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    Brel

    3.8 (80 reviews)
    ModerateBelgian, Bars
    Open 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    Brel Photos

    BREL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Brel

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    Reviews With Photos

    Gordon M.

    Brel has been my preferred Ashton Lane bar for some time now and the recent, subtle, refurb, rebrand and relaunch have only made it better. Especially when it comes to the food! I liked the previous menu, tapas-style small dishes as well as some good main courses, the new menu steps away from that approach to a more traditional 3-course style but the quality of the food we had last night was a definite improvement! My partner ordered the smoked haddock Mornay which was wonderfully cooked, in a delicious sauce with a generous helping of creamy mash on the side. I'm not the biggest fish fan but I'd have happily eaten all of that! I ordered the beef brisket with strips of steak with dauphinoise potatoes. The brisket was a tiny bit on the dry side to look at but was delicious and melted in my mouth! There were small fried bits of pancetta to help the dish along but the succulent steak strips were wonderfully cooked, all accompanied by some perfectly cooked dauphinoise! It really was excellent food. Around us the pots of mussels (wisely kept on the menu during the revamp) were being devoured and their burger looked great, a nice chunky homemade pattie! Given it was a Saturday we were surprised to get a table and the service was excellent, friendly, relaxed and efficient. I think the revamp was perfectly timed, and it certainly looks like they've followed the tired and tested "if it ain't broke don't fix it" method whilst improving in the right areas. If only they'd bring back West's Munich Red on tap!

    French onion soup by candlelight
    Laura C.

    Fab French menu (yep, realised later it's a Belgian establishment), with a vast drinks selection of beer, wine and cocktails. It was heaving on Friday night and, oddly, they turn the music up super loud about 10pm. This was annoying considering most people were having a meal and trying to converse. OK, granny rant over. The food, on the other hand, was excellent. I didn't have a huge appetite sadly, but my French onion soup hit the spot and my companion's linguine was a textural masterpiece of walnuts, peas and pesto. Pecan pie and salted caramel ice-cream was sweet, sticky joy. Ear-splitting music aside, I was thoroughly impressed. I only wish I'd been hungry enough to tear into some of their moules frites.

    from official website
    Gavin M.

    The Belgians might not be the most charismatic bunch, but if this is anything to go by, they know what makes a decent bar. Brel was one of the first places I ever went to drink in Glasgow, and it's one of the few pubs I've never really got fed up with. It's cosy, welcoming, and nice in summer when they open up the doors to the lane. There's also small gigs and comedy nights regularly, the content of which are exactly as you'd imagine of a Belgian bar in the West End. Oddly enough, Kettle Chips aside I don't think I've ever actually eaten in here, but going by it's reputation I'd expect it to be pretty good for that as well.

    Squid and fries
    Auburn L.

    This was my first Brel experience and I must say, I was impressed. I was a little off put at first by the Hipster Vibe, but that soon subsided. I do love Ashton Lane! The lights, the bar fronts, it's just so cute :) We had to wait 20 minutes for a table, but considering it was 7pm on a Saturday, this wasn't bad. Plus, waiting involved sitting under trees with fairy lights next to the BBQ! We opted for a picnic style, tapas meals. The fries were amazing! Sorry, not fries, Pomme Frites :P Camembert Fondue with a meat plater, Halloumi skewers, salt and chilli chicken wings, fried baby squid...which could have been a bit crispier, the batter kept falling apart, plus extra soda bread. The food overall was pretty good, certainly unusual. The staff were pretty accommodating and friendly. We relocated to the bar area for after dinner drinks, and I actually loved the style. The cobbles and street-vibe indoors was charming. Will be back soon!

    Dallis M.

    I like brel and I don't like it at the same time. When I was a student, it was definitely the cool place to be. Made us all feel like we'd grown up a bit, and it was just cool full stop. Now, I have a bit of 'meh' about it. It's too trendy, it's filled in equal measures with yuppies and students, and all of the patrons are too good for anything, including getting out of your way. But, still, I go there, as it's probably the place I hate least on Ashton Lane. Beer garden out back, where you can enjoy the sunshine, but no matter what they've done in recent years to repair the damage of everyone sitting on the grass, they still end up having people sit in the grass. In fact, it reminded me of a popular advert on TV where there is only a little square of sunshine left, and everyone is crammed into it. I managed to get a seat outside, but it started to get cold, but then I couldn't get a seat INSIDE. At £2.90 for a pint of Tennents, I was left with no choice but to find cheaper pastures. It's not bad, but really, don't get your hopes up.

