Explore Glasgow – Concierge Corner
Words: Emma Juhasz SIMON PRINGLE OF THE LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL HOTEL DU VIN OFFERS HIS MUST-DO LIST OF THINGS TO SEE IN THE HISTORIC SCOTTISH CITY FIRST TIMER? The architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) was the major proponent of art nouveau in Scotland, and fi lled the city with some incredible buildings. You can tour [...]
Words: Emma Juhasz
SIMON PRINGLE OF THE LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL HOTEL DU VIN OFFERS HIS MUST-DO LIST OF THINGS TO SEE IN THE HISTORIC SCOTTISH CITY
FIRST TIMER? The architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) was the major proponent of art nouveau in Scotland, and fi lled the city with some incredible buildings. You can tour his most inspirational structures, such as the Glasgow School of Art (www.gsa.ac.uk) or the lavish House for an Art Lover (www.houseforanartlover.co.uk). Alternatively, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery (www.glasgowmuseums.com) is housed inside a magnifi cent 19th-century building, and a treasure trove awaits inside (www.glasgowmuseums.com).
BEEN BEFORE? Take a trip to Glasgow’s vibrant west end with its boutique shops and lively cafés and bars. Here you’ll fi nd the Kibble Palace glasshouse, situated within the Botanic Gardens, one of the most prestigious iron and glass structures remaining from the Victorian era (www.glasgowwestend.co.uk). Then drop into Princes Square (www.princessquare.co.uk) and have afternoon tea at Fifi & Ally (Units 51-52 Princes Square, 48 Buchanan Street, +44 (0) 141 229 0386).
POWER LUNCH The city’s favourite restaurant, Brian Maule’s Chardon d’Or (www.brianmaule.com) offers fi ne dining and fabulous European cuisine, or if you’re looking for something less formal we recommend the Mal burgers at the Malmaison Brasserie (www.malmaison.com).
TAKE A DATE Hotel du Vin is regarded as one of the city’s most romantic locations. Enjoy a candlelit dinner followed by an overnight stay in one of our sumptuous suites. Alternatively book a table in the small but cosy Stravaigin (www.stravaigin.com) where you can stroll across to the vibrant Ashton Lane for after-dinner drinks.
TOP TIPPLE Modelled on the art deco interior of Queen Mary’s Cunard Liner, the Rogano Oyster Bar is perfect for champagne and oysters (11 Exchange Place, +44 (0) 141 248 4055). For late-night cocktails and music try the Blue Dog piano bar (151 West George Street, +44 (0)141 229 0707).
TAKE HOME Scotland’s top tipple, whisky the best choice is at The Whisky Shop (Buchanan Galleries, Buchanan Street, +44 (0) 141 331 0022). If you like sweets, get some home-made Tablet (it’s like fudge), from the oldest confectioner in Glasgow, Glickman’s (157 London Road, +44 (0) 141 552 0880).
SIMON PRINGLE is a concierge at the luxury boutique hotel, Hotel du Vin. Hotel du Vin, 1 Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow; +44 (0) 141 339 2001
