HEDONISTIC TRAVEL

Glasgow

The Corinthian is set in an
impressive building, with
food and cocktails to match.Crammed with designer venues, Scotland’s most artistic city is a must for culture vultures and clubbers, says Robin McKelvie

FORGET any anachronistic images of Glasgow as an industrial wasteland crammed with tough policemen chomping on deep-fried Mars bars. These days, Scotland’s largest city is one of Europe’s most buzzing metropolises.

True hedonists should make a beeline for Abode on central Bath Street, a boutique hotel that features a restaurant run by a double Michelin-starred chef. Just off trendy Byres Road in the West End, another star crash pad is One Devonshire Gardens, with its Mews Suite, arguably the city’s most decadent hideaway.

Glasgow overflows with classy eating establishments. One of the hottest is worth the taxi out to raffish Shawlands. The Urban Grill (61 Kilmarnock Road) is a gastropub where fresh ingredients and huge portions are combined with live music and a speakeasy vibe.

When it’s time to hit Glasgow’s myriad bars, the Corinthian (191 Ingram Street) is a lavish start. With its voluminous dome and ornate columns, it’s all very Merchant City — the swankiest part of town. Turn things up a notch at Nice N Sleazy (421 Sauchiehall Street), which boasts one of the best jukeboxes in Glasgow. Then grab one of the city’s dirt-cheap taxis to join the action at legendary clubbing venue Sub Club (22 Jamaica Street), which really kicks off at weekends.

Upmarket Buchanan
Street is a car-free
zone.For the UK’s hottest credit card-burning action outside of London, head to Buchanan Street. The area also hosts the eponymous Buchanan Galleries, and designer label fanatics will be in heaven in the Italian Centre on John Street.

Grab a light lunch at the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street, before popping around the corner to Buchanan Street for edgy streetwear at Urban Outfitters. If you’ve spotted the Tartan Army on their travels and fancy some retro soccer chic or a swishing kilt, hop to Slanj (67 St Vincent Street).

Savour a laid-back dinner at Red Onion (247 West Campbell Street), a city centre restaurant that creates Scottish dishes with a twist. Then catch the quirky underground, dubbed the “Clockwork Orange” for it’s bright orange colour, to check out the bars on Ashton Lane. End with a taxi to The Arches (253 Argyle Street), an esoteric venue with live music and buzzing club nights.

On Sunday, forget about sleeping in and walk to the recently revamped Kelvingrove, one of Europe’s funkiest museums. Ease the hangover with a lazy brunch in its KG Café, with sweeping park views and ice-cold beer.

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The Glasgow gig

New Young Pony Club
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, 2 June, 8pm

Glasgow is famous for up-for-it crowds that help break new acts, and there are few hotter right now than New Young Pony Club. Intimate and buzzing, King Tut’s (272a St Vincent Street, tel: +44 (0)141 221 5279, www.. kingtuts.co.uk) is the perfect venue to jump on the pony train.

GLASGOW ON THE CHEAP

Glasgow generally offers great value, but if you are on a serious budget, remember that all of those wonderful museums are free in this egalitarian city.

For cheap Indian eats, try The Wee Curry Shop (29 Ashton Lane, tel: +44 (0)141 357 5280, www.. motherindia.co.uk) or go Scottish and head down the chippy, for a traditional fish supper.

Sleep for less at the renowned city centre Glasgow Youth Hostel (8 Park Terrace, tel: +44 (0)141 332 3004, www.syha.org.uk).