Glasgow’s West End may be a place of change and immersive dining experiences these days but there are plenty of spaces where you can embrace the authentic Glaswegian West End atmosphere. There are proper local pubs that only exist in this part of the city.
Now, the West End is full of stylish gastropubs, hipster hangouts and fancy restaurants, but that’s not to say there’s still not plenty of proper old-school Glasgow pubs, if you know where to look.
Some Landmark pubs have a history that goes back to the 17th century. They are joined by classic time capsules of different eras, the kind of bar you can’t build, it has to evolve over time. Pubs that hark back to Glasgow in the 1960s or 70s, bars from the Victorian era or public houses with a storied past that stretches back to when the West End was a patchwork of villages.
Join us as we take a trip down memory lane with 16 of the last-standing proper old-school pubs of Glasgow’s West End.
1. The Aragon
A proper old school pub also on Byres Road, you can find a real mix of old and young punters in the Aragon, whether they are a student or long since retired, all are welcome in The Aragon
2. The Arlington
The Arlington has been operating on Woodlands Road since 1860 - making it one of the oldest pubs still standing in the West End. Expect a proper old-school pub to await you when you darken their door!
3. The Islay Inn
Located on Argyle Street just up the road from Kelvingrove, The Islay Inn has been a pub on the corner under several different names from as far back as 1861. Nowadays you can expect a traditional Scottish local with regular live folk music and a specialist selection of whiskies.
4. Deoch an Dorus
Deoch an Dorus, formerly known as The Hayburn Vaults, has been a pub since 1901 Photo: AFP