My wife & I stopped by the Scotia Bar on August 6th & really the Pub. The bartender was very gracious with us. I ended up have a nice large Scottish Ale & was in awe of this pub opened in 1792 read more

Scotia Bar - Front of Scotia Pub Glasgow Scotland - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

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Just a cool, ancient pub. Bartenders are always friendly, beer is always flowing. Love bringing my American friends here since it's older than nearly everything American read more

Lovely service from ladies tending bar. Great vibe and ale selections. Would love to return for food. read more

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Oldest bar in Glasgow. Bar tenders were friendly and attentive. Good friendly local crowd. Live music many nights.

I wanted to see the oldest bar in Glasgow. It didnt let me down. This is no tourist trap. It is filled with locals having their evening pints. The local folk music being played by a couple guys sitting at the entrance didn't hurt the vide. The 2 pound beer special didn't either! Maybe if it wasn't for the special i would have had an easier time getting that second, third or 4th pint. Most of which was Guinness at 5 pounds on a proper pint. I didn't have the chance to try their food, but i could see myself spending a day there drinking with friends or my new bar friends. read more

This is purported to be the oldest bar in Glasgow. It certainly looks like it has been around for a long time. It has low ceilings and a cozy feel with lots of little nooks and crannies for seating. When I was there, it was decorated for Halloween and did look festive. Beer was reasonable and service was fine but nothing outstanding. It was a decent place for a drink and I did tick off the box for going there. read more

Scotia Bar - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

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It's yer archetypal "auld Glaswegian pub" - and it's no bad thing. The music can be amazing, especially on jam nights, the Guinness is probably the best pint in Glasgow, if not Scotland. The punters are a proper mix, and the bar itself has tons of nooks and crannys to hide yourself in if you just want to sit with your thoughts, or the paper, or your beer. Pretty damned cheap for a city centre pub, and free wifi to boot. This is often my place to start off a busy night of pub wandering. It's well known for a reason, folks. There's pool tables upstairs, but I must admit, I've never tried them. Easily one of the most welcoming city centre pubs I've been in, with a touch of character that many miss out on these days. Highly recommended. read more

Scotia Bar - Best pint of Guinness in Glasgow? It's definitely up there - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

I really do love this place. My boyfriend and I often stop in here on our way home from the city and with good reason. It's always jumpin' with people of all walks of nature and there's always a good sing song going on. We've only managed to get a seat at a table once, and this most recent time, we were packed in with the lot of them, near the bar, like sardines. The decor is that of what you would think a Scottish pub would look like, very patriotic, very Scottish, lots of dark wood. The staff are really nice, and very helpful to get the drinks passed out and people moving back to their seats or designated standing area. This is really a gem in Glasgow and should be checked out if you haven't already been. I've never felt out of place here and am happy any time we decide to stop by! read more

Scotia Bar - Juggling act but I got the shot. Cider and some scampi fries! - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

Had never been here till recently when some friends arranged a wee Friday afternoon drink-a-thon. It has a homely, familiar traditional pub interior that could be anywhere in Scotland, maybe even the downstairs of a family B and B. They have lots of interesting old pictures on the wall and a well stocked bar that is reasonably priced. It's a very musical place with a wee piano that I was itching to play but felt that stare of not being a local when I went in. I didn't want to make any enemies. The music was at a reasonable level as well so you could have a proper good chat and it wasn't too rowdy with mainly older couples or small groups of thirty/fortysomethings. A decent wee pub that I will go back to if I am ever down that way. Would like to try it daytime for the food. read more

Scotia Bar - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

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If you can't find a Scotch here you like you aren't trying!!! Over 50 whiskeys on the menu and what I always imagined a Scottish pub should be!!! read more

We have been in Scotland for a few days having a blast doing the train thing most of the time. When we first got here we had trouble finding a good bar in the Merchant City Bar area many places were selective on allowing I.e. Maggie's who wouldn't let half our party in (you can read that review). So we come upon this place, we walked in and the place was rocking with two dudes sitting in the crowd playing guitar and singing. We got some cheap brews and met the best bartender Hanna. She was especially nice to us Americans but not in a awkward way but in a fabulous way so go get your fun on at Scotland's oldest pub. read more

