Vibrant Venues that offer something for everyone this festive season
By Callum Devine
Marriott Hotel
Known to Glaswegians and tourists alike, Glasgow’s Marriott hotel is one of the city’s most renowned hotels and leisure destinations. What perhaps is not known to every Glaswegian, however, is that this staple of Glasgow’s skyline completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment at the end of last year.
From its bedrooms to its restaurant and bar area, everything has been fully refurbished. The hotel also tastefully honours Glasgow’s industrial past and cultural present through its artwork located throughout the hotel.
The hotel is running two series of party nights throughout December, allowing Glaswegians to dine and dance the night away in its newly refurbished Clyde Suite. A three-course Christmas meal, half bottle of wine per person, and DJ entertainment is included in the price of both events.
Its Festive Party Nights will start from 5th of December and will cost £69 per person while its Christmas Nights series will run for four nights and will be hosted by Cassi from Clyde 1, costing £45 per person.
The hotel is also hosting an afternoon event on 14th of December, titled Sunday Session, which will be hosted by Britain’s Got Talent star Edward Reid. A two-course festive lunch is provided alongside a half bottle of wine for £50 per person.
If partying the night (or afternoon!) away is not your style, the hotel also offers a festive afternoon tea throughout December in its stylish bar area.
The hotel offers discounted accommodation rates for all these events. So why not save the taxi fare and enjoy a delicious Scottish breakfast the morning after your night of celebrating?
In its newly refurbished Waverly lounge, Marriott offers private dining options and caters to suit all types of events.
With its various party nights and private dining options, Glasgow’s Marriott hotel offers something for everyone this festive season!
Contact Info: 0141 226 1514 glasgow.events@mhrglasgow.co.uk Marriott 2025 Festive Brochure
Brel
This beloved bar and restaurant needs no introduction.
From its rustic interiors to the fairy-lit beer garden and atmospheric firepits, Brel will turn any celebration into one to remember.
Inside, the mezzanine offers snug group dining alongside the comforting glow of a warm fireplace. This charming space can accommodate up to 25 people for a sit-down meal or 30 for a buffet and drinks.
The restaurant’s sheltered chalet area is the ideal retreat away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Byers Road. The space brings a touch of glittering party magic to any occasion and can hold up to 35 people for a meal and up to 50 people for a buffet and drinks.
You can even enjoy al fresco dining at Brel this festive season. And yes, you did read that correctly! With its heated patio area, you and up to 19 friends can enjoy al fresco dining all year round.
Whether it be a work night out, a romantic first date, or a quiet festive pint with friends, Brel has got you covered this festive season!
Contact Info: 0141 739 4830 hello@brelbar.com
Café Andaluz
Tucked away on charming Cresswell Lane, Café Andaluz has been bringing a taste of Spain to Glasgow’s West End for over twenty years. Stepping inside this captivating restaurant feels like you’ve left Glasgow’s busy West End behind and have instead been transported to a neighbourhood tapas bar in the heart of sun-drenched Andalucia.
So, why not celebrate this festive season the Mediterranean way? Their carefully curated festive menu includes bread and olives, three tapas, and a dessert for £32.95 per person.
Whether it’s a chilled catch-up or a big festive group extravaganza, Café Andaluz will set the scene with twinkling lights, bold flavours and authentic Spanish flair. From the first toast to the final churro, it’ll be a festive feast to remember at Café Andaluz.
Contact Info: 0141 339 1111
Chaakoo Bombay Café
If you become bored of turkey at any point during this festive season, then Chaakoo Bombay Café has got you covered!
Chaakoo is Scotland’s original Irani restaurant, offering guests a dining experience full of quintessential Indian flavours with the tasteful and authentic décor of a 19th century Irani café. Its décor is full of Indian flair, and its food can certainly bring the heat…. but only if you want it to!
Every Tuesday and Sunday, you can enjoy what Chaakoo refer to as The Full Bhuna, a sharing feast for two for £23.95. As part of this feast, you’ll get an 8-piece starter thali tray, your choice of three curries each, daal makhani, and jeera rice or chips.
The restaurant will also be running a festive menu with an Indian twist starting from 27th November costing £33.95 per person. And no, there won’t be any turkey in sight!
Contact Info: 0141 334 8560 westend@chaakoo.co.uk
Topolabamba
Topolabamba on Byers Road is the perfect place to bring a flavour of fiesta to your celebrations this festive season.
Served in a fun and vibrant atmosphere, their Mexican-style small plates are made fresh daily and designed for sharing.
Topolabamba’s festive menu makes this Mexican restaurant ideal for your end of year get-together. From £32.95 per person, you can get the fiesta started with chips and dips, followed by a selection of tapas-style Mexican plates and finished off with their irresistible churros.
If you’re looking for something a little more private, Topolabamba’s private dining space, known as the Green Room, is a West End hidden gem and can accommodate up to 40 people. The space even has its own exclusive entrance, making it perfect for exclusive parties.
So, if you’re looking for good vibes, good food and a bit of fiesta this Christmas season, then Topolabamba is the place to be!
Contact Info: 0141 260 5047 westend@topolabamba.com
La Vita Spuntini
The Italian restaurant has been beloved by Westenders for years now and the La Vita restaurant group are promising that this year will be their biggest and best Christmas yet!
Their festive lunch and dinner menus will run from 20th November, leaving more than enough time for everyone to enjoy an authentic Italian meal in the heart of the West End at least once during the festive season.
Christmas lunch menu prices start from £25.95 for two courses and from £30.95 for three courses, while prices for its dinner menu start from £32.95 for two courses and £37.95 for three. Prices are slightly higher for both menus on Fridays and Saturdays as well as for Christmas Eve and Hogmanay. Special festive drinks packages are also available.
You can even enjoy some of La Vita’s authentic products with your Christmas dinner. From £38, you can order a traditional homemade panettone from their in-house bakery to make your Christmas dinner extra special…. And quintessentially Italian!
Group dining options during this festive season are available but booking early is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Contact Info: 0141 339 4222 La-Vita-Christmas-Brochure-2025.pdf
Gael and Grain
Opened just in May of this year, this charming and atmospheric Scottish pub and kitchen is celebrating its first Christmas.
Both Gael and Grain and its sister venue Mharsanta, located in the Merchant City, use locally sourced and home cooked Scottish produce to add their own unique twist to some Scottish culinary classics.
Their respective festive menus include many Scottish favourites and both restaurants also offer drinks packages and their own unique festive cocktails.
Both venues also offer extensive private dining options, making them the ideal spot for your workplace Christmas night out whether you’re looking for a formal meal or a more informal buffet.
Gael and Grind has also teamed up with its next-door neighbour Eeek Escape Rooms to offer an unforgettable night of both dining and entertainment through some themed tabletop games.
And if you’re still looking for even more delicious food on Boxing Day, then Gael and Grind is open that day too.
So, if you’re looking for authentic Scottish cuisine this festive season, then Gael and Grind is the place to be!
Contact Info: contact@gaelandgrain.com 0141 339 9993
