Glasgow is well-known for it’s quality lager’s - everyone knows that Tennent’s, the lager darling of Scotland, is proudly brewed in Glasgow’s East End - but what about the rest of the incredible yet often overlooked Glasgow breweries?
Of course you’ve got your better-known famous breweries like Wellpark and West on the Green - but this list will take a look at not only the biggest, but the best breweries you can visit in Glasgow. Whether they’re brewing lager out of a shed or a massive warehouse complex, Glasgow brews beer best.
Glasgow tourism company, Experience Glasgow, created the Glasgow Beer trail - aspecially designed digital map and accompanying website which serves as a guidei to Glasgow’s incredible beer landscape, featuring a curated selection of 14 of the city’s most outstanding breweries, as well as spots to buy their products!
Experience Glasgow Food & Drink Lead, Anh Nguyen said: “As the craft beer revolution continues to flourish in the UK, Glasgow stands out as a hub for innovation and exceptional craft brews.
“Join us on our new trail to journey through Glasgow’s beer culture and beyond, where each sip is a story waiting to be shared, and each step uncovers a new facet of this vibrant city”.
For a digital guided map, check out the Glasgow Beer Trail website.
Here are list of 15 of the best breweries you can visit in Glasgow’s East End, Southside, West End, and City Centre - as well as one brewery that’s a bit further afield!
13. WEST END: Innis and Gunn
At the Glasgow Tap Room in the West End (and the new tap room in the city centre) you can enjoy their full range, plus 50 or more craft draft and bottled beers from around the world. On top of this you can sample Innis and Gunn’s unpasteurised beer from their 500 litre tank. Innis and Gunn also have a purpose built Brew Room where classes are held every day. If you take a class you will walk away with a 5 litre mini keg of your own uncarbonated brew, recreated in your favourite beer style. The Brew School runs seven days a week at 12pm, minimum groups of two. As well as the keg to take home, lunch and a wee beer sampling is included in the price of £65 per person. | Innis and Gunn
14. WEST END: Hidden Lane Organic Brewery
This brewery, which was founded in 2019 is to be found in an area which is part of an eclectic community of artists and crafts people surrounded by many interesting eateries. It is Glasgow’s only organic brewery. The beers they produce are vegan and handcrafted in that hidden lane. The cost of the tour is £25 per person. You can pick up their beer either at their online shop or at Locavore Organic shop in Garnethill. | Hidden Lane Organic Brewery
15. WEST END: Grunting Growler
Serving up 350+ craft beer, natural wines and ciders, Grunting Growler is located down the intimate little street of Old Dumbarton Road amongst a bunch of other amazing independent businesses. Their focus in on beer, with over 200 cans and bottles to choose from and 6 rotating draught lines. With everything available to sit in or take away - come and hang out with the friendliest locals. Check their socials for exclusive events from keg launches to tastings. There’s also a small, curated cocktail and spirits menu. | TripAdvisor
16. FURTHER AFIELD: Jaw Brew
After years of being a home brewer, Mark Hazell founded Jaw Brew in Milngavie in 2014. Jaw Brew’s unique selling point is that all their products are vegan-friendly. However, in the last few months they have also decided to help reduce food waste by making their beer from leftover bread. Yes, you heard me right – the first Scottish beer made from Aulds unsold morning rolls. The brewery sits at the start of ‘The West Highland Way’, so you can stop for a wee refreshment in either the café or pub. One to sample is their Surf Beer – ideal for one of those rare Scottish summer days, where a picnic might be involved. It has a hoppy tang in its cloudy finish and is also wheat free. You can also have a tour of the brewery on either a Friday or Saturday. The tour lasts one hour and costs £15 per person, which also includes, a tasting session afterwards. If you want that beer just for you, the brewery will produce your own 200 litres to take home, you can even get an annual membership for £79 a year which well net you craft beer straight to your door every month. | Jaw Brew