A proper "old man's pub": we got some funny stares when we walked through the doors. They knew we didn't belong there, but we were accepted nonetheless. However, what an amazing place. I love the feel of this place and the vibe. It's old school and classic, it's dark and wooden, the seats are comfortable, I know it can get really packed. There are pool tables and slot machines, there is live music in the evenings, it's super Scottish, St Andrew's crosses everywhere (even on the ceilings) and that's the way it should be in Glasgow. ... Everything you need to be able to class it as proper pub. You think real pub, you think Scotia. read more

This place really wasn't for me. It's not that it's kind of dive bar-y. I'm used to them. It wasn't necessarily even because when we walked in I noticed that they seemed to have no cask ales (they just taste better than when they're on tap dammit!), although that did disappoint me some. To be honest, it was the smell. Immediately after walking in and walking toward the bar, there was this horrible stench of the air inside the pub. The longer I stood there, the worse it got. I don't even know how to describe it. Maybe for some people it's part of the charm of this sort of pub, but for me, if the place smells, I'm not going to stick around. read more

It's the oldest pub in Glasgow! Along with, er, every other place that reckons it's the oldest pub. huh. In the Old-man-pub-triangle of glasgow (Scotia, Clutha, Victoria) the Scotia's the one that's most likely to see you having a conversation with a drunk artist and his pal, giving him a false name just in case he turns out to be some sort of stalker with an elaborate caricature-based plan. Or listening to live poetry and wondering if the floor really does slope down the way at the door by the ladies' toilets. (it does) Or hearing a band play on a weekend and not being able to figure out how the hell they all manage to fit in round the corner (with difficulty). At least, it used to be. The Viccy's now turned into some sort of Bistro, which just *ruins* my whole intro. BAH. Anyways. Scotia gets top marks for still looking LIKE A PUB (I'm looking at YOU, Uisge Beatha / Dram), and an OLD PUB at that, and having wee partition-y bits. read more

You are always guaranteed a good night out in the Scotia Bar. My favourite night is a Friday when Frank O'Hagan's band play a mixture of covers and their own hits. The place is always packed and there is a brilliant atmosphere. With the city centre inundated with soulless style bars, it is great to see a proper unpretentious pub like this continue to thrive. read more

Having attended the Glasgow college of nautical studies just across the Clyde for the Scotia i frequented this place almost as often as the college itself....aint that always the way? A cracking pub with a history and notoriety that spreads from Billy Connolly to my Grandad. The Scotia is one of those places i miss when i drink outside of Scotland. I miss the low ceilings, the cloudy windows and the uncertainty as to what time it actually is......the Scotia ain't a bar, its a time machine! Add to this great mix a hole host of live bands, ranging in both quality (if I'm being honest) and style, a good selection of beers/spirits/crisps and you have yourself a bar that must be visited by any visiting or resident drinker. Word of warning though. If you fancy a game of pool upstairs i would recommend doing it during the day, when the moon rises there are some potentially interesting characters who creep out of the woodwork. Enjoy! read more

The pub is well loved in the City of Glasgow and for good reason. While I am unsure of the veracity of the statements about its age (1792), it has all of the qualities of a decent drinking establishment. Similar to The Clutha up the street, the Scotia offers live entertainment five nights a week. It is a great little place for a night of music and drinking. Decent food served during the day. Low lights and decent ale are on offer. Some people have commented on the upstairs being a it iffy for safety. Also remember the Broomielaw can turn into Indian country for those who linger too long into the night and do not know the territory. If unsure, get a cab back - there are lots available. read more

This is as my American colleague, who I was showing Glasgow to, put it is what he had always imagined a traditional Scottish bar to be like, it did help that is was a Sunday night and they were passing round a guitar and singing along. The ceiling is low and the floor boards bow, but this adds to its charm, and it is after all the oldest pub in the city ( supposedly ). Beer wise it is ok,nothing brilliant and definitely not what you would call a craft beer place, but that isn't what you come for. It's the atmosphere that makes it what is. You could almost imagine those two from "Chewin' the Fat" going on about the Patter. Good place, worth a visit read more

When you hear the phrase "Ye Olde Pub" that image that you get, that's the Scotia. It claims to be Glasgow's oldest pub, but so do several others, best you visit them all to be on the safe side. The pub itself has a low slung roof and lots of nooks and crannies. It feels like a traditional pub, but more than that it feels authentic. This is not a pub which has tea-stained and weathered their wood to appear old. The wood appears old because, well it is! During the day it is quiet enough that you can sit and read and not be disturbed, but at night, especially when there is a band on, which is more often than not, the place is packed with barely standing room only. The music can be wonderful as well. It's not unusual to see several old fellas sitting round a table in the middle of the bar strumming their guitars and just having a wee bit of a jam session. Busy nights can be a wee bit intimidating if you're not used to the local wildlife in Glasgow, but I've always been made feel welcome. read more

