Westenders, it’s time to get Games ready. We did such a great job hosting the Commonwealth Games that we’re doing it all over again! That’s right – the Games are returning to Glasgow, and the excitement is already building.
By Eva Curran
Alongside the Glasgow 2026 Festival – a ten-week, city-wide celebration featuring more than 150 free events – one of this summer’s tastiest attractions is the Glasgow Foodie Trail.
From 17 July to 7 August, bars and restaurants across the city will be serving up limited-edition dishes. These will be inspired by the 74 nations and territories competing in this summer’s Games. Food has a unique way of bringing people together. This makes it the perfect addition to a Festival that’s all about celebrating culture, creativity and community. For athletes and visitors, it’s a taste of home. For Glaswegians, it’s the perfect excuse to discover something new.
The Venues
Across the 11 participating venues, you’ll find delights like Jamaican Jerk Chicken at The Noble. You’ll also find Canadian Duck Confit Poutine at Maison by Glaschu and a classic Australian Meat Pie at The Drake. The dishes have been thoughtfully paired with a specially created drinks menu inspired by flavours from around the Commonwealth.
There’s a sustainability twist too. Many of the cocktails have been created using repurposed ingredients, helping to reduce waste without compromising on flavour. The Buckfast Royale with champagne foam at Glaschu has certainly caught my eye. I’m still undecided about The Drake’s ‘Lagerita’, made using surplus beer, but I’m more than willing to give it a go in the name of research.
Once you’ve eaten your way around the Commonwealth, make your way to Kelvingrove Park, where the Game On Live Site will be showing all the biggest moments from Glasgow 2026 on three giant screens. Put all that excess World Cup energy into supporting team Scotland, cheering for your favourite athletes, and soaking up the atmosphere. Kelvingrove will be a top spot for families and fans to experience the Games. We can only hope that the Scottish summer gets the memo.
Foodie Trail Passport
And if all that wasn’t enough, there’s an extra incentive to explore. Pick up a Glasgow Foodie Trail passport at participating venues, collect stamps as you visit and you’ll unlock 20% off food across the trail.
With world-class sport, brilliant food and a packed programme of free cultural events, the West End is set to be buzzing this summer. My advice? Come hungry, try something new and make the most of Glasgow hosting one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
For full list of participating venues visit the Commonwealth Games Official News Page on the Foodie Trail.
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