An iconic Glasgow pub has been named amongst some of Europe's best bars by a prestigious guide

The European Bar Guide just revealed its top 100 bars in Europe for 2026 - and one much-loved Glasgow pub has made the cut.

It comes as the guide published its annual list of “the greatest pubs and bars in Europe”.

The European Bar Guide, which is run by Jack Anderton, claims to be the only guide you’ll find that includes bars of any style.

The publication rates venues on a number of factors, including spectacle, atmosphere, social scene, intriguing customs, local culture and the quality and choice of drinks.

The Laurieston, on Bridge Street in Glasgow, has been named as one of the best watering holes in Glasgow. | Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)

placeholder image — The Laurieston, on Bridge Street in Glasgow, has been named as one of the best watering holes in Glasgow. | Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)

Topping the rankings is Szimpla, which is described as “the cornerstone of a great night out in Budapest, and the most significant bar of the 21st century”.

Completing the top 10 are Retsins Lucifernum, Bruges (2), La Fleur en Papier Doré, Brussels (3), Goupil Le Fol, Brussels (4), Zlatna Ribica, Sarajevo (5), Papa Joe’s Jazzlokal, Cologne (6), t’Brugse Beertje, Bruges (8), Bar Marsella, Barcelona (8), U Hrocha, Prague (9) and Le Pot Au Lait, Liège (10).

Coming in at number 29 on the list is popular Glasgow watering hole The Laurieston, which has been serving locals on Bridge Street for decades.

The Laurieston, a venue that’s consistently praised by beer drinkers bible The Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), has featured in cult TV series Succession and the Ewan McGregor movie Young Adam.

In its description of the pub, The European Bar Guide says: “The legend of the Laurieston has grown over the years to the extent it can be considered a genuine destination pub. Certainly its exterior and interior are time warps, worth a look as curios alone.

“The harsh 1960s flat roof exterior and the ‘murder pub’ connotations those have earned over the decades makes you double take in its bracing hideousness. Perhaps the fact it’s Glasgow, with a reputation for tough boozers (admittedly much outdated) adds an extra sense of threat. This could not be dispelled anymore firmly by walking inside.

“Warm, cosy, social and friendly, every spot in the pub looks worth sitting in, from the upholstered corners in the bar, to the cushioned lounge, to the bar stools around a stylish horseshoe shaped bar, that can be viewed through at either side.“

The only other Scottish bar to make the list is Edinburgh favourite Kay's Bar, with the New Town venue placed at number 78.

To see the full list of The European Bar Guide's 100 bars in Europe for 2026, visit https://theeuropeanbarguide.com/top-100-bars-in-europe-2026/