There is an overwhelming array of pubs and restaurants for tourists to visit when staying in Glasgow. I like to think that you can't buy a good atmosphere. The Scotia is steeped in history but doesn't get bogged down in elitist tradition. It's an old and famous pub still visited by locals of all ages. The open mic nights aren't of outstanding quality, but they're good fun and you'll be welcomed into performing, novice or not. Visit the Scotia for a wee dram and good "old days" banter with local bunnets. read more

Scotia Bar - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

One of the many pubs in the city which benefitted massively from the smoking ban, the Scotia is a classically Glaswegian bar situated in one of the most historic areas of the city. While it represents a good place to visit at any time of day, it really comes alive on a Friday and Saturday night, particularly when there is live music on. Uniquely shaped, bands play in a small side section meaning it's certainly possible to hear but not see the musicians, despite the fact you are virtually in the same room. There's a lot of history here and the old pictures in the bar document it well. Definitely worth taking tourists along to help them get a taste for the city, although the chances of getting a seat, and some breathing space, at the weekend are silm to none. read more

This bar gets 5 stars from me for its classic identity of an old man bar. It is exactly what one thinks of in terms of this type of bar. It has a good selection of beer and a little private room that still opens up to the rest of the bar. We ended up there on a live music night, which later turned into a music trivia competition. It's well worth the visit for drinks and an entertaining social environment. read more

This place was recommended to us by the "City Sightseeing" bus tour guide. So we were a little worried it would be a tourist trap. Upon entering, we surveyed the crowd - they were all native Glasgowians. Excellent. We quickly made friends with some truly awesome regular patrons and were treated to rounds of drinks and invitations to nearby parties / pubs. This place is legit, exactly the experience we were hoping for tonight. Thanks to Hannah, the manager! We recommend! read more

Just what we like. Friendly staff, live music and a bit grouded but all-in-all nice atmosphere. Wide selection of beers. Everybody was nice, even we're from another country. Thanks! read more

Had a day out for myself. I'm not from Scotland but you won't feel out of place here especially after having a couple drinks in you. Cheers

An excellent place to drink, amd get smashed. Many beers amd single malts, very little food. Old amd small amd very VERY loud on a busy night. read more

I first visited the Scotia Bar after walking back to the city centre after a gig at Hampden. It provided a much needed seat and refreshing pint after such a long walk. The music was good and the staff friendly. When Glasgows Hogmany at George Square was cancelled in 2006 we ended up spending the whole night in the Scotia because we were staying in the hotel just down the road and we had one of the best Hogmany's ever. Such a friendly little pub with reasonably priced drinks and great service. Since then we pop in for a quick pint whenever we get the chance. read more

Old school boozer, if your visiting Scotland and want to try an authentic night out in Glasgow this is a good place to try. The bar is nothing fancy decor wise although the crooked ceiling and floors can be a challenge after a few pints! The locals are mostly friendly and dont keep to themselves, the general atmosphere is fun and when there's music on (most nights) the atmosphere is even better read more

My sister and I arrived from New York city looking for a true taste of Scotland. It was a Friday night and we were wondering where on earth we had landed. Well into the first hour we discovered that this was a beautiful gem!! Friendly, cozy and loud! Just what a pub should be! The locals took us under their wings and watched out for us. Frank O'Hagan and his band were fantastic and we had a great time. I wish I was a local!! Thanks for the great memories!! read more

Good atmosphere. Great feeling of history place is a legend. Can get a bit crowded. Fine prices. Parking nearby is expensive. Will go again and again and again. read more

cool bar to meet some of the locals.. the owners are really nice.. and they let us take a picture behind the bar.. plenty of single malts..

Nice food, try the steak pie for a treat. Very friendly locals, one man just sat down and offered me and my friend a drink straight away. Full of weird and wonderful charachters. Cheap enough. Traditional decor. read more

i was there 2nite 2 celebrate with my friends my sons recovery from paralysys and slow recovery to walk. my husband and i have not had a nite out in 2years. unfortunately we spilled a drink on a client and they were not happy we apologised and we thot it was okay but we were refused custom and asked to leave disappointed, we shall not be returning. we were treated with hostility and I was so upset as we were classed trouble makers. read more