8 minute read
45 Merchant City
Discover the Merchant City ...
Glasgow Merchant City is a neighbourhood with its own identity located within the city centre area. Like many inner city areas throughout the world, the Merchant City has transformed itself from a former commercial trading area into the cool, chic haven of style that exists today. But it wasn’t always that way.
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The Merchant City is one of the oldest quarters of Glasgow and has been the home to monks, merchants and merry makers for centuries. In medieval times orangeries and rose gardens once scented the air, but as the city developed this pretty little area is where the dog and bird markets, bowling greens and places of entertainment could be found.
Throughout the eighties and nineties the Merchant City has been revitalised. Old warehouses became modern fashion houses;
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Unlimited free superfast wifi empty market buildings have been given new life as restaurants or bars and loft living and the birth of a strong and vibrant community arrived in style.
Artists colonised run-downworkshops and empty shop units; vacated merchants houses became hotels and restaurants while redundant churches have found new congregations in the theatre-going and music-loving audiences of the city; namely the Tron Theatre and St. Andrew’s in the Square.
Today the Merchant City is a remarkable mix of stylish bars, boutique hotels, luxury apartments, restaurants, shops and artists galleries. And amongst it all there still survive a few hidden gems, such as the Britannia Panopticon Music Hall where Stan Laurel made his debut or the architectural splendour of the magnificent 18th century St. Andrew’s in the Square or the sublime City Halls and Old Fruitmarket.
Whatever the content of these buildings the style and elegance of the architecture remains to be enjoyed by all.
Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow is located in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Style Mile in the restored, renaissanceinspired Athenaeum Theatre. Established in 1893, this striking theatre has musical history of its own: originally a music school, it later became the home to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama. With historic musical memorabilia gracing every wall, Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow fits right into the historic charm of the area and honors the history of the Athenaeum Theatre.
(Also in Dennistoun)
Merchant City highlights ...
GLASGOW CATHEDRAL
Castle Street G4 0141 552 8198 www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk The present Cathedral building was consecrated in 1197. Since that same period the Cathedral has never been unroofed and it has been a working church for more that 800 years. The cathedral has a regular and active congregation and well worth a visit.
BUCHANAN ST 2 GLAS CATHEDRAL
GLASGOW POLICE MUSEUM
30 Bell Street. G1 1LG 0141 552 1818 www.policemuseum.org.uk The Glasgow Police Historical Exhibition contains artefacts and exhibits giving an insight into the people and events which contributed to the founding, development and progress of Britain’s first Police force.
ST ENOCH 4 MERCHANT CITY
CITY HALLS
Candleriggs G1 1NQ 0141 353 8000 www.glasgowconcerthalls.com This spectacular hall is the city’s oldest, but most loved, performance and meeting place and home to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT CITY
WEST BAR & BREWERY
Templeton Building. Glasgow Green. G40 1AW. 0141 550 0135 www.westbeer.com WEST Great for families, West brew its St.Mungo lager on the premises while serving a great Photo courtesy of Glasgow Life range of simple, hearty and delicious food. CITATION TAVERNA & RESTAURANT METROPOLITAN ST ENOCH (30 min walk) 5 GLAS GREEN 40 Wilson Street. G1 1HD. 0141 559 6799. www.citation-glasgow.com Citation is housed in the former landmark Sheriff Court building only a short walk from George Square. It offers a variety of classic and contemporary dishes to suit every palate. BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT SQ 5 Candleriggs. G1 1LE. 0141 552 9402 www.metropolitan-bar.com Award winning cocktail bar and Scottish a-la-carte restaurant, Metropolitan occupies a stunning location with Merchant Square where diners can experience a fantastic range of expertly made cocktails before choosing from the a varied, locally sourced menu. TRON THEATRE 63 Trongate G1 5HB 0141 552 4267 www.tron.co.uk The Tron is one of Scotland’s leading mid-scale producing and preenting theatres. Housing three performance space as well as the Tron Bar & Kitchen, it is a vibrant and bustling creative hub CITY MERCHANT BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY ST ENOCH 3 MERCHANT CITY 97-99 Candleriggs. G1 1NP 0141 553 1577 www.citymerchant.co.uk Known for its fresh seafood and game as well as aged beef and seasonal lamb, the City Merchant is a very popular place to dine ideally located in the heart of the Merchant City and directly across the street from the City Halls concert hall. BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY PAESANO PIZZA 94 Miller Street. G1 1DT 0141 258 5565. www.paesanopizza.co.uk Enjoy great pizza, artisan, wood fired in a funky and very busy city centre location. This is one of Glasgow’s busiest locations so be prepared to wait for a table. BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQ OLD FRUITMARKET THEATRE Candleriggs (entered via City Halls) G1 1NQ. 0141 353 8000 www.glasgowconcerthalls.com A stunning venue that used to be an old market, with a huge downstairs performance area. There is an upstairs balcony area as well as a café/bar. BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY
