My favorite bar on Ashton Lane. It's got some better beers on tap, and the inside is very intimate, but the real star is the back patio and hill. Come here during the day or early afternoon, grab a tall beer, and sit on the grass on a hill. What can be better than that? Bring a blanket and have a picnic in the back of a bar. It's rare than you can drink and sit on grass anywhere in the world other than at your own house or camping somewhere. But in the middle of a city? Now that's rare. Definitely a great date spot as well. read more

My goodness, this place is excellent! I realise that this place has been reviewed half to death, but after experiencing it myself for the first time tonight, I can't help but gush. My boyfriend and I were in town and, since he's only visiting, we decided we needed some right good nosh to see us through the night. Well, as soon as I mentioned the number of good reviews on this lovely Belgian establishment, we made a beeline for Ashton Lane. Needless to say it's a gorgeous wee bar. It's got that wonderful West-End feel to it and, since it's Saturday night, it was busy but not tot he ponit of discomfort. We ordered a couple of drinks as we waited for a table, then sat down to eat. And oh, did we dine in style. We started with a pot of mussels, which for 6 quid is a huge and absolutely amazing starter for 2. So, soooo good. I then had the ribeye steak with a helping of peppercorn sauce, accompanied by fried mushroom and tomato and a bowl of delicious fries. He had sausage and mash, which wasn't quite what he had expected, but he seemed to enjoy it anyway. But the piece de resistance was undoubtedly the dessert. Crushed meringue with fresh berries and whipped cream, mushed together in a bowl. It was a massive serving and so sweet I could barely stand it, but it was absolutely gorgeous, let me tell you. I was thrilled to find that this place deserves all the praise it has been getting on here. I'm here to tell you this: Seriously now, believe the hype! You will not regret it. read more

This place is utterly charming. It's set in a former stable house and has the white tile walls to prove it. Wobbly wooden tables, cast iron staircase, and a host of sturdy candles lend an old-world easygoingness to this place. Service is exceedingly pleasant, knowledgeable and attractive (but not distractingly so). There are a bevy of fantastic beers available, and the food is fantastic. We could smell the mussels--their trademark--as we sat down and they smelled temptingly good. I opted for a sandwich/soup option and it was just right for a blustery day. I came here as a tourist of sorts while visiting the in-laws but plan to make this a regular in my eating out rotation when we move to Glasgow next year. read more

Only ever been here for drinks, so that is what I will review. The prices are astronomical (£15 for three beers). It gets extremely busy and therefore hot and stuffy in the evenings. It does stock a good variety of bottled, imported beers. However so does Morrisons and Tesco. It is set in an authentic looking building, which reminds me a bit of an old hospital ward. It does therefore have personality and some originality. read more

A friend took me to dinner here while he was showing me around Glasgow. Great atmosphere and nice staff. Unfortunately we went on Halloween and they were very busy so we had a bit of a wait. We waited at the bar though and received drinks quickly. The atmosphere was great for a date and the whole place just has a great environment. The food was good and presented well. It's a lovely place for a first date! read more

Please excuse me if start becoming somewhat overly negative in this review, as one of my first times in Brel was for a date which did not go well. But pettiness aside, Brel definitely has a rather more relaxed atmosphere than Jinty McGinty's a couple of doors down, not necessarily because it is less busy, but just a more peaceful ambience in general. There is a restaurant in the upstairs area, while there is a main room with a bar downstairs, together with a back room and a beer garden. My favourite part in Brel is definitely the back room, which is a particularly nice place at night with the candles on the tables giving the dark room a very pleasant, even romantic feel (I guess this was why I went here on a date), particularly during the winter months. Unfortunately the surface on the tables are not very smooth though, meaning on one or two occasions my pint was sitting a bit shoogly. The prices are typical Ashton Lane (expensive-ish), as is the clientele (mix of student and middle-aged). There is also not much seating accomodation aside from the restaurant, but again, this is typical Ashton Lane. All in all, another charming, warm Ashton Lane pub. That pretty much sums it up. read more

