Glasgow is big, bold and beautiful - just like its residents.
But sometimes it is easy to tread the same path everyday and miss out on some incredible spots right in front of you.
Some of Glasgow’s most delicious foodie spots are also the least well-known, even among born and bred Glaswegians.
From a speakeasy and rooftop bars to tiny spots tucked away off the beaten track, these are our favourite hidden heroes.
How many of them have you visited? Where's your favourite secret spot? As ever, let us know in the comments!
Absent Ear
We do love a speakeasy bar in Glasgow and this quirky nightspot is no exception. You’d be forgiven if you were yet to hear about the Absent Ear - this top-secret, reservation only night spot only opened a few weeks ago. Still, it’s created quite the buzz around the city’s arty crowd. The 'GlasGogh Speakeasy' pays tribute to the famous artist with some incredible looking cocktails, if their Instagram account is anything to go by.
The Ottoman Coffeehouse
According to the owners, their aims for the coffee house are to "establish the bridges between the nostalgic coffeehouse of the Ottoman past and the present, operating as both a café and a meditation space in the heart of the west end of Glasgow". Part of its charm is that it is so exclusive - is only able for public and private group hire for events, with the main hall free to hire if it is used as a fundraising space to raise funds for charitable and non-profit organisations. This opulent eatery also boasts private dining for those seeking a a uniquely glamorous date spot minus the suit and tie.
Mackintosh at the Willow
One we've shed a light on recently, the Mackintosh at the Willow certainly falls under the 'hidden gem' category and we've been very happy to tell people about it. Forming part of the iconic Sauchiehall Street tearooms, this beautiful-looking south-facing roof terrace is well prepared to serve cocktails in the sun in the coming weeks.
The Wee Pub at the Chip
The undisputed gem of Ashton Lane, everyone know the Ubiquitous Chip. But you can’t claim to be a Glaswegian until you’ve had a drink at the Wee Pub at the Chip. If Ashton Lane is Diagon Alley, diehard Harry Potter fans will no doubt liken this pub to the Leaky Cauldron. And as one of the oldest and smallest pubs in the city, this drinking den certainly is spellbinding. Tucked on the corner of this cobblestoned conclave, this spot easily bewitches student and hard-nosed locals alike. Go in the evening for a truly glowing stroll beneath Ashton Lane’s fairy lights before dipping into here for a dram. Magic.
The Grow Room
There's nothing half-baked about this hidden pot spot. The Grow Room, to put it bluntly, is the best place to indulge in CBD infused cocktails. The 'illicit drinking den' looks more like an indoor rainforest with trippy paintwork and 3D day-glo cannabis plants tumbling out of cages. The luscious vine leaves could easily be confused for something a world away from Glasgow, but fear not city dwellers, this botanical paradise is easily accessible- just nip into Mitchell Lane's Tabac and head to the old fire escape where Panther Milk used to be.
Corinthian
It's described as 'the best kept secret in heart of Glasgow', but we're sorry, we really have to share it. This exclusive outdoor drinking spot is the perfect high-end hideaway to meet with your pals after work. And, as we'd expect from the Corinthian, the drinks will no doubt be as spectacular as the space itself. You'd surely be tempted to order a bottle of champagne for this one.
The Hanoi Bike Shop
Hidden down a side street in the heart of the west end, Hanoi Bike Shop is home to some of the best street food this side of the Mekong. Serving up delicious pho on patterned dishes, beneath a ceiling of multi-coloured lanterns, the Vietnamese eatery has long been a hidden gem for local foodies looking to get their noodle fix. Even though Beyonce paid a visit back in 2014 and posted a picture of the restaurant to her 10 million Instagram followers - this Ruthven Lane eatery has managed to maintain its cool factor. Laid-back and low-profile dining at its finest.
Bowlarama
A little slice of Vegas, or at least its retina-shredding neon, is alive and well in the city centre. Tucked behind a corner on Glassford Street, Bowlarama is a one stop shop for the ultimate night out. The first late-night bowling alley to roll into Scotland, Bowlarama boasts a full food menu, mouth-watering cocktails and a shiny, boutique bowling with four lanes all under the watchful gaze of Bill Murray... This place is right up our alley.
