The Best Sun-Trapped Alfresco Venues: Glasgow

When the rarity does come around when the overcast windy weather subsides, there are some magnificent shindigs where the sun is a certainty. Whilst they may not be the biggest of outdoor spaces, they’re all perfectly formed to give a unique drinking experience.

Record Factory 17 Byres Rd, G11 5RD

Record Factory boasts one of the most extensive beer gardens in the West End of Glasgow, which is an absolute sun trap, especially when they wheel out the BBQ in the summer it’s no surprise their tables fill up quickly. The bar gives a nod to the underground dive bars in New York, where this dynamic space has a relaxed atmosphere whilst ensuring the place is enjoyed by everyone. DJs are on every weekend, whilst exposing some of the best local live music. This has firmly cemented Record Factory’s place as one of the most popular haunts

Cottiers 93-95 Hyndland St, G11 5PU

Regardless of the weather, the outdoor garden at the Cottiers is stunning and deserves to be visited all year round. Nestled within a former church, the space has been transformed to embrace the architectural beauty of the church. Their expansive garden serves up an extensive drink menu with an eclectic amount of cocktails and draught beers. It is the perfect pre-drink spot before you catch a show in the unique theatrical venue, with a spectacular backdrop, making it extremely difficult to leave Cottiers.

Drygate 85 Drygate, G4 0UT

If phenomenal beer is something you wish to prioritise, then realistically, Drygate has to be firmly at the summit of your list of places to enjoy quality pints. With 23 rotating taps of Drygate’s finest, all brewed in-house where you can even catch a quick nosy to see where the magic happens. Yet above all this, the fact you can enjoy these fantastic drinks on the Peaks Bar and Terrace which is a speakeasy hangout guaranteed to catch the sun just tops it all off really.

WEST on the Green 15 Binnie Pl, G40 1AW

WEST on the Green may well be the most captivating setting to enjoy your tipple of choice while basking in the sun in the whole of Glasgow. Once in their outdoor garden, you’ll be sitting in front of the iconic Templeton building with a picturesque lookout across the historic Glasgow Green and Winter Gardens. WEST is also home to the popular range of German-style beers, the only brewery in the UK to adhere to the Reinheitsgebot, which ensures the purity of beers by only using four ingredients: Water, hops, wheat and malt. You know you’re drinking quality once you step foot through WEST.

Chinaskis 239 North St, G3 7DL

Chinaskis’ bourbon and cigar garden, is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle from Glasgow’s quirky neighbourhoods. The multi-tiered beer garden oozes with charm and is also equipped with canopies and heaters just to air on the side of caution if the weather inevitably takes a turn for the worse. Regardless it’s a place of serenity where you can sip on their extensive whiskey menu or impressive cocktail list. Inside is inspired by Charles Bukowski’s literary alter ego which comes to life at the weekends and buzzes with an electric atmosphere as they welcome guests and resident DJs for a pre-club setting.

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