Pubs can generally be divided into two categories: summer or winter. Brel is 100% the former. Sitting on "Brel Hill" with a cold beer is to Glaswegians what a picnic in Central Park is to New Yorkers, i.e. the archetypal way to spend a sunny day. Named after Belgian singer, Jacques Brel, the bar is designed in a European rustic style complete with wooden beams, tiled walls and wobbly metal tables. The conservatory hosts live music which is extremely cosy to watch in the flickering candlelight. A small restaurant is situated at the back of the bar. The menu offers two vegetarian main course options, potato and bean stew and Greek salad, both of which are not spectacular. But, to be fair, Brel specialises in meat dishes and mussels which I have been assured are delectable. It can get very busy in Brel at the weekend but the clientele tends to be more laid back and mixed in age than you would find in other Ashton Lane pubs such as The Loft. This could be due to the drink prices, all of which hover around the £3.50 mark. The bar is well stocked, offering over 60 bottled beers, some of which are discounted for promotions such as Oktoberfest. read more

Probably the most difficult aspect of opening a Belgian bar is finding one of the country's famous sons to name it after. Your options are limited. Having racked my brains I've come up with "Bar Tintin", "Bar Dr Evil", "Bar Hepburn (Audrey Hepburn was born in Belgium. Yes she was. Look it up)" and, of course, "Bar Van Damme". However, precedent would suggest the owners of Ashton Lane's Belgian establishment got it right. Brel is now such an institution in Glasgow that few in the city would ever think of the name as anything other than a bar. In actual fact, it's named after chain-smoking crooner, Jacques Brel, which is significant given, since opening it doors in 1997, music has always been a cornerstone of the Bar Brel dream. Housing a cosy bar at the front and an equally warm and inviting conservatory at the back, gigs in the latter have become an essential West End experience. Indeed the intimacy of the venue, which holds around 80 people, is added to by the fairy lights and candles which pepper it, creating an atmosphere which has led to many established acts declaring it as among their favourite places to play. The best thing about Brel's show programme is the variation. Indie, jazz, comedy, soul, you name it, Brel has had it. Far and away Ashton Lane's shining star, Brel has also built its reputation on its unparalleled selection of Belgian beers and the quality of its food, which ranges from full restaurant fare in its small seated area beside the main bar to the recently established pub lunch and dinner menu which starts at 3.95. The smell that bowls you over as soon as you head through the doors is the mussels. Trust me. While by no means the cheapest pub in the area, you get what you pay for; one of the West End's most vibrant and friendly bars with, thankfully, a far better name than it might have had. read more

In my quest to find a relationship, I decided that Brel made an ideal location for a first date. I go there with friends during the day, noticed that the coffee was good and that they light candles in the evening and have jazz on a Saturday. This would make me look cool, without having to go to the big production of a good restaurant. And it is great. The low light and stern tables strike the balance between casual and informal, it has an outside area for smoking- a fag garden- that means I don't have to go into the street. The jazz is not intrusive, as long as you aren't in the front row... perfect. And the staff are familiar enough to make you look like a regular. Perfect. Only I forgot that I might need some witty conversation. So no second date for me. However, Brel did its share of the work. I still go there, only with friends now. read more

Haven't been to brel for years,so hearing that it had improved it's belgian beer range I thought i'd give it another try,and i'm very glad I did. they now stock a range of 60 belgian beers that is varied and well thought out.This is just not a good list for glasgow or the uk but would not be out of place in Belgium itself Highlights include De Dolle extra special stout,a couple of Ranke brewery beers(unfortunatley not the kreik),and almost the full range of Malheur beers a bit more attention to the lambic range would be welcome but thats a minor point. The prices aren't cheap but it saves on the air fare to brussells read more

Enjoyed a lovely meal here. I had the lamb and my partner had the chicken burger. Everything was lovely and warm and well presented. Lots of things to offer from the menu. Many drinks to try as well. Very reasonably priced. Cosy interior, gorgeous fairy lights. Will be nice to come back in better weather and enjoy a drink outside. read more

