Like Mono (the restaurant space in which Monorail is located), I stop at Monorail every visit to…read moreGlasgow. They have a great selection of music and I can't imagine not buying something (or a few things) when I visit. Mono does such a good job at curating a selection of music that is diverse and meaningful. You know the people there are really music lovers themselves and care about offering a community space where people can share musical interests. There is a big selection of rock/indie, but other genres (while smaller) have solid selections. There's a little bit of second hand, which is also full of choice titles. Long live Mono; looking forward to my next visit.

This is my favorite restaurant in Glasgow. I love the staff, the ambiance, the FOOD!! Also being…read moreable to browse the records. If I lived in Glasgow, I would go here weekly.

An odd mixture of a band's merchandise stall, a live music venue and a charity shop this volunteer…read morerun non-profit is a great new edition to the hidden lane community. It operates on the idea that big record labels and promoters are more interested in lining their own pockets than helping musicians NHC goes to the complete other extreme by paying every penny taken for merchandise, tickets and cd sales back to the bands. As well as stocking a huge selection of unsigned / indie band music, t-shirts and other miscellaneous merch they help the bands by putting on live music nights (which normally have a bit of free beer) and keeping a selection of equipment a band can borrow should they suddenly find their monitor or mic has died just before a gig. I've been to a few of the live music nights and they've all been great. Good music in a very relaxed atmosphere with people you can tell really care about the local music scene and want to help the artists succeed. Of course the free booze and the fact that you're welcome to BYOB helps as well! An interesting store with staff who can only be described as characters, I really hope they're business is a success. It is just the kind of community based effort Glasgow and wider music scene needs.

This place is a total gem - located in the Hidden Lane it's not immediately obvious to someone…read morewandering around the West End, but it should definitely be on your list if looking for awesome book, movie, and music finds. This is a not-for-profit business which provides support to the local music industry - you can find lots of merchandise here including tshirts, posters, badges, but also listen to local bands play - these sales are given back to the artists. They have a packed schedule and the venue style is really intimate so the music experience is a personal one. There is also usually free booze available for people who stop by - they are so incredibly generous here! The founder and staff of NHC are really passionate about their work and it shows through their approachable and friendly manner. If looking for something in particular or needing some advice, they are more than happy to help you. Lastly, they run lots of other types of nights here - for example tabletop game nights, video game nights etc so there's something for everyone. A cherry on top for me is that they are dog-friendly - our dog struggles to settle anywhere that's not home, but she was so relaxed here. Bonus points :)

Perhaps I'm biased because I hold quite a lot of the same sympathies as the guy who runs Calton…read moreBooks (despite having had hunners of long discussions about left wing politics over the couple of years I've been coming here, I've never quite got the guy's name) such as a united Ireland, an independent Scotland, socialism and an unyielding hatred of Glasgow City Council but this truly is an excellent place to pass an afternoon. I bought four books out of here and they totaled about £12. It's seriously cheap and sells books that are pretty niche that you're unlikely to find in big name bookshops in the toon. Have plenty of time on your hands though if you come here. Although there's not a lot of stock to browse, the guy who runs it will undoubtedly rabbit on to you about Scottish politics and the left in Scotland. I'm pretty sure I got there when it was still light outside-around half three in the afternoon and left as it got dark. If he doesn't have it in stock, they can order it in for you no problem. Oh, and always have cash, because "they don't do card in the Calton" as a discussion I had with him in summer went when I asked if they took card. Seriously great place to visit if you like left wing books and political gossip.

This little shop was excellent. We got great books and enamel pins. The gentleman working was…read morefriendly and chatted with us about the state of the US. Highly recommend this shop.

What a great experience. I consider myself to be an experienced antiquarian book collector from…read morethe US and Caledonia Books of Glasgow did not disappoint. Proprietors Martin and his sister (my apologies for not remembering her name) were just great. Once I explained what I was looking for they were extremely helpful. Nice selection of both contemporary and antique books. Definitely one of the top antiquarian shops in Scotland.

I love second hand book stores, and Caledonia Books is probably the first one you'll meet in this…read morearea since the rest are tucked away doon lanes. It's been here for years and has been the first thing that's met my eye at the bottom of Belmont Street since I was a tot. Thus, I would be distraught if anything ever happened to this store, which has looked the same all my life. I used to go here with my mum who loves reading, but started properly utilising it when I studied English Lit at university. I'll get the negatives out the way first since I don't want to bring the tone down, but it is fairly pricey and the staff study you as you walk in. Unlike Thistle books, where you can engage in a long, lively conversation with the shop owner about the book of your choice (seriously, he knows all when it comes to books) or the erratic, nutty professor approach at Voltaire and Rousseau (which has become treasured by the population of Glasgow for these outstanding qualities), there's a cold breeze that blows through Caledonia. And that cold breeze seems wafted from the general direction of the shop owners. I've felt quite uneasy in here at times, like the shop owners don't think I belonged there. It was like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, but with books and baggy jeans instead of hookers and girls who belonged in magazines. My 18 year old self left with tail between legs, head drooped, but now that attitude just makes me indignant. The guys in here aren't unbearable, but they come across as a bit cold to say the least. It's also quite expensive for books. But there is light at the end of this review, and I'll end it with the glass being three quarters full. The books are in very good condition, they are well ordered, there are loads of different categories, loads of interesting books about art that I want to dive into at every opportunity, and it's a Godsend to lit students. I also enjoy their music category - they always seem to acquire some interesting rock biographies and anthologies. So the attitude of the staff is a bit stuffy, but their book shop is great. So, who cares?

great shop. i love it. There are so many things, books, crystals, etc. When you visit, you will…read morealways want to visit again and again. I always meet a lady at the cashier in the store who recommends things to me if I have a hard time choosing, and she helps me with great warmth and a good aura.

