The Arlington
130 Woodlands Road
Look for the red wood exterior. The Arly is a favourite with local musicians and students as well as the many residents in and around Woodlands, and accordingly the tunes are always on point. It may or may not be the actual Stone Of Destiny on display at the back of the bar, but that’s their story and they're sticking to it.

The Belle
617 Great Western Road
A magical balance of an atmosphere that’s warm and relaxed, a crowd that’s old-fashioned but studenty and arty, a keenly priced malt of the month, good Scottish beers, good German beers, and a cracking big open fire. Lots of lovely details.

Clutha & Victoria Bar
159 Bridgegate
The Clutha is a pub that’s connected to its place and its foundations. There’s a constant in and out of gallus punters as befits its transient spot where the city centre ends (or begins). The live music is as strong as it’s always been, and the back part has been built round what was left after the helicopter tragedy that struck a decade ago. It wears its history with pride and class.

The Scotia
112–114 Stockwell Street
Billy Connolly used to perform here. One of the boozers that’s always in the ‘oldest pubs in Glasgow’ conversation. Dark wood everywhere, what seems like a thousand wee corners and crevices to while away the day, and live folk music all through Saturdays. Truly part of the fabric of the city.

The Laurieston
58 Bridge Street
If it was an open secret that The Laurie was the coolest old spot in town, two years of multiple awards and a scene in Succession have let any remaining felines out the proverbial bag. It’s all about the red melamine tables and the banquette seating, the crazy curtains and the mythical middle Guiness tap, and a most delicious mix of Glaswegian wildlife for punters.

Also try... The Ben Nevis and The Islay Inn are both warm, welcoming and reliably unchanging amid the constant churn of the Finnieston strip. MJ Heraghty and The Titwood’s ever-younger clientele show that Shawlands will always love the old ways. Meanwhile, over in Govan, The Old Toll Bar’s stunningly ornate back bar, especially when night falls and the red lamps glow, make it the fairest of them all.

This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365 Glasgow, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Glasgow.