    The aftermath.
    Debbie B.

    Why hath I not reviewed here? Ahhhh... I did, but on itison. My first visit here (for food) was with the cheese fondue itison deal. It was £12 for fondue for 2 and a bottle of house wine. Cannae knock it! My friend had visited the week previously and advised to add on the £5 meat board, and that the house white was delightful. Now, he was spot on about the meat board; it gave my pickle hating companion something extra to nibble on, as with the blue cheese fondue 2 out of the 6 crudités for dipping were pickled onions and mini gherkins. All of which I felt the need to devour (I'm not leaving anything edible!) and ended up with pickle sweats. It was, however a bit sparse, but the small bits of chicken and sausage themed accoutrements were very tasty. The wine...well, looking back I think we got an off bottle but just put it down to being cheap and nasty, because a few weeks later, upon my return, we had the same wine and it was much nicer. Now! My return. Three of us, rather than the intended 2, ended up dining, so instead of the £6 Moules Frites deal we pigged out on two of the £20 deals, consisting of 2 Moules, 2 frites and a bottle of wine. We ate our weight in crustaceans, filled our tummys with frites and bread, and washed it down with a bottle of both the house white and red. A grand evening! The service has always been top notch, the surroundings warm and cosy (especially in the heated lean-to whilst the snow and hail are belting off the glass) the food fantastic and a great range of beers. Definitely one of my favourites of Ashton Lane.

    mulled cider
    Bex M.

    I only recently discovered the delights of Brel after being invited along for the relaunch when it was bought over and then again to sample their Christmas menu. The food was delicious both times, I particularly loved the ribs at the launch party and the beef brisket with truffle mash at Christmas was divine! I wonder if that might stick around on the normal menu or come back next year - I'll have to check it out soon as I'd love that again! They also had hot mulled cider which was so delicious and I was very impressed with the roast turkey (I tasted Roz's) as I would never usually order that on a festive menu but this was actually lovely, very tender and not at all dry! I can't wait for the summer when we can enjoy being in the beer garden, not just admiring the pretty lit up trees from the conservatory. :)

    Beetroot, quinoa, and walnut salad with goat cheese.
    Megan P.

    This place has an AMAZING atmosphere! Great outdoor dining area! They have SO MANY great beer selections, too. Our food was delicious and beautifully presented. Our server was friendly and informative, but a little inattentive (my glass was empty for over 10 minutes). I can't wait to back!

    Brel
    Darryl R.

    I like Brel. Brel is a nice pub to be found on Ashton Lane. They have a decent menu (with decent portions, expecially the fish and chips) - for example, for a while they were doing lunches for £2.99 - burgers, fish and chips, chilli, etc. Pretty decent. Behind the bar can be found a wide host of alcohols, which is always good (watch out though, some of them can be extremely pricey!). I enjoy a quiet night drink here, and sometimes they have live music on in the back which adds to a nice relaxed atmosphere. On a nice sunny day however, go early to reserve a seat as by 1pm, the place is packed - inside and out - due to their outdoor tables at the front, and picnic benches and grassy lawn at the back. Personally, I think there's nothing nicer than chilling with a few friends in the sun, whilst sitting on the grass, with a Magners in hand, behind Brel... ahh, yes...a perfect summer's day.

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    8 years ago

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

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    14 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

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

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    9 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    18 years ago

    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!

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    18 years ago

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    17 years ago

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

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    14 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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

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    Brel Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Brel

    However, precedent would suggest the owners of Ashton Lane's Belgian establishment got it right.

    Mentioned in 24 reviews

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    The Pot Still - 1000 whiskies

    The Pot Still

    4.7(153 reviews)
    1.6 miCity Centre
    ££

    Small pub, massive whisky selection -- and I mean massive. We're talking over 1,000 whiskies on the…read moreshelves, plus a solid lineup of beers on tap. It's cozy, crowded, and buzzing with life -- often standing room only and packed shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and travelers alike. If you're a whisky fan (or even just whisky-curious), do yourself a favor and try one of their Scotland whisky flights. It's like taking a mini tour of the country's whisky regions without ever leaving your barstool -- and without worrying about driving. The bartenders really know their stuff and are happy to guide you toward something you'll love. A quick heads-up: no football colors allowed, which keeps the atmosphere friendly and relaxed no matter who you support. And speaking of friendly -- the locals here are as welcoming as they come. This is exactly the kind of place where Scotland's famous pub culture shines. Prices are surprisingly reasonable too, so you can sample a few drams without feeling guilty. Whether you're a seasoned whisky nerd or just looking to experience the local vibe, this is the spot. Pull up a stool (if you can find one) and enjoy a proper Scottish night out

