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
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.
Eusebi Deli
I’m always amazed that even on a rainy and not very warm day, you can find customers willing to sit outside at Eusebi Deli, such is their power! However, when the sun does shine, their tables on Gibson Street and Park Road provide plenty of warm sunshine and can transport you to the streets of Italy. Again, their menu changes seasonally, so expect a summer menu to arrive soon, filled with dishes and flavours perfectly paired with summer sun.
Five March
Another spot to enjoy some small plates and some unique cocktails in the sunshine. What could be better than indulging in a crisp glass of white wine and a plate of their famous fried potatoes while bathing in the rare but spectacular Glasgow sunshine? Seating outside is limited, so be sure to get there quick on a sunny day.
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.
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!
Inn Deep
Another dog friendly bar that offers outdoor seating along the river Kelvin, Inn Deep is famous for its extensive craft beer list, so if trying new beers in a relaxed setting is your thing, this is the summer spot for you. With a regularly changing beer list, enjoy a refreshing pint while listening to the sound of the river running by and pretend you’re on the French riveria or something…
The Parlour
Just off Byres Road, the Parlour has one of the larger outdoor seating areas in the west end and a fun, relaxed vibe. The drinks menu is huge and varied, with plenty of cocktails, wines, beers, ciders, spirits and even the latest trend, hard seltzers, on offer. If you get peckish, they also serve up a range of tacos, and in the evenings there are heaters to keep you warm after the sun goes down.
Have we missed somewhere for outdoor dining? 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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