United Kingdom

Glasgow

Joshua Barr

Josh Barr is a proud Glaswegian and has worked in venues across the city for nearly two decades. His first foray into hospitality was with his dad—who owns numerous venues and bars including the famed Bier Halle—before going it alone with ventures West Side Tavern and The Locale.  

"I love Glasgow, I’m proud to call it my home and think it’s low key one of the coolest places in the world," he tells Trippin. "It’s in a sweet spot where it has most of the infrastructure of a big city but with the community and spirit of a much smaller place. I’m also truly proud to be apart of my city's amazing hospitality community. The scene in Glasgow has really flourished in the past few years."

 the best ways possible—a bar crawl. Starting in the south side, journeying through the city centre and finishing in the west end, Josh takes us across the city, passing some beautiful monuments and sights en route. Cheers!

Starting off our day in the south side, only a short walk from my front door we have Henry’s bar in Shawlands, the best new addition to the south side's bustling bar scene. We’re in for a Bloody Mary or a pint of lager with a daiquiri chaser depending on how hard the hangover is hitting. 

Strathbungo's been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world recently, loads of good bakeries and coffee but some lovely bars too and possibly the best Guinness in Glasgow at MJ Heraghty.

After a pint of the black stuff we’re heading into the city centre to the world famous Bier Halle for the best pint of Lager in the city. My preference is Furstenberg and you have to compliment that with a bratwurst of course. 

On Sauchiehall street we’re stopping at probably my favourite restaurant Loon Fung, a Glasgow staple. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and it’s always so consistent. Go for Dim Sum and the 3 way roast. 

Head to Charing Cross where you’ll find The Locale. We’re just stopping by to grab a marg and to chill in the beer garden. The Locale offers some great bar food to compliment its extensive drinks list and the djs are always on point. 

Next we’re heading over to the Finnieston area, another amazing neighbourhood flooded with great bars and restaurants. We’re stopping in for a cocktail at another Glasgow institution, Kelvingrove Cafe. They say don’t mess with the classics and these guys do them really well!

Finally we’re taking a stroll past the iconic Kelvingrove gallery towards West Side Tavern in Partick. On the route I’ll give an honourable mention to Mother India Cafe which is one of the best curry houses in Scotland for me. Arriving at West Side Tavern we’re grabbing a taptail, compounded and carbonated in house these are our signature drinks. The PALOMA is especially popular. If you’re still feeling peckish we can grab a pizza to share and enjoy the amazing atmosphere. 

If we’re still standing, my late night recommendations would be Berkeley Suite, a former dance hall turned underground club disguised as a Pawn Shop, for a late drink and a bit of a boogie. 

No trip to Glasgow would be complete without descending into the world famous Sub Club for some of the best electronic music Glasgow has to offer.

Loon Fung

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