Having successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games last year, Glasgow has finally shaken of its dubious reputation for deep-fried confectionery and has shown the world what’s its really made of. Gritty, feisty and a bit of a rough diamond, Glasgow also has a warmth, charm and cultural depth that few other UK cities can touch. If you’re looking for a reviving city break guaranteed to blast off the corporate cobwebs, Glasgow’s your man.
Ramsay2 Buchannan Street
As the pulsing heart of the city centre and a mecca for shoppers, Buchannan Street is a great place to start your city break to Glasgow. Head to Princes Square, an elegant 4-storey Merchant Square building, brimming with pulse-quickening luxury brands from Vivienne Westwood to Kirk Geiger and Jo Malone.
Having dealt this month’s salary a hefty blow, head to the famous Willow Tea Rooms a few doors down. Designed by the city’s world-famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, pristine white table cloths and ubiquitous high-backed chairs take centre stage against stark light and dark interiors. Those who share the infamous Scottish sweet tooth will delight in the wanton Willow Meringues – guaranteed to knock duffins and cronuts out the park. Alternatively if you’re feeling flush after pay day, push the boat out with a champagne afternoon tea.
Marsoverdriver Willow Tea Rooms, Glasgow
No city break to Glasgow would be complete without a trip on the famous Clockwork Orange, the city’s much-loved underground system which whizzes you from the city centre to the West End in fifteen minutes. Nestled below the lofty, Gothic spires of Glasgow University is Byres Road, the West End’s trendiest street, chock-a-block with raffish restaurants, grungy student night spots and eclectic shops. Vintage fashion vultures can swoop down on a bargain or two at retro- fashion emporium, Mr Ben and Starry, Starry Night a grotto stuffed with Victorian gowns, Charleston dresses and 70’s retro gear.
A wander along leafy Kelvin Way brings you to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the most visited museum in the UK outside London. Watch out for the famous floating heads, now a symbol of the city, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh collection and Salvador Dali’s heart-stopping masterpiece, Christ of St John on the Cross. Also worth a look is the Jack Vettriano exhibition, on until the end of February.
The Consortium Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
If you’re now feeling peckish, souped-up Scottish specialities can be found in the West End’s legendary institution The Ubiquitous Chip. Choose from heavy-weight haggis, neeps and tatties or rib-sticking Cullen Skink – guaranteed to fend off the lashing rain and howling winds. For more traditional fare with an intriguing twist, opt for Stravaigin in Hillhead which offers fascinating fusions such as Szechuan Peppered Galloway Hills Beef Carpaccio. To round it all off, treat yourself to Scotland’s top dessert, Cranachan, a heaving mass of cream, raspberries and toasted oatmeal drenched in whisky with definitely nothing deep-fried about it.
What’s your favourite UK city break destination?