Christmas nights out in Glasgow

Another place where the food gets top billing The Gannet has been high on Glasgow foodies’ lists for a while. Check out their festive seasonal menu (spoiler alert: all their menus are seasonal) which will feature treats like slow cooked pheasant, fillet of hake, and braised Scotch beef. There’s also a six course tasting menu to choose from, with a whole, fully thought-out version for the veggies. Winning all round.

If you’re looking for eateries for Christmas nights out in Glasgow, this is definitely one to get your fancy frock on for. This French-style brasserie is situated in the basement under the Anchor Line (Anchor Line on top, Atlantic below, see what they did there?) and is all low lighting and sophisticated music. Forget about dry turkey and nut roast, their classic Christmas dinner is a turkey ballotine stuffed with panchetta, served with duck fat potatoes, and honey roast root veg. They also have wild mushroom gnocchi, and a pearl barley ragout for the veggies. What you waiting for? Get a wriggle on!

Lads night out? Maybe you just don’t want to go down the traditional Christmas route? We present to you Chaakoo. Technically they serve small plates, but even these, in true Indian restaurant style are pretty large. This Bombay style cafe will bring you right back in time with its cool decor reminiscent of 19th century Irani cafes. It’s the perfect spot to line your stomach before heading out for a wee swally. (More on that below.)

This Glaswegian classic has been delighting diners on famous Ashton Lane for many a decade. You’ll get right into the Christmas spirit the minute you enter the street, as there’s a gorgeous fairy light canopy and it’s sure to be full of festive revellers (just watch you don’t get your fancy heels stuck in the cobbles!) Choose from their cosy brasserie or impressive mezzanine level restaurant and settle in for a meal of local produce, prepared just so. Lunch starts from just £27.95, with dinner a decent £32.95.

Another place where the food gets top billing The Gannet has been high on Glasgow foodies’ lists for a while. Check out their festive seasonal menu (spoiler alert: all their menus are seasonal) which will feature treats like slow cooked pheasant, fillet of hake, and braised Scotch beef. There’s also a six course tasting menu to choose from, with a whole, fully thought-out version for the veggies. Winning all round.

Technically Mexican food is not exaaaaactly festive, however, the atmosphere and the grub here are guaranteed to get you in the mood for a big night out. With its bright colour-scheme and fun music, the party starts here the minute you walk in the door. Their Christmas menu features dishes like chicken tinga tacos, jalapeno poppers, and barbacoa beef taquitos, all guaranteed to leave you wi h a fire in your belly. Wash it down with their famous margaritas and you’ll be well on your way to an incredible Christmas night out in Glasgow.

A late-night favourite, Slouch is open til 3am (sometimes 4am during the festive period) making it a great place to start and end the boozing part of your evening. This down to earth bar is usually playing classic rock tunes that will get everyone in the party mood, and the drinks prices are pretty decent too. It’s one of those spots that everyone in Glasgow seems to hang out at so keep an eye out for that cringey Tinder match from last year.

Sister venue to Slouch, The Howling Wolf is a little less rough and ready and very often has live music playing. Perch your group at one of their huge high tables or grab a big booth at the back, the atmosphere is great wherever you go. Their alcohol selection is unrivalled and there’s a great range of beers, rums, and gins to suit everyone. If your dinner has worn off by the end of the night, they serve up great pizzas and bar snacks to save you ending up at the Noodle Bar.

If you’re looking to get a bit cosy with your close pals, we’d recommend Kelvingrove Cafe. Famous for their incredible, authentic cocktails, this bar exudes Victorian European Grand cafe vibes, with its candlelit tables and hidden nooks and crannies. Our favourite tipples include th KC colado, the cafe’s own take on the classic pina, and the Death an Glory, featuring whisky, lemon, pineapple, and anise.

Probably not the best place to go if you’ve been on it since the middle of the day, this Glasgow institution is slap bang in the centre of the city, and is practically in Central Station if someone’s catching the last train. Harking back to a more opulent time, its huge chandeliers, sweeping bars, and impressive pillars will make you feel like you’re in the Downton Christmas special (minus the untimely deaths). Obviously as you’re on a Christmas night out in Glasgow, and because of the bar’s name, it would be rude not to grab a glass, or bottle, of champagne.