The 10 Best Beer Gardens in Glasgow
We’re pretty sure most of you have April 12th 2021 pencilled in your calendar as the potential return date for arguably the best thing about warm weather: beer gardens. Whether you’re planning to venture for your first properly pulled pint or professionally shaken cocktail in April or waiting until the summer, there’s plenty of beer gardens to choose from in Glasgow.
Don’t know where to start? Well luckily for you we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best beer gardens in Glasgow to help you decide where to go whilst living at true Glasgow:
- The Ark, North Frederick Street
Located just next to Strathclyde University in the city centre is The Ark. This contemporary bar is home to the largest beer garden in Glasgow and biggest screen to watch live sports. This beer garden has plenty of chairs and tables, including hanging egg chairs which are as comfy as they are stylish. Dubbed ‘the Cider Garden’, The Ark’s beer garden also boasts artificial grass, classic red bar stools and beer crate style tables, meaning you can sit back and enjoy the decor that is as cool as your pint. With a vegetarian and vegan friendly menu, outdoor TV screens and steps leading up to a second(!) beer garden, The Ark is a must-visit for any student in Glasgow.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 3.5/5 (103 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 20-minute walk
2. Jinty McGuinty's, Ashton Lane
Just around the corner from the University of Glasgow is Jinty McGuinty's, a traditional Irish pub featuring a terraced beer garden alongside the cobblestones of Ashton Lane. Jinty’s rear beer garden hosts high-top tables stylised (you guessed it) in the shape of beer barrels, as well as strings of fairy lights and picnic tables. There’s plenty of room in Jinty’s spacious beer garden, so you and your friends can enjoy a pint of Guinness whilst listening to the live music that’s on six nights a week from a range of local bands and singers.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 4/5 (172 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 30-minute walk
3. The Record Factory, Byres Road
The Record Factory is a grunge style bar and kitchen based around ‘rock n roll’ music. Serving vegetarian options, cocktails and hosting a large beer garden, there’s not much more you can ask for whilst socialising outdoors. Wooden seating and tables line the bright green astroturf so you can soak in every minute of the Scottish sunshine with your friends. Enjoy delicious pub grub from burgers to pizzas, regular BBQs and listen to live music every Friday and Saturday night, or you can watch the latest football game across the 12 screens throughout the venue.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 3.5/5 (103 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 30-minute walk
4. Inn Deep, Great Western Road
In the heart of Glasgow’s West End is the independent crafts bar, Inn Deep. Right by the River Kelvin, the Inn Deep offers fine craft beer, delicious food, entertainment and stunning views. A variety of murals, comic strip designs and curved brick ceilings are what makes this bar stand out. The dog-friendly beer garden overlooks the river, so you can enjoy both scenic views and cute furry faces. The quirkiness of Inn Deep is what sets them apart and with a vegetarian friendly menu, unique outdoor seating and vast selection of beers; this is a sure spot to head to this summer.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 4/5 (220 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 15-minute walk
5. Brel, Ashton Lane
Self-proclaimed as ‘Ashton Lane’s most magical venue’, Brel certainly doesn’t disappoint. This ethereal beer garden features a heated patio, fire pits and rows of fairy lights, to create an al fresco dining experience like no other. Choose from over 60 different craft beers and 21 different Scottish gins, alongside wines, cocktails and a vast selection of foods. With a large beer garden that is truly like no other, you and your friends will not want to miss the magical experience that is Brel’s beer garden.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 3.5/5 (772 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 30-minute walk
6. The Brewhaus Beer Garden & Kitchen, Queen Margaret Drive
Also known as ‘the pub from Trainspotting’ is The Brewhaus Beer Garden & Kitchen, This famous pub offers over 50 beers and ciders, an extensive food menu and of course - a spacious beer garden. The Brewhaus dog-friendly beer garden features private beer sheds, outdoor heaters and plenty of picnic tables for you and your friends to enjoy. Why not share a large pizza whilst soaking in the (glimpses) of Scottish sunshine? Or tuck in to some nachos with a gin in hand? Whatever you do, be sure to have your camera ready to capture an Instagram worthy picture in this famous pub.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 4/5 (23 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 25-minute walk
7. Glasgow Hootenanny, Howard Street
The perfect blend of being a traditional Scottish bar with a modern twist, Glasgow Hootenanny (hootenanny: an informal gathering with folk music), has live local acts performing every Friday and Saturday night. The large beer garden is perfect for basking in the sun due to the open layout, whilst the brick wall is adorned with a huge mural of famous Glaswegian comedian, Billy Connolly. The Glasgow Hootenanny food menu boasts vegetarian friendly and vegan options, making this the perfect venue to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a drink outdoors.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 4/5 (280 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 25-minute walk
8. Republic Bier Halle, Gordon Street
With a beer garden spanning the entire length of Gordon Street to Buchanan Street, Republic Bier Halle is an underground bar offering 2 for 1 pizzas, a huge selection of international and craft beers, and food options suitable for a range of dietary requirements. The Republic Bier Halle beer garden is along the street, making it the perfect place to ‘people watch’, sit with friends and soak in the Glasgow atmosphere. There’s plenty of tables along this lengthy beer garden for you and your friends to spend a sunny afternoon.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 4/5 (571 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 20-minute walk
9. Drygate, Drygate
Drygate is the UK’s first experiential brewery with a terraced beer garden offering vast views thanks to the upper level decking and for those who prefer the shade there is also outdoor seating underneath. As the oldest brewery in Glasgow, modern-day Drygate cleverly incorporates the traditional architecture with contemporary renovations - the Drygate Brewery is a piece of Glaswegian history you can enjoy. The Drygate is more than just a bar, as the brewery is in-house - discover your new favourite beer at Drygate Brewery this summer.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 4.5/5 (594 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 35-minute walk
10. WEST On The Green, Templeton Building
Farther afield than the beer gardens listed above, but definitely worth the travel is WEST On The Green. The backdrop to this large beer garden is the Templeton Building, a Victorian Gothic building that is simply stunning and we can think of no better background to accompany you whilst you sit back and enjoy a drink. The WEST beer is made in a small brewery just next to the beer hall and this German beer goes hand-in-hand with a warm summer’s day as you sit on one of the many wooden picnic tables laid across the bright green grass.
Tripadvisor Overall Review: 4/5 (992 reviews)
Distance from true Glasgow: 50-minute walk