Authenticity of Samantha, excellent selection, traditional preservation and educationread more

I'll say one thing for HMV - they're a survivor. This is the only remaining branch in Glasgow…read moreoutside of retail parks (and not counting their subsidiary Fopp), and with everything purchasable from your phone these days it's questionable how long this one will continue to survive. Their longevity is entirely due to their diversification into DVDs, games, books and other merch - in fact these days you have to look hard to find CDs as the ground floor is almost entirely given over to DVDs. I've been buying records in here from the days when it was Virgin Megastore, and I still do buy some CDs here occasionally, as I'm pretty old-school and like to have a tangible purchase on my shelf when it comes to music. But today I was browsing the DVD box sets to see if anything caught my eye. There's plenty of shelf acreage to sniff around in, and the aisles can get a bit cramped at busy periods. This was a Sunday so it was very quiet, with only one person manning the tills. Yet another two were standing right beside me chatting when they could have been serving me, which didn't best please me. But apart from that minor service black mark, I don't really have any complaints about this place. It's not outstanding, but it does the job.

In the recent sad news of yet another business going into administration, it has alas came to visit…read morethe little dog and his master's voice. With more and more online sales either via Amazon, Play .com, itunes or equivalent, it really has hit the store hard. I think as a 80/90s child I still prefer a CD or DVD over a downloaded file. I like to see the hard evidence of where I have spent my money and know that I can never lose it unless it becomes a victim of the sock monster syndrome. I went in before Christmas to get my Dad the Daniel Craig's Bond Casino Royale DVD. I'm not at the Blu-ray stage so a good ol' DVD is still fine by me. I had a good nosey round the store, they still have a really good selection in this store, from games, DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, t-shirts, posters and mp3 players including assessories. I found a display of all the Bond DVDs but alas no Craig's Casino Royale. I asked a member of staff who was very helpful. He checked on the computer and explained that they were completely sold out as this had been the most popular Bond film. He said they were getting a delivery the following week and to try again then. I did however make a cheeky wee purchase of the 1967 Casino Royale with David Niven and Peter Sellers for myself. I went in the following week as suggested but I still couldn't find Casino Royale. Oh no!!! What to do?! Well I spoke to a member of staff who checked the computer and said it was in but hadn't been put on display yet. I was making an early visit, so fair enough. He was very pleasant and we made good Bond chat and he went through to the back and got me my Casino Royale DVD. I was very pleased with the service and it made it encouraging to go back. Online is convenient but you just don't get the personal touch and the banter. I hope an administer can be found and the famous HMV brand will continue to trade on our High Streets.

Yet another fave of mine, The Real Deal is a wee gem of an antique shop that's opened this year on…read moreArgyle Street. Selling a great mix of items, you can expect to find old grandfather clocks, wicker chairs, ships in bottles and antique necklaces all for very reasonable prices. If you're like me and love rooting around old nostalgic stores, this place is for you. There's always a good rotation of stock in here and the guy who owns it is super friendly so keep your eyes peeled for some rare collectables!

Found a little treasure today whilst taking a stroll along Argyle street. This shop has, jewellery,…read morepictures, crystal,collectables, old bottles, tea sets etc etc The prices were outstanding, vintage brooches for only £4, beautiful sterling silver jewellery from £8 upwards. Old bottles for only £1, vintage china tea sets for £12. I bought couple of the brooches and a beautiful china tea set. Suitable for anyone on a low budget.

My (our) favourite shop in the whole of Scotland. We used to live in Partick and were frequent…read morevisitors of this oasis It kept us sane in a bustling city. If you come across this shop, afterwards it will always be your place to go to breathe and take in the calmness and beautiful energy. We miss this place so much and very much look forward to going back to see Joan and Erin in this amazing haven. Love and light. P and M. xxx

This little dream is easy to miss on Queen Margaret Drive. However if you are like me and are…read moreeasily enticed my bright lilac paint and a cute window look then this place is for you. Its very small but is filled to the brim with different goodies! Personally i am an advocate to incense and so their collection of incense sticks; cones; holders; smokes boxes and spirals are my absolute heaven. I recently bought a hand crafted wooden smoke box that hold incense cones. They have around 12 different kinds of incense cone available in store and a little paper bag next to it so you can collect these sweet smelling drops as if you are a kid in a candy store. Today i ventured for Jamaica Spice; Camomile; Rose; Cinnamon and Blueberry. All of which are brightly coloured i mean come on who can say they are not enticed by vibrant coloured good smelling objects! Super cheap too, they have two cones for 15p which is an absolute bargain. They have a lovely selection of pillar candles in the most beautiful colours, i have had my eye on a teal coloured one for quite some time now. There is a large amount of crystals and gems and beautiful stones each with its own meaning. I like the black onyx stone because it's meant to protect you in times of stress (-: Huge range of books; dream catchers; statues; fairies and trinkets that i have yet to browse through but i rarely pass this shop without having a peek inside. If you are like me are worship anything that even resembles Stevie Nicks then this little beauty will be perfect for you. I have been a long time fan of everything magical as it makes the world seem that little bit more positive and so i can safely say that Opal Moon is my own paradise. The staff are very friendly also which is always a bonus!