    Even if you are not a whiskey fan, this place is worth visiting if you're in town. Just to see…read moretheir ginormous, or hmm, whiskey-normous, selection of bottles lining the wall, and the bartenders going up and down the ladders to fetch them. This may prompt you to feel like ordering a drink. You are in good hands and they can totally recommend something that you may like. Their selection is so huge they don't have a menu, you just have to ask for your label or take their recommendations. Naturally, most of the selection is Scottish whiskey, but if you somehow prefer otherwise, (say you are a local tired of Scotch... or just want to reaffirm nothing beats a Scotch?) they do offer whiskey from other countries, as well as beer and ciders, as well as gin, rum and the like. They do offer pies and other bar food, but we went after dinner and just couldn't stomach more food, tempting as they may sound.

    Photos
    The Pot Still - Amazing whisky selection!

    Amazing whisky selection!

    The Pot Still
    The Pot Still

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    Nice N Sleazy - Ground floor Sleazy's, taken from The List website

    Nice N Sleazy

    3.9(84 reviews)
    1.1 miCharing Cross, Sauchiehall Street, City Centre
    ££

    The best open mic night I've ever been to. We're visiting from Los Angeles and we found them around…read morethe corner from where we're staying. We saw a bunch of musicians walking towards the venue and stopped a gentleman (who was absolutely phenomenal) to learn more and he shared that Mondays, this is the place to be for live music. Everyone was amazing and we couldn't ask for a better way to spend the night in Glasgow. 5 stars well earned!

    That we were going to Nice n Sleazy on Sauchiehall (pronounced SUCKY-hall) Street had been…read moredetermined before we departed London. Actually, in truth, I may have gotten word that this mission was not optional while en route to Scotland. In any case, there was no way we were going to pass up the opportunity to visit this Glasgow institution (deemed so because a friend of mine once sat next to Brad Pitt here) and partake of their £2 White Russians. There's free wifi to delight your internet-deprived drinking companions and plenty of people watching to be had. Our night was sadly cut short when smoke began to fill the room and I suggested we skedaddle. Once outside we discovered the street in process of being shut down and multiple firetrucks working on extinguishing the fire above. Past its prime Nice n Sleazy certainly is but that doesn't mean you shouldn't also put this bar on your Glasgow to-do list.

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    Nice N Sleazy - Buckfast, just £3.05.

    Buckfast, just £3.05.

    Nice N Sleazy - There is no guesswork at...

    There is no guesswork at...

    Nice N Sleazy

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    Slouch

    Slouch

    4.0(45 reviews)
    1.3 miCity Centre
    ££

    Sleazy rock? Check! Dirty blues? Check! I think I'm going to like it…read more Now this was a joint I'd never heard of and only came into contact through a friends wee birthday night out. Now we're not talking heavy full pedal to metal kinda night as the participants and birthday man himself had been doing a 24 hour DJ charity gig around Glasgow the day before. So this was a Sunday night just chillin' and grabbing a few beers kinda night listening to all them dirty dirty blues. Da da da da dum! Oh and talking a whole lotta random nonsence. Da da da da dum! At the entrance it spilt into two, venue to left and the bar to the right, here I am stuck in middle..... er em. Sorry! Anyhoo we had a booth which looked like it could be closed to make a private party area. Steady! It was an all round really good night, the decor was non too shabby for a rock stylee venue with fancy wall paper and chandeliers, one girl actually blended into the wall with the top she was wearing. Nice! Drinks what you'd kinda expect to pay in the city centre but overall a fab night out and wouldn't mind swinging by again for some more of them dirty blues. Da da da da dum! Did I mention I saw The Beatles playing in the venue when we left? Very surreal!

