With Scotland finally escaping lockdown and beer gardens opening on the 26th April, we are one step closer to normality and enjoying the glorious atmosphere of the summer months in a beer garden with our friends. With the excitement of this flourishing through everyone in Glasgow, bookings are filling up fast! Make sure to grab a table under the sun at one of the best beer gardens in Glasgow listed below.
The Ark
A popular choice for young people and students is the Ark, a contemporary pub based on North Frederick Street in Glasgow’s city centre next to Strathclyde University and City of Glasgow College. It is one of the largest beer gardens in the city and is decorated with charming fairy lights, as well as large radiators to keep you warm when the temperatures fall in the evening.
Although offering a smaller range of drinks than usual due to restrictions, the Ark still offer a variety of choice when it comes to wines, cocktails, and beers, and have prioritised the crowd favourites to keep on the menu. This venue also offers regular deals on drinks that can be ordered to your table through their ‘MORE’ app and pride itself on being dog-friendly, so either bring your own furry friend or admire those that are there!
The pub usually serves delicious food and the original opening hours were noon-10pm on weekdays and Sundays, then noon till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, which may differ according to government guidelines.
Cranside Kitchen
Another of Glasgow’s largest outdoor beer gardens will be reopening – bigger and better than before! This venue has developed more outdoor seating to allow as many people as possible the chance to relax in the cosy setting next to the iconic Finnieston Crane at the River Clyde.
It has been confirmed that opening hours will be from 10am-10pm and that food will be served from their nine restaurant brands including Halloumi, Romano’s, Kilmurry & Co and more! They will frequently rotate their menus to provide a range of choices and they will also be hosting drink pop-ups. Snatch up your table for up to six people from three households and indulge in a delicious meal and ice-cold drinks this summer at Cranside Kitchen.
Vodka Wodka
Based in the gorgeous Ashton Lane in the West End of Glasgow, Vodka Wodka is a vibrant beer garden which is popular among young people and students as it is located close to the University of Glasgow. With reasonable prices and a variety of drinks packages available, as well as efficient table service from their app, you are guaranteed a relaxing day out with your friends. With plenty of coverage from the risk of bad weather as well as large heaters throughout the beer garden, you can enjoy this venue day or night, no matter what the weather. The venue is currently taking bookings for 2-hour slots which are 12pm, 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 8:30pm, with tables holding 4-6 people from the 26th April.
The Record Factory
Another lively setting in Glasgow’s west end is The Record Factory on Byres Road. This old-fashioned venue is one of the largest beer gardens in the west end, inspired by the underground bars of New York with a “rock ‘n’ roll” theme. With a large decking and a terrace, this bustling beer garden is perfect for absorbing the sunshine in the summer months.
Bookings are currently open from the 26th April and are quickly filling up, as well as reservations being open for the Main Bar where you can watch the Euro Fixtures from 11th June to 11th July!
Malones
Malones has become a popular hangout for many reasons, especially its stunning floral rooftop beer garden! This Irish bar is situated in Sauchiehall Lane in Glasgow and consists of a barbecue station, picnic tables and built-in ice buckets in the VIP booths to keep your bottles ice cold in the sun. This dog-friendly venue also provides live music, live sports on their screens, and some delicious food, as well as heaters and blankets for the evenings that are a little colder.
Malones is currently not taking bookings for April and May, but bookings are open from June onwards on their website. Be sure to make your reservation soon as spaces are going fast!
By Layla Maguire
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
