Where to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Glasgow

On Sunday 5th June, the 17th-century castle is hosting a posh party from 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm. One of Scotland’s most luxurious five-star hotels, Crossbasket will be serving a special themed afternoon tea in its Grand Roosevelt Ballroom. Guests will receive a glass of Pimm’s on arrival, followed by a selection of chef’s artisan sandwiches, freshly baked fruit and plain scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, homemade cakes and other delicacies, plus tea or coffee. Found in High Blantyre, outside of the city centre, Crossbasket Castle is a great choice for those wishing to escape the urban jungle for an afternoon and enjoy Glasgow’s gorgeous surrounding countryside and the castle’s sumptuous grandeur. Tickets are priced at £45 per person.

The National Trust will be playing a large part in hosting events across England and Scotland during the bank holiday weekend. And Greenbank Garden in Clarkston has the perfect solution for your family Jubilee outing. Visitors can purchase an afternoon tea box, or a children’s afternoon tea box, as you soak in the elegant surroundings and pay homage to the Queen. The venue has a walled garden and picnic zone, so the little ones have plenty of space to play. And kids are encouraged to dress up as a character from British and Commonwealth history. For the adults, the BBC’s Platinum Party in the Palace Concert will be shown on the big screen, or you can join in with the vintage games taking place on the lawn.

Arguably the quirkiest and cutest place to enjoy a cuppa and a scone, this charming tearoom, set within a 200-year-old Georgian townhouse on Bath Street, is well worth a visit this Jubilee weekend. Its vintage vibe is very conducive to a walk down memory lane as we reflect on the past 70 years. Filled with antiquities and artefacts, the shabby-chic design provides diners with a sense of heritage. And its classic sweet treats lend themselves to a classic British theme. A traditional High Tea (following the tradition first set by the Duchess of Bedford and long enjoyed by Her Majesty) is served, with vegan options. The three-tier stands come filled with sandwiches (prepared using homemade bread), fresh cakes and baked goods, accompanied by your choice of over 40 types of tea, or a glass of fizz to toast our esteemed monarch. Cream teas are also available.

The Queen has visited Glasgow on many occasions, opening significant points of interest, such as the Clyde Tunnel and the new hospital that was named after her. If you’d like to follow in Her Majesty’s footsteps this Jubilee weekend, you can pay a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The Queen reopened the venue (after its extensive three year refurb) in 2006, expressing delight to be involved in its celebrations. And Glaswegians can, in return, celebrate her, by exploring some of the nation’s most interesting artworks and historical pieces, as well as pop-up exhibitions. Afterwards, pay a visit to Kelvingrove Cafe for a scrumptious brunch. The KC Breakfast (available as a veggie option as well) is a must try.

It’s good news for pub-goers as a special law has been passed relating to licensing. This means that all your favourite bars in Glasgow will be able to stay open later for the special bank holiday weekend. And this is one of the fanciest places to sup on a beer, vino or some cocktails. The Corinthian Club has a number of bar and restaurant spaces, including the regal Teller’s Brasserie, with its incredible 26 foot glass domed ceiling, Roman Doric pilastrade, elaborate cornicing and freestanding statues. But as June may well bring sunshine, the Rooftop Bar is an excellent spot to soak up some rays in fine surroundings. You may like to raise a glass of the Queen’s favourite tipple — the Dubonnet cocktail, made with two parts of sweet aromatised wine, one part gin, a couple of cubes of ice and a slice of lemon.