Bursting with Michelin star eateries, world-class bars, stunning hotels and Insta-perfect brunch spots, Glasgow has always been one of the country’s most vibrant cities for eating out and socialising – and with so many new openings in the past month alone, it’s only getting better.
Here, we step inside seven of Glasgow’s newest hot spots, giving you the lowdown on the city’s best eateries, hotels, bars and shops as they open their doors for the first time.
1. Lush anchor store, Buchanan Street
On Friday, December 8, Scotland’s first and biggest Lush anchor store opens on Buchanan Street, offering soaps, cosmetics, gifts, clothing and more across 20,000 sq ft and multiple floors. Housed in the former Borders Books building, the giant new store will also feature a cafe hosted by Plant Blonde – who currently have their own space in the West End – and a Lush Shampoo Bar, where customers can enjoy washing and styling services. Plus, come February next year, the store will also boast a brand new Lush spa, complete with a Scotland-themed treatment.
On opening day, the first 250 customers will be gifted a welcome surprise bag of products to celebrate the new store, so you might want to get down before the doors open at 11am!
Visit lush.com
2. Kinara by Shabu Natarajan, Merchant City
Located in the former Cafe Cossachok on King Street, Kinara by Shabu Natarajan will open on Thursday, December 7, and promises diners “a culinary journey like no other”. Bringing together the delicious dishes of India’s many regional cuisines, the new restaurant comes from the award-winning team behind Madras Café, and looks set to be the city’s best new spot for everything from date night to family dinners.
Visit kinara.co.uk
3. AC by Marriott Glasgow, George Street
Newly opened in November, £100million was spent on the new AC by Marriott Glasgow, transforming a 120-year-old Grade A listed Victorian building into a stylish destination filled with 245 luxury rooms, health and wellbeing facilities, a lounge bar, fitness centre, and, eventually, Scotland’s first Soho House private members club. And if all that wasn’t enough, Hazel, the hotel’s 100-seater restaurant, is led by French Head Chef Eric Avenier, and even boasts a beautiful hazel tree right in the centre of the dining room. Stop by for a quick lunch or linger a little longer in the evening with a cocktail.
Visit marriot.com and hazelglasgow.co.uk
4. Turtle Bay, St Vincent Street
Bringing its famous mix of “rum, reggae and jerk” to Scotland for the first time, popular chain eatery Turtle Bay is set to open in Glasgow on Friday, December 8 – and it’s good news for brunch fans. Serving up Caribbean-inspired flavours, including classic dishes like Kingston fried chicken and rich curry goat, the restaurant’s Bay Brunch includes five cocktails and any brunch dish, burger or wrap for just £27.50, making the St Vincent Street spot the perfect place to escape the Scottish weather and enjoy a little sunshine.
Visit turtlebay.co.uk/restaurants/glasgow
5. Serendipity, Great Western Road
From the team behind La Pastina Deli on Byres Road, Serendipity is the west end’s newest brunch spot, which we bet will quickly become a firm favourite. On the menu, expect the usual breakfast and lunch dishes made with fresh, seasonal produce, as well as specialties like smoked salmon Ceasar salad, and thick cut sweet french toast. With stunning interiors, a cosy mezzanine level and dogs welcome to visit with their owners, Serendipity is just the place to sit back with a flat white and some friends in Glasgow.
Visit instagram.com/serendipity_west
6. Hope & Vincent, St Vincent Street
Glasgow’s newest pub gem, has transformed the city’s social landscape with its recent launch at 140 St Vincent Street. This contemporary bar and dining venue, housed in a former banking building, redefines the classic public house experience by infusing it with sports and live music.
With a capacity for 100 patrons, Hope & Vincent offers a lively atmosphere with playful pug machines, classic board games, and a giant private 65-inch screen. General Manager Stuart Kilpatrick envisions it as “a new standard of chic socializing.” The main room, accommodating up to 90 guests, presents a sleek menu featuring affordable beverages and diverse food options, from authentic ales to signature cocktails.
Visit hopeandvincent.co.uk
7. Platform 1, Argyle St
Discover Glasgow’s cultural heartbeat at Platform 1, the stylish new split-level lounge bar and restaurant by Platform. Nestled in transformed Victorian railway arches on Argyle St, this iconic multi-room space transcends the traditional bar, offering a mezzanine adorned with Chesterfield sofas and a brass and gold gantry bar.
Platform 1’s festive debut includes a Christmas cocktail menu, craft beers, mouth-watering small plates, and stone-baked pizzas crafted by Chef Jules McGuire. The venue promises a winter brimming with events, from live music and DJs to night markets and free face painting. Now open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 pm until late.