    With an hour to kill before dinner, I needed a cocktail. Or two. And some chips. Thankfully Slouch…read morehas all these things on the menu PLUS seating so that meant it was the perfect stop for Saturday afternoon drinks. My first cocktail was the Personality Crisis £5.95. Made from "Smirnoff Green Apple Vodka & Xante Pear Cognac, shaken with lemons and apple juice. Finished with a splash of lemonade and a drizzle of grenadine, served in a chilled wine glass." There's no denying this cocktail had an apple zing to it - quite sweet but not too over the top and pretty easy drinking. I'd ordered the twice cooked fries (£2.95) and they arrived pretty quickly and were piping hot. They weren't amazing fries, a little greasy but overall they were pretty decent and we demolished them without any trouble. I then opted to get into a second cocktail - it was a Saturday afternoon, after all. The Black Magic Woman (£6.50) is an espresso martini with "Illy Espresso, Smirnoff Red, Patron XO & brown sugar shaken over ice, strained into a martini glass and dusted with chocolate." Woah. This was GOOD. I mean, really good. A bit addictive, even. Thankfully I wouldn't be able to tolerate two espresso martinis so that wasn't really an option. I loved the chocolate dusting and it was one of the best espresso martinis I've ever had. I'd even go so far as to say I would go back to Slouch just for this cocktail, it was that good.

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    Slouch
    Slouch
    Slouch - App

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    The Finnieston

    The Finnieston

    4.0(62 reviews)
    0.8 miFinnieston, West End
    ££

    We ordered lunch special for mussels @ 10 pounds each. Delicious and good potions for price. Would…read moredefinitely eat here again. Server was friendly and attentive.

    When my better half wants something she usually gets it. Since we were going to Glasgow Scotland…read moreshe insisted that we go to dinner at The Finnieston Sea food and Pub. It is not located in the hip touristy area next to Planet Hollywood. It is a small unassuming pub in a working class neighborhood. We walked from Glasgow University (looks like Hogwarts) which turned out to be a longer walk than Google made it seem. It was cold and drizzly just like Scotland should be so when we got there we were ready. We didn't have reservations but they were extremely nice and sat us down. This is a Pub. Just what you are picturing in your head right now. Dark, lots of dark wood, old crumbling bricks. I love this decor. We started with a couple of appetizers I ordered the Salmon Tartar and my wife ordered the smoked duck breast. I ordered a cold pint my wife had a glass of white wine. We decided to also have a half dozen local oysters. The waitress asked if we were expecting someone else. I guess 3 appetizers is not normal for 2. We were just getting started. Once we demolished all 3 appetizers I followed up with the Pan Seared Gigha Halibut my wife had the steamed Shetland Mussels. What a treat. All the seafood is local and very fresh. All of our dishes from beginning to end were tops. A truly historic dining experience from a historic eatery. In Glasgow then GO...... to The Finnieston. See what I did there. BTW we also had dessert.

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    The Finnieston
    The Finnieston
    The Finnieston

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    The Brass Monkey - Craft Beer menu

    The Brass Monkey

    3.9(24 reviews)
    0.9 miFinnieston, West End
    ££

    If you are into craft beer and chill vibe this is a great spot. They carry Overtone Brewing line in…read morecans and it is as good as any US NEIPA including Trillium, Treehouse, Singlecut, Other Half and Tired Hands. Come early or it will be crowded.

    Great pub to stop and have a drink after walking around town. Located within about walking distance…read morefrom hotels. Appearance/Location: corner bar located on Argyle street. Good location to stop on your way back from Kelvingrove's Art Gallery and Museum. We walked from the museum to the pub without any problems. It's nice on the inside. There are some tables and the bar is at the center with a nice display of alcohol both on tap and on the walls. Beer: there was large selection of beer and liquor to choose from. I was looking for a good stout and the bartender, Andrew gave me some really good recommendations. I settled on the Overtone Milk that he recommended and it did not disappoint. It was smooth, full bodied, and flavorful. Nice chocolate flavor with a hint of smokiness to it. My husband got the Drygate IPA and it was crisp and hoppy. Service: I always look for good conversation, attentiveness, kindness, and whether or not the server and or bartender was knowledgeable about what they're serving. Our bartender Andrew was all of the above. He was so welcoming, and my husband and I enjoyed the great conversation With him. He knew a lot about the selection of beers and whiskey, where it came from, and who it came from, so that was wonderful! Thank you Andrew for a great experience. We hope we can stop by again while we're still in Glasgow.

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    The Brass Monkey
    The Brass Monkey
    The Brass Monkey

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    Brel - belgian - Updated May 2026

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