InStyle Vacations

Glasgow: Scotland with Style

By Anita Draycott

If you have the antiquated notion that Glasgow is a dreary coal-mining town, listen up lads and lassies. Glasgow was awarded the title of European City of the Year 2011 by the Academy of Urbanism whose members include industry-leading architects, planners, and designers. Along with distinctive Scottish style, you’ll find friendly locals, super shopping, and fabulous nightlife.

The “you only live once” splurge list

Glaswegians flaunt their kilts with pride. At Hector Russell on the main shopping thoroughfare, Buchanan Street, have one custom-made in your family tartan. It takes about eight weeks and they ship to your home.

Maybe it’s the peaty soil or the misty weather, but no country produces “the water of life” like bonnie Scotland. Whether you’ve got a thirst for a single malt from the Highlands or Lowlands, you’ll find it at The Global Whisky Shop, 10-14 West Nile Street.

Rain or shine, head to Princes Square for some retail therapy. Five floors of trendy shops are housed in this restored architectural triumph with central glass atrium dating from 1841. Poke around Fifi and Ally, an avant-garde fashion/lifestyle boutique named “one of the world’s top 100 stores” in Retail Week magazine. After blowing your budget, celebrate with champagne and a decadent meringue filled with cream and berries at The Cupping Salon.

The Ubiquitous Chip, in Glasgow’s bohemian West End, was recently selected by the readers of The Good Food Guide as the best in Scotland. Try the house haggis (on the menu since 1971) and follow it with a rump of lamb with pea and mint pesto. Drool over the wine list.

Between the Gallery of Modern Art and Buchanan Street, Rogano specializes in seafood in a perfectly preserved Art Deco setting. Their fish soup is rich bisque served with shaved Parmesan and garlicky rouille. Oysters are super fresh and you might spot a film star while your slurping.

by Khadijah Brown on 04/17/2016 in Sightseeing