Literary Glasgow

"West End Sips at Hillhead Bookclub This west end bar is an absolute must for lovers of good drink and architecture alike. Situated in a former cinema, the awe-inspiring space spills out over a number of levels, with the central atrium visible from all regions so you can always keep an eye on your planned snog of the night. While owned by central Scotland’s biggest pub chain, you’d never guess this given it’s robust personality with quirks aplenty. Old school video games and a ping pong table will keep the antsy busy, while the cocktails selection should please most. Libations include Beer and Loathing (Four Roses bourbon with basil, honey and some IPA) and the Bookclub Punch, featuring a mix and mash of whatever’s good for the eve. When I was there, the couple next to me was getting completely sauced off a fancy cocktail served in — naturally — an ancient gramophone. When in Glasgow ..."

"Haggis and More at Òran Mór Translating into ‘big song’ in Gaelic, Òran Mór is a linchpin of entertainment in Glasgow’s trendy west end. Located in the former Kelvinside Parish Church, this stunner of a venue is host to concerts (think FKA Twigs), plays (the irresistible play, pie and pint combo), and weddings (naturally) in addition to being a charming restaurant. While I tried my first haggis in Edinburgh, it really fell flat in comparison to this one. Though it’s easy to thistle-up at the idea of eating a sheep’s innards, it’s actually of little concern once you’re hungry and diving into a plate of it. Haggis is whipped up from a sheep’s pluck — aka their heart, liver and lungs — and comes hacked up with onion, oatmeal and plenty of spices. Following the makeover it’s pretty unrecognizable. Traditionally it comes served with neeps and tatties, a rather charming way of saying mashed turnips and potatoes. Here the goods arrive drenched in whiskey sauce and chances are, you’ll eat every bite."

"Spoken Word Showcases Glasgow is widely regarded as a hub of creative energy and there are various outlets around the city for established and emerging talent to showcase their work. In the West End, the Rio Cafe and Inn Deep host renowned open mic evenings. Another good venue is the Queen Margaret Union at Glasgow University."

"Quality Amid Chaos If it is a nice orderly shopping experience you are after, Voltaire and Rousseau is not the place to go. However, this veritable Aladdin's Cave of curiosities is an endlessly fun place for committed browsers. It is difficult to find exactly what you are looking for, but chances are you will happen upon something equally interesting in the process."

"A Library Among Libraries Distinguished by its green dome, the Mitchell Library is a true Glasgow icon. Not only that, but it is one of Europe's largest public libraries with over a million items in stock. The library includes a rare and specials collection and family and local history resources."

"Glasgow Cathedral While Saint Kentigern (alternatively called Saint Mungo)—Glasgow’s 7th-century patron saint—may well be mythical, early Roman Catholics venerated his memory and started a cult on a hillside site where they believe he worshipped. They first built a church, then a full-blown cathedral, much of which dates from the mid to late 13th-century and remains intact to this day. Highlights include the Blackadder Aisle and the crypt with St. Kentigern’s Well. If you have the time, take in the adjacent Central Necropolis, one of the oldest cemeteries in the United Kingdom."

"Glasgow's Literary Heart Given the city's storied literary heritage it is only fitting that its main central square is scattered with telling reference points. The square is populated with statues of greats including Robert Burns, Thomas Campbell and Sir Walter Scott and engraved into the paving stones outside the Concert Hall and Scottish Music Centre is poetry by another local hero, Edwin Morgan."

"The Theatre of the People One of the most famous literary depictions of Glasgow is the Gorbals in H. Kingsley Long's seminal No Mean City. The infamous tenement slums have long since been demolished, but out of their ashes have risen progressive ventures such as the Citizens' Theatre, the principle producing theatre in the west of Scotland, which is known for its radical and edgy work."

"A Literary Education With its dreamy spires, warren-like catacombs and elegant architecture providing a centrepiece in the city's West End, Glasgow University has proved an inspiring hothouse for numerous creative minds. These include James Kelman, William Boyd, Louse Welsh and the late, great William McIlvaney to name but a few."