Outdoor dining is back and we could not be happier about it. Whether it’s lunch on the streets of Finnieston or a drink on Ashton Lane, we love a bit of outdoor dining.
By Amy Glasgow
West Side Tavern
Who can resist the call of pizza and pints? Not us. West Side Tavern is a great option for relaxed dining and a great selection of craft beers and even cocktails on tap. With regular summer pop-ups from guest chefs and street food vendors, there is always something fun going on in this secluded but buzzing spot. Even better news – the patio has outdoor heaters and plenty of cover in case the skies open, which in Glasgow, isn’t all that unlikely. Tables outside are bookable online and definitely worth doing, as this place gets busy fast. Once you’ve got yourself settled outside with a pint or one of their ‘Taptails’, do yourself a favour and order The Spice Boi Pizza – you will not regret it.
162 Dumbarton Road, G11 6XE
Wunderbar West End
Having taken over the home of the old Sanctuary club, Wunderbar’s new West End space has proved a hit with locals as a rare late-night spot and suntrap. With live music and djs seven days a week and a massive beer garden, it’s a great spot for taking in the sunshine with a cold one. Plus, Wunderbar have teamed up with Frank’s Pizza, serving up fresh, hot pizza pies, gooey mozzarella dippers and their famous brined, battered and fried chicken tenders in Frank’s own buffalo sauce.
59 Dumbarton Road, G11 6PD
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 its easy to see why. With an incredible cocktail menu, including sharing pitchers, a large and varied food menu with everything from poutines to sandwiches, moules frites and much more. In addition, there are four fire pits offering the chance to cosy up around the fire, make and devour your own s’mores and enjoy a refreshing drink once the sun goes down.
37-43 Ashton Lane, G12 8SJ
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. Perfect for a summer get-together or a casual catch up with friends and family.
93-95 Hyndland Street, G11 5PU
Inn Deep
Known as somewhat of a Glasgow institution, take a seat by the River Kelvin and enjoy a drink in one of the most famous outdoor hot spots in the city. With 20 house beer and cider taps and 19 independent guest beers on rotation, its a beer connoisseur’s dream. Of course, if beer isn’t your thing they have a huge range of wines, spirits, whiskies and soft drinks to sip on. The bar is also known as one of Glasgow’s most dog-friendly spots, so you can take your four-legged friend on a gentle stroll through Kelvingrove and finish at Inn Deep for a pint. Oh, and they are currently hosting a Sub Rosa pop-up in their kitchen, so you can dig into a Beef Birria and Spanish Onion pizza while you’re at it.
445 Great Western Road, G12 8HH
HONOURABLE MENTION – Beer Gardens in Glasgow West
Drinks on the canal? Why not. A further walk into Anniesland and you’ll find this hidden gem of a beer garden with great food and a range of superb drinks to go with it.
Craic, pints and music. What more could you want on a summers day? A feature of Ashton Lane since 1991, you’ll always get a warm, Irish welcome.
With its large front suntrap of a beer garden and reasonably priced drinks, its no wonder this place is always busy when the sun shines.
This charming and atmospheric Scottish pub & kitchen just west of Charing Cross is a great spot to kick back with a pint and Scottish pub classics. Download the Westender App for 20% off food Monday to Thursday at Gael & Grain.
