GLASGOW has a connection to the story of Valentine’s Day.
In 1868, a rich French family made a donation to the Franciscan religious order. They sent a wooden box labelled “the body of Saint Valentine” and this relic was presented to the church of Saint Francis in the Gorbals.
The ornate chest largely languished in anonymity until it was moved to the nearby Blessed John Duns Scotus in 1999, placed near the church’s entrance and decorated with flowers on February 14 each year. Glasgow was soon claiming the saint as one of its own, opportunistically assuming the title “a City of Love”.
READ MORE: British Kebab Awards: Three Glasgow kebab restaurants shortlisted for award
We are well used to being considered one of the friendliest places around, but are we romantics at heart? Local literature more commonly dips into heartbreak. The jangly guitar Glasgow pop music that lit up the 1980s had a tough quality that belied the upbeat choruses. And yet, our love shines on, as Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie will sing this summer at a homecoming gig in Queen’s Park.
If you are looking to embrace your inner romantic this February here are some restaurants and pubs for your Valentine’s celebrations. No winching at the bar.
Tiki Bar and Kitsch Inn
214 Bath St, tikibarglasgow.com
Strong drinks and a style that sits just on the right side of outlandish. Say aloha to a basement bar with big personality. Take a seat on a peacock chair and sip on a tropical cocktail served in a ceramic Tiki mug. Liven up date night with a selection of rum, beer and snacks alongside a glittery, disco-tinged soundtrack.
The Gate
251 Gallowgate, G4 0TP, thegateglasgow.com
Look for the dramatic yellow flash on the outside of the building. A modern Scottish pub created by Andy Gemmell after a career working as a whisky ambassador and growing up in hospitality. The interior details have been inspired by a love of tradition. Drinks have a big focus on Scottish brands. The staff can create drinks with a focus on simple, delicious flavour combinations.
The Butchershop
1055 Sauchiehall St, G3 7UD, butchershopglasgow.com
A West End date night favourite since 2010. Exposed brick walls, cosy booths, views of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the park. Regulars say you’ll find the best steak here. Couples congregate for fillets, sirloins, rib eyes, tomahawks. Enjoy with hand cut chips, bearnaise sauce and top with garlic prawns for the full experience. Top local produce prepared with skill and precision. Served with a sense of occasion in a relaxed setting.
Gamba
225A W George St, G2 2ND, gamba.co.uk
This showcase for seafood has held a two AA Rosettes rating since the first oyster was shucked in 1998. This high achiever has remained a romantic, fun setting for lunch or dinner. New dishes sit alongside the Gamba classics that head chef Derek Marshall know will delight customers time and again. It’s worth remembering that the desserts are fairly spectacular.
Ox and Finch
920 Sauchiehall St, G3 7TF, oxandfinch.com
Assemble a selection of dishes between the pair of you, try not to fall out as you divide and conquer. The staff recommend cod cheeks, chorizo, tomato and morcilla on sourdough for your romantic feast. Go for a lively night out in a cosy local that shoots for the culinary stars.
Bier Halle
9 Gordon St, G1 3PL, republicbierhalle.com
Tucked away downstairs on Gordon Street, Bier Halle remains an important part of the food and drink scene in the city centre after more than 20 years of Staropramen pints and pizza. Return for that easy going date night or, if the sun is shining, enjoy your time together al fresco on the terrace off Buchanan Street.
Tabac
10 Mitchell Lane, G1 3NU, tabacbar.com
A world of influences coalesces in this classy drinking den on Mitchell Lane. Grab a table by the window. Should you not already have someone to meet for Valentine’s Day, Tabac is one of the most popular locations for Tinder dates in the city.
READ MORE: Best pizza restaurants in Glasgow according to Tripadvisor reviews
Bar Brett
321 Great Western Rd, G4 9HR, barbrett.co.uk
Glasgow’s best wine bar, sit at the counter-top and enjoy yakitori dishes, sea bream sashimi, barbecue Jerusalem artichokes, grilled squid. Head chef Ronan Shaftoe has been recognised as one of the brightest young talents in UK hospitality. From the team behind Cail Bruich.
Non Viet
536 Sauchiehall St, G2 3LX, nonviet.co.uk
Pho, the classic Vietnamese fragrant broth, is ideal comfort food for the Glasgow climate. You’ll find the city’s best example of the dish on Sauchiehall Street. Garnished with spring onion and coriander, served with bean sprouts, lemon and fresh chopped chili. Top with fried tofu, shredded chicken or beef. It’s casual dining that puts a smile on your face. Hollywood actor Brendan Fraser was a recent visitor.
The Finnieston
1125 Argyle St, G3 8ND, thefinniestonbar.com
It was built as a drovers inn, one that Rob Roy MacGregor is said to have frequented long before this distinctive, small building was enveloped by the city of Glasgow and dwarfed by neighbouring tenements. So you are already part of the romantic tradition of highland folklore before you have ordered a gin and tonic. Scotland’s shorelines feature on the menu with clams, scallops and mussels sitting with sustainably sourced salmon and halibut. Order some gorgeous Isle of Gigha oysters for your date.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here