Glasgow - Scotland sans shorbread, bagpipes and kilts.
#42
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
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Glad to be of assistance Jane. Having been to both Edinburgh and Glasgow I feel that Glasgow is a much underrated city. There's a load we never had time to do - including Mackintosh's House for an Art Lover, The Necropolis, tasting menu at Cail Bruich and a ride on the mini tube system known informally as the Clockwork Orange. There's also a healthy theatre scene judging by the number of posters we saw for plays and pantomines.
#47
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
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Have finally got round to adding the one missing link, for the Ben Nevis Bar on Argyle Street
https://www.facebook.com/TheBenNevisBar
This is the bar we sat in on Friday night deliberating where to eat later. I mention it because 1) It apparently has over 130 different single malts. 2) It's known for decent folk bands (not that any were playing while we were in) and 3) Diffords guide calls this strip of bars in Finnieston 'hipster territory' and I feel quite proud to be considered a hipster now that I have drunk here.
https://www.facebook.com/TheBenNevisBar
This is the bar we sat in on Friday night deliberating where to eat later. I mention it because 1) It apparently has over 130 different single malts. 2) It's known for decent folk bands (not that any were playing while we were in) and 3) Diffords guide calls this strip of bars in Finnieston 'hipster territory' and I feel quite proud to be considered a hipster now that I have drunk here.
#52
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,482
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RM67 ---really enjoyed your report. Taking a few notes here and there as I am planning a short visit to Glasgow in July.
Looks like you really enjoyed Glasgow.
I would like to find out if you were able to purchase some unique souvenirs.
Will be traveling from US and want to bring back some food items such as marmalades, candies or liquor filled chocolates etc.
Would you suggest where I can go shopping for such items and what else I could buy there.
Thanks for your help. Have a pleasant day.
Looks like you really enjoyed Glasgow.
I would like to find out if you were able to purchase some unique souvenirs.
Will be traveling from US and want to bring back some food items such as marmalades, candies or liquor filled chocolates etc.
Would you suggest where I can go shopping for such items and what else I could buy there.
Thanks for your help. Have a pleasant day.
#53
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,144
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Cafes and delis often sell local produce to take away as gifts - for example Kember and Jones where we ate on the first day had a shop attached, with home made jams, sweeties like macaroon (chocolate covered coconut) and huge marshmallows in unusual flavours. In terms of liqueuer chocs I think it should be easy to find some filled with whisky or Drambuie pretty much anywhere.
My favourite things to buy/ personal recommendations would be Scottish tablet (like fudge only better), some proper home made marmalade (any good deli, fete or even something like the WI would have it). I could actually send you a jar of mine, made with Isle of Jura scots whisky if you can provide a contact address while you are in Scotland (and don't mind the fact that I am a Sassenach and it was made down here, 400 miles south!). Also, look out for Walkers shortbread - this is not a tiny artisan type producer - but the shortbread scottie dogs are absolutely brilliant.
Tommy might be able to provide some specific recommendations for shops with home made treats when he gets up and his hangover is under control.
My favourite things to buy/ personal recommendations would be Scottish tablet (like fudge only better), some proper home made marmalade (any good deli, fete or even something like the WI would have it). I could actually send you a jar of mine, made with Isle of Jura scots whisky if you can provide a contact address while you are in Scotland (and don't mind the fact that I am a Sassenach and it was made down here, 400 miles south!). Also, look out for Walkers shortbread - this is not a tiny artisan type producer - but the shortbread scottie dogs are absolutely brilliant.
Tommy might be able to provide some specific recommendations for shops with home made treats when he gets up and his hangover is under control.
#58
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 148
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Time Out's new Glasgow guide is a great place to start for a one stop shop for Glasgow things. It's more up to date than I am and pretty reliable.
http://www.timeout.com/glasgow
For things that are specifically Glasgow souvenirs.
http://www.thomsonscoffee.com/
Great blends available direct from factory shop, Wholefoods in Giffnock or a range of deli's across town.
https://www.westbeer.com/beers/
Great range of locally produced beers available at the brewery and pretty much all good offsales or supermarkets in town.
http://www.jetpace.com/Megadeath.htm
Mad local producer of insane chilli sauces. Warning: may kill recipients.
http://www.tartanplus.co.uk/
For the usual tourist tat although they do a have few things that aren't entirely hideous.
http://www.timeout.com/glasgow
For things that are specifically Glasgow souvenirs.
http://www.thomsonscoffee.com/
Great blends available direct from factory shop, Wholefoods in Giffnock or a range of deli's across town.
https://www.westbeer.com/beers/
Great range of locally produced beers available at the brewery and pretty much all good offsales or supermarkets in town.
http://www.jetpace.com/Megadeath.htm
Mad local producer of insane chilli sauces. Warning: may kill recipients.
http://www.tartanplus.co.uk/
For the usual tourist tat although they do a have few things that aren't entirely hideous.
#59
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,144
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Ty Tommy. Always rate the Time Out guides really highly and find that they display well on smaller media like tablets and phones, so not just good for prep, but also very useable when you are already out and about.
One other food-related gift tip - cook books by Scottish chefs are quite a nice thing to take back - I have one focusing on the produce of Skye by John Kelly.
One other food-related gift tip - cook books by Scottish chefs are quite a nice thing to take back - I have one focusing on the produce of Skye by John Kelly.


You won't be short of decent places to eat - we also considered Gandolphi Fish, Cail Bruich and Guys.
