Which pubs in Glasgow serve the most authentic Scottish ales?

If you're in Glasgow, you're in for a treat as the city is a treasure trove of pubs serving authentic Scottish ales. Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, is renowned for its diverse range of pubs, from traditional ones serving real Scottish ales to trendy bars that cater to a younger crowd. This vibrant city is not only famous for its splendid architecture and rich history but also for its bustling nightlife, chock-full of friendly pubs and bars. Whether you're a local, a beer aficionado, or a tourist seeking to experience authentic Scottish hospitality, Glasgow has a pub for you. So, which pubs in Glasgow are considered the best for their selection of real Scottish ales? Let's find out.

Glasgow's Traditional Pubs

Glasgow is a city that takes pride in its history, and this is clearly reflected in its traditional pubs. These places are where the past meets the present, where the old world charm of Scotland mingles with the contemporary buzz of modern Glasgow. From their interiors to their drink menus, these pubs keep the Scottish heritage alive.

A well-known traditional pub in Glasgow is The Pot Still. This place is renowned for its wide range of real Scottish ales and warm, friendly atmosphere. The Pot Still offers over 700 whiskies, but it's their selection of ales that draws a regular crowd. The pub is particularly popular with locals, which is always a good sign of authenticity.

On the other hand, the Ben Nevis is a cozy pub that offers a unique experience for fans of Scottish folk music. With live music performances every week, the Ben Nevis offers not just a place to enjoy a pint of ale, but an opportunity to immerse oneself in Scottish culture.

Contemporary Bars in Glasgow

While traditional pubs are a significant part of Glasgow's drinking scene, the city also boasts a variety of contemporary bars offering an extensive selection of Scottish ales. These places have a modern vibe but still maintain a respect for Scottish brewing traditions.

BrewDog Glasgow is one of these places. A part of the famous BrewDog chain, this bar shakes up the city's pub scene with its innovative and daring approach to beers. Despite it being a modern bar, BrewDog Glasgow still serves a wide range of authentic Scottish ales, often brewed in-house.

Another contemporary bar worth mentioning is Shilling Brewing Co. This place is unique in that it's a brewery, pizza place, and bar all rolled into one. The Shilling Brewing Co. offers ales that are brewed on-site, ensuring the freshness and authenticity of their drinks.

Independent Breweries in Glasgow

Glasgow's beer scene wouldn't be complete without its independent breweries. These establishments brew their own beer, allowing them to control the quality and authenticity of their ales.

Dead End Brew Machine is one such brewery. This small and independent brewery is known for their hand-crafted and bottle-conditioned ales. Despite its size, Dead End Brew Machine has gained a reputation for its uncompromising quality and unique beer styles.

Another independent brewery worth mentioning is Overtone Brewing Co. Although relatively new, Overtone has quickly made a name for itself with its clear focus on creating high quality, flavorful beers. Their ales, particularly their IPAs, have been receiving rave reviews from beer enthusiasts.

Pubs with Great Food in Glasgow

A great pub experience isn't complete without delicious food to accompany the beer. Some pubs in Glasgow offer not only a fantastic range of Scottish ales, but also great food.

The Three Judges is among these pubs. Not only does it have an impressive selection of real ales, but it also serves traditional pub grub that gets consistently good reviews.

Inn Deep, located on the banks of the River Kelvin, is another pub that combines great beers with tasty food. Known for its riverside terrace and wide range of beers, Inn Deep also serves up delicious burgers and pizzas.

Conclusion

In a city as vibrant and diverse as Glasgow, finding a pub that serves authentic Scottish ale isn't difficult. From traditional pubs and independent breweries to contemporary bars and food-centric pubs, there's a place for every beer lover in Glasgow. So the next time you're in the city, do yourself a favor and explore its pubs. You'll not only get to taste real Scottish ales, but also experience the friendly atmosphere and cultural richness that these places have to offer.

Intimate Pubs in Glasgow City Centre

Glasgow's city centre is a hotspot for pubs serving authentic Scottish ales, each providing an intimate and unique atmosphere.

Nestled in the heart of the city is Drum & Monkey, a traditional pub that offers a wide range of real ales. With its cosy atmosphere and friendly staff, Drum & Monkey is the perfect place for a quiet pint. Their selection of ales is carefully chosen to represent the best of Scottish brewing.

Continuing the journey in the city centre, we come across Bon Accord, a pub known for its extensive range of ales and whiskies. The staff at Bon Accord is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their offerings, adding to the authenticity of the experience.

Additionally, the Merchant City area, known for its bustling vibe, is host to a number of pubs, including Blackfriars. This pub stands out with its live music performances and impressive range of craft beer. The staff at Blackfriars is friendly and welcoming, further enhancing the Scottish pub experience.

Scottish Dishes at Glasgow's Pubs

Pairing authentic Scottish ales with traditional food is a must-try experience in Glasgow. Many pubs offer a varied menu of Scottish dishes that perfectly complement their drink offerings.

A visit to Òran Mór, a beautiful bar and restaurant located in the West End of Glasgow, Scotland is a must for food and drink lovers. It offers a menu rich in traditional Scottish dishes, which can be enjoyed alongside their extensive range of ales.

Another excellent choice for food and drink is the Curlers Rest. This traditional pub, located in the heart of the city, offers a menu of hearty pub food that goes perfectly with their real ales. Curlers Rest is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a meal and a pint.

Conclusion

Glasgow, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a diverse range of pubs that serve authentic Scottish ales. From traditional pubs radiating old world charm, contemporary bars shaking up the pub scene, to independent breweries crafting their unique styles, one is spoilt for choice. Not to forget, many of these establishments offer traditional Scottish dishes that perfectly complement their ales.

Whether it's live music you seek, intimate city centre pubs, or an Instagram worthy post of your Scottish ale, Glasgow has it all. So, the next time you're in the city, make sure to explore these places. The friendly staff, the atmosphere, the authentic ales, and the delicious pub food, all make for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland. So, grab a pint, raise a toast, and immerse yourself in the true Scottish pub culture.