The Glasgow Sub Crawl, a tradition nearly as sacred as the Subway itself - 15 stops and 15 drinks - only the hardiest of drinkers in Glasgow can hack it.
Primarily designed for commuting for the new emerging middle class in Glasgow in Victorian times, it’s much the same as it was then, it’s the only metro system in the world to not be expanded from its original route in 125 years - the only difference is now now the trains are powered by electricity rather than steam.
While the subway no longer runs about town on steam, it does run a lot of steamboats about town - if you catch our drift. In typical Glasgow fashion, it wasn’t long before Glaswegians realised that the metro could facilitate a city-wide pub crawl - and thus the Glasgow Sub Crawl was born.
If you’re living in Glasgow, it’s an unwritten rule that you need to try your hand at a Sub Crawl at least once - you’re probably not going to make it the whole way, and you probably shouldn’t try and make it the whole way, but god loves a trier no?
It’s tradition for the Sub Crawlers to get dressed up in a specific theme for the Sub Crawl, but we’re fresh out of ideas there I’m afraid. Perhaps a trope of golfers? Maybe you could all go as pirates or Disney characters. Again, costuming isn’t our bag, but pubs? We’ve got you covered.
We’ve listed the pubs in a counter-clockwise order (inner circle) beginning at St Enoch, although you could start or stop at any station you please and go in either direction you’d like - we’d say the possibilities are endless, but there’s only two way you can go really.
From St Enoch’s Square to Partick Cross - here’s our list of the best pubs to visit for your 2025 Sub Crawl.
5. Kelvinbridge: Inn Deep
A beloved West Ender pub, you can't really argue that there's a better spot for a sub crawl than Inn Deep. Right on the banks of the River Kelvin, it's the perfect spot for a summer pint, make no mistake with their riverside seating, the smokers in your group will thank you. It's also a favourite of Outlander star Sam Heughan! | Inn Deep
6. Hillhead: Jinty McGuinty’s
You could wander down to Tennent's, Curlers Rest or even the Oran Mor, potentially you could have a tipple at Brel, Ubiquitous Chip, or Innis & Gunn on Ashton Lane too. We'd argue, however, that you'll have no better time anywhere around Hillhead than in Jinty McGuinty's. Expect great patter, great punters, and great pints. They even accept card and have a machine to put your picture on the foam of a pint of Guinness! The future truly comes today Glasgow. | Jinty McGuinty’s
7. Kelvinhall: West Side Tavern
Kelvinhall is our favourite stop on the crawl due to how quickly you can get to the pub from the platform. We timed it once, just under 30 seconds. West Side Tavern is one of several choices by the subway station, but this summer we’d recommend it for its ample outdoor seating. If you're peckish make sure to grab a pizza, though at time of writing their running a Cuban menu that looks pretty special. | West Side Tavern
8. Partick: Deoch an Dorus
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Partick, and you really can’t go wrong wherever you go. Such is the quality of the average Partick pub. Deoch an Dorus is one of our favourites however, for its interior that’ll take you right back to the 60s. | Deoch an Dorus