Glasgow is well known for its incredible, historic pubs. Shawlands, and the southside as a whole, is no different; Kilmarnock Road is a pub crawlers dream with both sides absolutely teeming with some incredible options, here’s your guide to the best boozers in our slice of the city.
1. The Corona
The Corona ticks virtually every box I’m looking for in a pub: It has plenty of seating (it’s huge!) with tables of varying sizes and a comfy sofa section at the back for larger groups, it has a good range of taps ranging from traditional lagers to local craft beers, and they offer everything else you could want as a beverage from coffee to cocktails.
While not really my scene, if you’re looking for an event like a pub quiz, chess competitions or live DJ sets, The Corona has it all.
A big seller for me, and for many of their regulars is the big TV screen and various smaller ones dotted around making it the perfect pub for any sports lovers.
2. The Quaich
Just tucked off Kilmarnock Rd, The Quaich may not be best suited for a high street pub crawl, but its an absolute hidden gem of a proper pub perfect for a relaxed night with some pals or post-work pints.
Like most of Shawlands’ great pubs, it offers all the biggest sports matches on the TV, as well as a pub quiz on Sundays. Bonus points for it being dog friendly – who doesn’t love a pub dug!.
3. The James Tassie
An absolute staple of Shawlands’ nightlife, The James Tassie’s huge interior features cheap pints of Tennents and Guinness, fruit machines and large sports TV’s, and on one of Glasgow’s rare sunny days the frontage can open fully up to introduce a Mediterranean feel to the classic pub.
4. Phillies of Shawlands
Phillies is quite a shift from The James Tassie, but they’re both fantastic for different reasons.
Phillies of Shawlands is a vibrant craft beer pub, with a set of taps constantly on rotation from various craft breweries across the country offering up everything from hazy IPA’s to fruity lagers, and American style pale ales.
Alongside their guest taps, they have a solid lineup of local beers and international brands, so don’t worry, you can still get a Guinness or an Asahi, but you can also venture into the world of ‘Drygate Disco Forklift’ or ‘Northern Monk Little Faith’.
5. Linen 1906
With outdoor seating right on Shawlands Cross, live open mic nights, and a generally buzzy feel all week long, Linen 1906 blends comfort with the buzz of being a real community hub.
If you are planning a pub crawl, make sure Linen 1906 is closer to the start than the end – its floor plan is not suited for the wobbles!
6. The Granary
The Granary is one of the southside’s most iconic buildings – Glasgow’s former tram hub is now one of its finest boozers, part of the Mitchells and Butlers family of brands, it offers reliably good food and all the classic taps (plus a few local crafts) – what more can you ask for in such a central location in the southside and in one of the most historic buildings in the area.
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