyper-seasonal summer tasting menu, served at their communal chef’s table. Relaxed and welcoming, the European-style restaurant Brett has an open kitchen and an excellent wine list. For small plates, we love the Basque-inspired Corner Shop and basement bolthole Sebb’s, which serves fire-cooked fare and tasty cocktails (try the Chip Shop Martini).

Still hungry?
A Malaysian inspired diner, cosy GaGa (read our interview with chef Julie Lin here) is also a nice spot for cocktails (try The Botanist Alas, Another 50/50). For great steak, head to Porter and Rye and treat yourself to a Botanist Distiller’s Strength Freezer Door Martini, and you can’t go wrong with Glasgow’s iconic curry house, Mother India.

Looking for somewhere to go for a nightcap? You’re in the right place. Head to bar and restaurant The Anchor Line for a Botanist Distiller's Strength White Negroni or Martini in a sleek 1920s setting or settle in at The Laurieston for the perfect pint in an iconic local pub that remains largely unchanged since the 1960s. For a dram, family-run The Pot Still serves over 1000 whiskies from its city centre bar - naturally, we'd suggest one from our home, Bruichladdich Distillery.

Still thirsty?
We also love The Gate, an East End hidden gem with excellent cocktails (try No Filter), Scottish whiskies, and banter! If the weather is nice, visit Amarone for their Terrace with four Botanist cocktails on the menu (try a Rested Paloma). The Kelvingrove Cafe in Finnieston is another lovely place to perch with a cocktail in hand.

No trip to Glasgow is complete without a visit to the city’s infamous ‘The Barras’ - a sprawling indoor/outdoor independent marketplace that’s been around for more than 100 years, where you can find just about anything for sale. You’d also be remiss not to visit one of the city’s many brilliant record stores - some of our favourites include Rubadub, Love Music, Mixed Up Records, Monorail Music and Missing Records.

Still browsing?
Vintage home enthusiasts should check out the second hand furniture warehouses on South Street and trawl the charity shops in the West End for unique homeware. For eclectic shops and boutiques, meander through the Southside and pick up a coffee from one of the many cafes along the way.

Music and art are part of Glasgow’s DNA and there will always be a show on whenever you choose to visit. For music, The Barrowlands has consistently been voted the best venue in the UK by musicians and artists. Originally the Barrowland Ballroom, the venue retains its sprung floor and boasts superb acoustics thanks to its barrel-domed ceiling. Stereo is another beloved music venue that serves great food too. One of Scotland’s most famous venues and nights out is Sub Club, an underground electronic music club. If comedy is more your thing, head to The Stand.

Still curious?
For art lovers, the vast Burrell Collection hosts an impressive 9,000 objects of art and history in Pollok Country Park. The stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery is another city stalwart with its grand building that houses 22 galleries. Alternatively, the Riverside Museum is a fascinating look at the city’s history through transport and technology.