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THE MERCHANT CHIPPIE BOTECO DO BRASIL MHARSANTA BAR & RESTAURANT
155 High Street. G1 1PH 0141 552 5789 62 Trongate. G1 5EP 26 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG www.facebook.com/MerchantChippieGlasgow/ 07772 847311 www.botecodobrasil.com 0141 552 9900 www.mharsanta.co.uk The Merchant Chippie is a traditional fish & chip Glasgow’s little corner of Brasil. There is always Mharsanta offers a wonderful selection of new shop and fishmongers. All food is cooked to a party going on at Boteco from live salsa to live and traditional Scottish dishes. Mharsanta order meaning that you get the freshest fish, sport and club nights. Really popular after show (pronounced “Var-Santah) meaning Merchant in simply cooked and ready to enjoy at its best. venue. Open late. Gaelic has a passion for using seasonal produce
BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY ST ENOCH 3 MERCHANT SQ from Scotland, the best ready for you to enjoy. AMORE 30 Ingram Street. G1 1EZ 0141 553 0810 www.amoreglasgow.co.uk A fantastic, authentic Italian pizzeria & restaurant serving the finest fresh produce and beautifully prepared wood oven pizzas and wonderful pasta dishes. BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY HUTCHESON’S 158 Ingram Street. G1 1EJ 0141 552 4050 www.hutchesonsglasgow.com An award winning fine dining venue set in one of Glasgow’s iconic buildings this lovely restaurant serves the very best dry aged Scottish steak and fresh seafood in classic surroundings. BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQ ESCA 27 Chisholm Street (opp Tron Theatre) G1 5HA 0141 553 0880 www.esca-restaurant.co.uk Serving the Merchant City for over ten years, Esca was among the first to present rustic, authentic regional Italian cuisine to the area. Ever popular with locals and visitors, Esca is an ST ENOCH 3 MERCHANT CITY ST ANDREW’S IN THE SQUARE 1 St. Andrew’s Street. G1 5PP 0141 559 5902 www.standrewsinthesquare.com BRITANNIA PANOPTICON MUSIC HALL 113-117 Trongate G1 5HD ideal stop as its right across the street from the Tron Theatre. ST ENOCH 4 MERCHANT CITY Considered one of the finest classical church buildings in Britain and now home to Glasgow’s Centre for Scottish Culture. The venue plays host to many events as well as Scottish opera concerts and is home to Café Source. ST ENOCH 7 ST ANDREW SQ 0141 553 0840 www.britanniapanopticon.org The world’s oldest surviving music hall! Founded in 1857 on The Trongate the Britannia is famed and still popular as a place of entertainment and amusement in the city. ST ENOCH 3 MERCHANT CITY GUYS 24 Candleriggs. G1 1TD 0141 552 1114 www.guysrestaurant.co.uk Before opening Guys, Guy Cowan cooked on location for the film industry and so brings a delightful mix of superb globally influenced dishes WILSON STREET PANTRY This cosy little cafe/pantry is a haven of good wholesome food and drink and is popular with local residents which makes it the perfect shout if you need a caffeine fix and some freshly baked sweet treats to keep you going. Lunch is always busy so get there early!. ARISAIG 1 Merchant Square. G1 1LE 0141 553 1010 www.arisaigrestaurant.co.uk Arisaig specialises in modern Scottish dishes such as hot smoked salmon, Arbroath Smokies and fabulous game all served with the freshest, seasonal local accompaniments. combining with local Scottish produce and an atmosphere of warm, friendly welcome. ST ENOCH 4 MERCHANT CITY BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT SQ BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY
KOOLBA CAFÉ GANDOLFI
109 Candleriggs. G1 1NP 64 Albion Street. G1 1NY 0141 552 2777 www.koolba.com 0141 552 6813 www.cafegandolfi.comKoolba combines the culinary styles of India and One of Glasgow’s best known and iconic dining the Middle east to bring you an eclectic mix of places. Café Gandolfi has been delighting exotic flavours produced using the finest locally diners with its passionate promotion of Scottish sourced ingredients. Ideally located for pre or produce especially sourced from the Highlands post concert dining. and Islands.
BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT CITY BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT SQ
INGRAM WYND
58 Ingram Street. G1 1EX SAPPORO 0141 553 2470 www.ingramwynd.co.uk Ingram Street G1 1HA A glimpse of 19th century Glasgow awaits you 0141 290 0973 www.sapporo.co.uk at Ingram Wynd as well as a superb selection of An exciting dining Japanese experience with menus that include spins on Scottish Classics food expertly prepared by entertaining Teppasuch as lamb stovies or medallions of venison. nyaki chefs who will dazzle you with their tricks There is also an outdoor terrace for al fresco while delivering mouth watering food to your dining! plate.
BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY
