Glasgow is home to a number of pubs which are popular with celebrities – but which one is the best?
Many stars are drawn to Glasgow’s pubs, where lively atmosphere and local charm make them the place to be.(Image: Heather Yates/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Pubs serve as the beating heart of cities, towns and villages throughout Scotland, and occasionally welcome celebrities seeking to maintain a low profile. Lewis Capaldi is renowned for visiting drinking establishments across Glasgow, alongside his fellow namesake Peter Capaldi.
Film stars dropping into local pubs whilst shooting on location has become increasingly common, with Glasgow doubling for New York City during recent Spiderman filming. The forthcoming Running Man remake was also shot in Glasgow, with leading man Glen Powell seen at the Locale on North Street.
Scotland’s Pubs and Bars initiated a campaign several years back enquiring about celebrities’ preferred drinking spots, and Glasgow dominated the responses. One establishment was selected by three participants, serving both as a renowned concert venue and well-appointed bar, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut has showcased virtually every major UK musician during their formative years, earning praise from Paolo Nutini. The Candy singer declared: “Over the years, we made a habit of going into Tut’s and doing our shows, showcasing new music in Scotland there…It’s a classic venue – it’s the classic venue…Everyone goes into the King Tut’s zone and expects a Tut’s performance and a Tut’s atmosphere.”
Countless bands have played at King Tuts over the years, but few are as iconic as Oasis(Image: Mirrorpix / Daily Record)
Billy Boyd, star of Lord of The Rings and frontman of indie-rock band Beecake, has praised the St Vincent Street venue, stating: “Touring with my band Beecake, we have performed in some of the top music pubs and bars across Scotland – they play an important role in discovering the latest music talent.
“One of our favourites is King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut – even when there’s not music on, it still has a great atmosphere and cracking food. An absolute must for any music fans.”
Dante Gizzi, frontman of GUN, echoed these sentiments, saying: “It’s a place where I’ve hung out over so many years and has given me so many cherished memories.
“It almost feels like a home from home and a lot of that is down to the staff who are so welcoming. Tut’s will always have a special place in my heart and I gladly recommend it to any visitors to Scotland.”
Historic pubs also received recognition from top musicians. Travis lead singer Fran Healy chose the Horse Shoe Bar, where he regularly performed in the mid-1990s, stating: “The Horseshoe is the only bar in Glasgow where everyone comes, from the rich to the poor.”
Legendary singer Barbara Dickson reminisced about meeting Gerry Rafferty in the Scotia bar, saying: “I remember being so excited by the exposure to lovely music on a regular basis.
“We lived for the music and would sing at the drop of a hat anywhere where we gathered. We were lucky to gather in these wonderful places.”
Ross McNae, the bass guitarist for Twin Atlantic, picked out two of his favourite watering holes – The Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow’s West End and Drygate Brewery.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
He stated: “I would say The Ubiquitous Chip for a traditional Scottish bar, or Drygate Brewery for the future of Scottish brewing! Ubiquitous Chip is on one of the most famous cobbled streets in Glasgow and always has an older gent with a dog in the corner.
“Drygate Brewery is co-owned by Williams Brothers and Tennent’s. Can you get more Scottish than that? Craft beer on a big scale.”
Meanwhile, Texas founding member Ally McErlaine suggested a venue in Merchant City.
He recommended: “I would recommend Rab Ha’s in the Merchant City. It’s a great place to go for food and for my friends who don’t know Glasgow very well it has an amazing whisky selection. It’s also one of the cooler places to watch football. “