There’s no doubt about it, there’s something very special about a night out in Glasgow. Step into almost any pub and it won’t be long before you’re chatting away to someone you’ve never met or swapping recommendations with the bartender.

As someone born and raised in the city, narrowing down Glasgow’s best pubs is no easy task. Every local has their favourites and there are plenty that could have earned a place on this list. But the pubs below stand out for more than just a good pint.

Shorts

They’re the places where stories are shared, live music fills the room, history lingers in the walls and communities come together. At a time when traditional pubs continue to close across Scotland, these are the 11 best venues that keep Glasgow’s famously welcoming spirit alive – and they’re well worth seeking out.

The Arlington Bar