Here Comes The Sun – Where to eat and drink al fresco now the weather is finally changing…
by Amy Glasgow @theGlasgowDiet
It seems no matter what the temperature actually is, when the sun shines on Glasgow, you can bet we’ll be out in force. Whether it’s lunch on the streets of Finnieston or a drink on Ashton Lane, we love a bit of outdoor dining, so we’ve put together our top picks for where to enjoy the best of the sunshine this summer.
Dining Al Fresco
West Side Tavern
Still a relatively new kid on the block, West Side Tavern has gained a good name for itself serving up Italian-inspired food, cocktails on tap and a generous beer list. What you might not know is they have also taken ownership of the beer garden behind them, located just next to Kelvinhall subway. Oh and even if the weather takes a turn, don’t worry, it’s fully heated with patio heaters and covered to keep you dry even if the rain makes an appearance. I highly recommend enjoying a cocktail and a portion of their meatballs with Sunday sauce. I don’t know what they put in that Sunday sauce but it is truly delicious.
Partick Duck Club
Looking over Mansfield Park, Partick Duck Club’s outdoor booths provide a relaxed dining spot whose food packs a punch. Sitting in the sunshine with an aperol spritz and a bowl of their duck fat fries might be the perfect way to spend an afternoon. I’d also highly recommend trying their deep fried spicy lasagne – it is a wonder to behold! If you’re looking for something lighter to enjoy in the sunshine though, you simply cannot beat their Barra monkfish scampi with pea and coconut chutney.
Ox and Finch
Nothing says summer like sharing plates in the sun, right? The outdoor space at Ox and Finch might be limited, but it is bathed in sunshine all afternoon, with a range of small plates to choose from. Keep things light with their smaller snacks, like butter bean hummus or burrata with muhamarra, walnuts and pomegranate, or create your own filling feast. The best part is, their menu changes regularly depending on what’s available, so you can eat their July and August and still have new dishes to try.
The Brewhaus
What’s better than a table in a beer garden? Your own personal garden hut, that’s what you’ll find at one of Glasgow’s biggest beer gardens. With five private garden huts that can seat up to 8 people, it’s a great option for something a bit different. As well as the garden huts, there are plenty of regular tables, with the whole space being family, child and dog friendly. Food-wise, you can dig in to pizzas, burgers, pasta and more. There’s even a kids menu and an extensive drinks list with cocktails, boozy slushies, beer and wine.
Prancing Stag
Hidden away in Jordanhill is a restaurant that deserves a lot more time in the spotlight. Prancing Stag serves up delicious Scottish cuisine that feels both modern and comforting. More importantly, they have a stunning deck area at the front of the restaurant that makes for a perfect sun trap. Take advantage of their market menu which is just £27 for three courses – who needs to go abroad?
Drinks in the Sunshine
Brel
Probably one of the go-to beer gardens in the west end, Brel on Ashton Lane is always packed when the sun comes out, and this summer they’re taking it to a whole new level with their Beach Club. There’ll be a sizzling summer food menu and a refreshing line-up of drinks including Boozy Snow Cones, wine slushies and Negroni pitchers.
Ubiquitous Chip
Move down Ashton Lane a little and you’ll find yourself at one of Glasgow’s most famous eateries, but we’re not here for the food. No, on a sunny day, you want to grab yourself a spot on their rooftop bar. The perfect sun trap that will make you feel a million miles away, with an extensive cocktail list on offer alongside all the usual drinks of wines, beers and spirits.
Cottiers
Are you even from the west end if you haven’t had a pint in the church yard at Cottiers? The infamously remodelled church has plenty of sun traps in its surrounding yard to enjoy a drink and a bite. With lush flowers and shrubs bordering the outdoor seating area, it’s the perfect spot to watch the seasons change and the flowers bloom over a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
The Drake
Located just a short walk away from Charing Cross, The Drake is somewhat of a hidden gem these days. Not only does it have a large beer garden and a fantastic seasonal food menu that still brings you all the pub classics, it is entirely dog friendly, boasts live DJ sets on Saturday nights, and has a fantastic cocktail, beer and wine menu. Take your furry friends and grab a cocktail in the sun!
Chinaskis
Right on the edge of the west end, Chinaskis at Charing Cross is one of the best beer gardens to relax in the warm weather. As well as food if you’re feeling peckish, there is a great cocktail selection as well as draft and can beers, wine and the usual suspects. It’s the perfect go-between for both the city centre and the west end, so whichever way you’re headed, make sure to stop off for a drink or two.
Have we missed somewhere? Tell us your favourite place to drink or dine al fresco and enjoy the summer sunshine! Drop us a message on Instagram @westendermagazine and let us know.
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Amy Glasgow instagram @theglasgowdiet
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