Probably the best place on Ashton Lane to enjoy a drink in nice surroundings. The other places have lost their character, and while Ashton Lane looks better than it did 20 years ago, the Lane is attracting the wrong crowd, and places like the Loft are just too much like cattle markets. Brel has a nicer feel to it. A good selection of beers and occasional live bands make this a nice little place to hang out. read more

From 5 star to 1 star - oh dear Last Sunday we stuck a roast in the oven and went to have a cheeky beer or two whilst our roast was roasting. I went to the bar and waited.... And waited. 3 people were behind the bar at not one acknowledged me or served me... For 15 minutes. Did I mention there was nobody else at the bar? Well there wasnt. 2 people were chatting and faffing round the coffee machine, which was only big enough for one person to use at once and someone putting glasses away. One of the coffee machine faffers was in charge that day as someone came over to see what she should do, a perfect point to serve the now 2 customers waiting but no they were sent away. I went to the bar instead of the boy as I fancied a change and wanted a look at the fridges and the beer menu. No beer menus to be found and half of the bottles weren't even facing forward. This was the gem of Ashton Lane but the new owners seem to be all about putting up new signs and ignoring the actually important things read more

Now don't get me wrong I like Brel, how could I not Belgian beer and grateful dead and love as background music(occasionally) ,it,s just that for a supposedly Belgian style bar they stock a very limited no of Belgian beers,I don't no if this is down to the new ownership as they used to have a much bigger and better range,they still do occasionally have authentic Lambic usually gueuze ,the prices are a little steep but I wouldn't mind if they had a larger range of the top end Belgian beers read more

The berl, good place to chill out especially at summer in their beer garden, overall it was a good joint but the beer was way far to expensive, ended up going to the neighboring Gintys instead! read more

Cool place, great food, great service. We are just traveling through, but this was one of our first stops in the area. We would absolutely eat here again. read more

I love the mussels here, but we went in last night and didn't stay. Inside was way to warm and stuffy. Hey folks, it's called global warming, open the damn windows and let some air in! read more

Brel - Mussels a la Brel - Belgian Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

I enjoyed a very nice lunch for one at Brel. The setting is very chill and the music in the background was pleasant and non-obtuse. The wait staff are friendly and are good at anticipating needs (i.e. coffee at the end of the meal.) The mussels and fries were the best I have had in Glasgow thus far. I would highly recommend this restaurant to any of my friends as a top lunch or dinner spot. read more

We stumbled upon Ashton Lane (or as my husband dubbed it "Diagone Ally" ) and Brel sort of by accident during a trip to Glasgow. We were exploring the University of Glasgow and wanted some lunch before hitting the Kelvingrove. Of course I Yelped and we were headed toward Ubiquitous Chip when we notice the happy colorful Brel logo. The menu and the sunny beer garden had us at hello. They have great choices on their lunch and regular menu and it was a hard decision. Hubby and I both opted for the mac & cheese with added yumminess of smoked bacon and gruyere. I noticed the soda bead that comes with the mussels at another table and it looked good so I ordered a side. The Mac was very good but the soda bread was fantastic!!! A side came with about 5 generous pieces to share and was a steal at £2.50. The garden is a great place to enjoy your meal (we were lucky as it was sunny & warm) and I can see how this would be a great place to enjoy a summer evening. They had a great beer & cocktail menu with so much to choose from that I would have partaken if it hadn't been the middle of the day and we still had the museum to explore. Next time we are in Glasgow I would definitely return for dinner. read more

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We came here, nobody came to take our order so we left. I think it's a bit of a tourist pit.

Great beer selection and I love the outdoor seating! Can't wait to come back to Scotland one day to visit Brel Bar!

I had their French onion soup for lunch with a side of fries and it was suppppppeeerrrr good. I'm from the states and have had French onion soup before that was just so so and nothing I left the restaurant thinking about, but this French onion soup tasted perfect swimming all across my taste buds read more

Favourite West End bar - great selection of beer, friendly and knowledgeable staff, brilliant atmosphere and the best beer garden in town!

