Glasgow is, without doubt, an easy city to love, with its friendly and welcoming residents, abundance of unique shops and restaurants and of course, some of the best views that Scotland has to offer!
So you see, it’s not difficult to see why Glasgow is quickly becoming one of Scotland’s most important filming locations! It is the home of broadcasters BBC Scotland and the STV Group and has played host to some blockbuster productions such as World War Z, the Dark Knight Rises and the cult classic, Trainspotting!
sleeping
First up, we have the Village Hotel Glasgow, located on Pacific Quay, this hotel is ideal for anyone working at BBC Scotland or STV studios (or even if you’re attending an event at the SEC Centre or SSE Hydro)! The city’s industrial heritage is expertly reflected in the exposed metal pipework and wooden floors. The real selling point however, is the private gym with more than 140 pieces of hi-tech equipment with a great pool and spa!
On the other side of the River Clyde is the Radisson Red Glasgow, right next to the infamous Finnieston Crane, used in the 1930’s to load cargo onto shops, which is now preserved as an industrial monument! This hotel combines urban style, modern comforts and a love for the arts! Try to get a room with a river view for some of the best views Glasgow has to offer or head up to the glass-walled RED Sky Bar!
If hotels aren’t your style or you’re staying for a while longer, then we definately recommend a stay at SACO Glasgow – Cochrane Street. It’s perfectly located in the ‘Cultural Quarter’ and is just a five-minute walk away from Glasgow’s buzzing shopping district! Every apartment in this beautifully refurbished building is complete with a seating/dining area and a kitchen (which is even equipped with a dishwasher)!
Still wondering where to stay or want to book your next stay? Our dedicated team, work with a range of clients in the media industry and with over 30 years’ experience, we provide the winning solution for all your accommodation needs.
Get in touch to find out how we can help!
eating
At the top of everyone’s list should always be the innovative and artistic brasserie, Ubiquitous Chip! The Chip was opened by Ronnie Clydesdale in 1971, at a time when Scottish cuisine was confined solely to the home! From day one this restaurant has drawn inspiration from regional Scottish dishes, so if you want a true taste of Scotland, this is the restaurant to go to!
Glasgow was voted the most vegan-friendly city in the UK a few years ago, so make sure you swing by the wonderfully laidback vegan pub The 78 in Finnieston! This vegan café-bar is known for its craft brews, DJ sets and incredibly tasty grub!
If you want something different and unique, we recommend trying the infamous Six by Nico, where every six weeks, Nico and his team will serve a brand new six-course tasting menu – each one themed upon a different place or memory. The best bit is it won’t break the bank – an adventurous and playful fine dining experience at an affordable price!
night cap
For anything bohemian, lively and unique, head to Hillhead Bookclub, especially if ping pong and retro gaming are your bag! Housed in the former grand Salon cinema, this boho bar is complete with an impressive ornate curved ceiling! Don’t forget the best bit – they serve cocktails in gramophones!
Having been described as ‘Scotland’s smallest pub’, The Wee Pub has certainly made a name for itself. This charming little pub is nestled away on a cobblestone side street leading to the West End’s main drag and is part of the Ubiquitous chip. The intimate and rustic interior will trick you into thinking you’re in a Highland bothy!
Claiming to be the city’s first gin bar, Gin71 offers up an overwhelmingly extensive gin menu that may well make your head spin before you’ve taken your first sip! If you can’t pick a tipple, try out one of their gin flights or book in for one of their gin tasting events!
must see sights
There are so many things to do in Glasgow and luckily for you, most things are located within the walking distance of the main city centre! From a declining industrial centre to one of Europe’s most trendy spots, Glasgow has undergone a mighty transformation!
Pay a visit to Glasgow Cathedral and the iconic City Chambers to see if you can spot some of the backdrops from your favourite films! Glasgow has a rich and varied architectural heritage and many of the historic buildings have been used as the backdrop in many Hollywood movies including World War Z and Fast and Furious 6!
No visit is complete without visiting some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes! Lace-up your boots and don your waterproofs because just under an hour’s drive away are Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park.
Last but not least don’t forget to visit BBC Scotland Headquarters on Pacific Quay, you can book a two-hour tour and learn everything you need to know about modern broadcasting, how they make programmes and see inside some of the studios!
Now, as for how to end your trip with a bang? Well, that’s another blog post for another time!
