World-class architecture and a thriving arts scene are putting this Scottish city on the cultural map. —Sarah Bancroft
do. Beginning in April, students from the renowned Glasgow School of Art will lead fascinating 90-minute Creative Glasgow walking tours in Garnet Hill. Highlights are 1978 murals painted on old tenement buildings, rare examples of Brutalist architecture and a tour through the Centre for Contemporary Arts with its café, cinema and Aye Aye art bookstore. gsashop.co.uk
eat. In the emerging Finnieston district, Drugstore Social has the vibe of an old apothecary with a cheap and cheerful gastro-pub menu full of Scottish specialties sourced within a 50-mile radius, like Tattie scones (potato pancakes,) Isle of Harris Gin-cured salmon and Gamekeeper’s Pie, with shredded pheasant from Hopeton Estate. drugstoresocial.com
sleep. The latest venture from Ian McCulough, the internationally known Glasgow hotelier behind the U.K.’s original boutique hotel chain Malmaison, the Dakota Deluxe is well situated for nightlife and culture. Check out the Jack Bar decorated with illustrations of famous Jacks and see if you can name them all after a couple of whiskeys. glasgow.dakotahotels.co.uk
shop. Glasgow School of Art grad Fiona Douglas has built a thriving international interior décor business inspired by the wildflowers of the Scottish Highlands where she grew up. Her bold floral paintings (now inspired by anything from vintage embroidered clutches and scarves to Moroccan gardens) are transferred onto wallpaper, pillows, fabric, bedding and ceramics. Available at HBC in Canada, or visit the beautiful studio in a Georgian apartment. bluebellgray.com
see. The Riverside Museum was the late starchitect Zaha Hadid’s first major U.K. public building. With its soaring ceilings and view of the river and tall ships, it’s a spectacular place to explore Glasgow’s industrial history through transportation ranging from steam engines to the famous Flying Scot bicycles—free entry. glasgowlife.org.uk
drink. Also in trendy Finnieston, drinks and tapas at the tiny Alchemilla have a Middle Eastern flair from a London chef in a Scandi-style designer room. Now that’s international dining. @thisisalchemilla
shop more. Instrmnt sells its sleek assemble-yourself steel watches with Swiss movement in a concept store that offers a bike with a leather crossbar cover (easier to carry it up stairs) and a well-curated selection of clothing, magazines and candles. It’s located in the Merchant City area, which has seen a regeneration of late and is a hub for independent galleries and design studios. instrmnt.co.uk
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