Ambiance is nice....Food is: Lukewarm expensive cheese fondue with stale bread. Truffle fries were well flavored and textured but were cold. Caesar salad - perhaps 1970s vintage pickled anchovies, could evacuate a room with the stench, the kind of thing that I am certain some people like. Mussels- tasted fresh, but sauce had no flavor, tasted like alcohol. We contrived to bring about half of a full order home to infuse with butter and generally improve on, but the restaurant had a policy on not taking mussels home because they were worried we would poison ourselves. Kind of ridiculous to not let someone take home a dish that they spent 14 quid on. Fried shrimp was tasty and well textured. Pumpkin lentil salad was ok, but very heavy. Tap water was excellent! read more

Bar Brel is a fatastic bar and restaurant in the busy Ashton Lane in the West End. We were able to get a table reasobanly reasilly as we were eating early. Plenty of Beligan lagers available and it helped washed down some fantastic mussels. The service was great. The only complain would be the fries weren't great - but I think that's more a one off! read more

I think this is a nice bar but it is always crammed at the weekend! Which isn't all that good when you want to avoid spilling your drinks!

This is a great, established bar and restaurant. it has a good selection of Belgian beers and and an interesting menu to choose from. The bar and beer garden can be very popular so the restaurant offers a calmer alternative. read more

This is a pretty good little bar and restaurant on Ashton lane in the west end of Glasgow. As you would expect from a Belgian themed bar it has a reasonable selection of Belgian beers, although some of them are a little bit overpriced in my opinion. They only have a few Belgian beers on draught (Leffe blonde/brun, frambozen and hoegaarden), but they have bottles of different labels of Chimay, Duvel, and a kriek as well as a couple of others. The food is good and the menu includes sandwiches and soup at lunch time, and full main meals in the evening. They are most famous for their mussels (served as either a starter with bread or a main with frites) which you can get in a variety of sauces. read more

Lovely bar with great food in trendy Ashton Lane. Has a lovely grassy area on a slope outside which is perfect for enjoying a few beers in the sun in the summer. Is quite small however inside and can get really busy. My favourite bar in the west end! read more

This is one of the less frenetic choices on Ashton Lane, and has stayed the course over a number of years. It has some real pluses, notably a good range of Belgian beers and a killer mussels and frites. It is cosy in the winter, and has a conservatory for sunny but chilly days. It often has good live music. It doesn't hang on the Belgian theme too much, which is probably a good thing, certainly the menu is pretty varied. It is often busy, but not often too busy. All in all, a good sound choice in the now rather touristy back lane. read more

Oh Dear, Very dirty place to eat need a serious clean. I had to request twice change of glass when as the third attempt I managed to keep have lipstick and linguine left over. The mussel pot mariniere has a very long way to improve prior competing with Leon de Bruxelles. I feel sick. Sorry last time I was in Brel was 8 years ago I have noticed a serious deterioration in all sense.... read more

Food was excellent, definitely kid friendly, our waiter was fabulous.Only reason I didn't give five stars was because it was a bit of a beer crowd. read more

This is a trendy place and everything was good except for the steak, which was tough as shoe leather. The steak is, however, the main entree I ordered and it was expensive considering the poor quality. I will not return. read more

One of the few bars left in Ashton lane with some individuality and personality - well worth a visit - Good range of Beers and nice seating ares at front and back outside. read more

Awesome crock of mussels. Not too pricey. Great location with space out the back for the 3 days we get sunshine in Glasgow.

The service was ok, really bad food. I ordered the chicken with honey roasted vegetables and a thyme gravy. The chicken wasn't cooked. After telling the waiter he took it away and not long after the same plate reappeared having been put under a hot plate, the chicken still wasn't cooked. We were charged for not only mine but my friends uncooked chicken! Quite poor for such a nice place. I'd recommend not ordering meat! read more

Fantastic staff, lovely drinks and a great atmosphere in gorgeous surroundings!

Good food and beer selection. Muscles are tasty (lemongrass option recommended) Interesting atmosphere.