We paid a visit to The Hyndland Rock after a substantial makeover and (slight) name change to find out what’s new at this west end institution. Here’s our review of a rather pricy pub lunch…
16:57, 18 Dec 2025Updated 16:09, 22 Dec 2025
The Hyndland Rock’s new and improved outdoor seating will no doubt be popular in summer.(Image: Glasgow Live)
There was a bit of stooshie when Glasgow institution The Rock closed, amid plans for a massive refurb earlier this year – not least because new owners Mitchells & Butler were proposing a name change.
Okay, the new moniker – The Hyndland Rock – doesn’t stray too far from the original, probably a wise move as it’s famous for being the only real pub in the posh west end neighbourhood.
In fact, The Rock was Hyndland’s first pub, built in 1966 after decades of having to stumble downhill to Partick for a tipple. Local temperance advocates, and specifically the congregation of Dowanhill Church (now Cottiers – there’s an irony to it all), were to thank back in the early 20th century, in case you didn’t know.
After a recent visit to check out the makeover, I have to say…you might still want to carry on walking to Dumbarton Road, unless you’re feeling flush – because a mere pint will cost you an arm and a leg. And that’s before we get to the food menu.
Now a Nicholson’s pub, here’s why the new owners seem to have focused more on the ‘Hyndland’ than the ‘Rock’ aspect of the name – and why it’s unlikely to win over regulars any time soon…
Beef croquettes were a hit(Image: Glasgow Live)Where is it and what’s it like?
The standalone pub has always felt a bit shoehorned in between huge tenements and swish penthouse new builds – but with a striking paint job in racing green, and a new and improved outdoor seating area, things were looking good from the outside.
The Rock has always drawn a large crowd on sunny days, despite not having much seating outdoors, and what there is remains a vibrant sun trap, with the space now much better used.
A huge lantern in gleaming gold looms over the door, pointing to the faux country house vibe inside; it’s all dark wood, tall bookcases and framed portraits – of whom, you’ll spend the whole time wondering. The pool table is gone but there are still screens showing the football – I imagine there would have been riots in the west end if they’d done away with the sport completely.
But at £6.70 for a pint of Guinness, my other half won’t be rushing back – despite previously using the place as home away from home whenever he wants to watch football in peace. Like many Guinness drinkers, he could – and did – bore me at length comparing costs elsewhere.
The fish finger sandwich was all batter, says our reviewer(Image: Glasgow Live)What’s on the menu?
On then, to the food, and a large menu of pub classics – with equally hefty price tags. Don’t get me wrong, you get plenty on your plate – but at an average £20 per main, we doubt many old regulars will stay for more than one course. We did two – in the noble pursuit of journalism, of course – and left stuffed, but still underwhelmed.
The other half had pulled beef rib croquettes, which were pleasant; gochujang mayo and pickled red onion were nice touches on the side of crispy-coated, soft and well-seasoned beef. I can’t resist Cullen skink – a clear nod to the pub’s Scottish roots – on a menu, but I can’t say I was blown away by the oddly yellow creamy broth with square chunks of fish and not a lot of smoky flavour on the go.
The pub chain prides itself on pies and has an impressive selection, from crofter’s (pulled lamb with haggis mash) to chicken, leek and tarragon. Across the table, their award-winning steak and Nicholson’s pale ale pie was impressive, no question, and would fill you up on a warm day. But at £19 a plate, we could help but feel it was steep.
I tried out the lunch menu, and a fish finger sandwich that comes as part of a deal, drink included. Crispy, skin-on truffle parmesan fries (an extra £1.50) were great – but the sandwich was all batter and not a lot of fish inside a burger bun with just a bit of tartare sauce smear, leaving the whole thing a bit dry and unappealing.
Pies are the star of the menu – but they’re pricey(Image: Glasgow Live)Can we have the bill, please…
The total for two starters, two mains and two pints (a third was included in the lunch deal) came to a hefty £69.08, service included. Now, prices have risen in every corner of the city, I know – there’s no such thing as a cheap lunch these days. But for pub grub and a few pints, it’s on the pricier side, and I have a feeling old regulars will feel the same if they venture back into The Rock for a place to catch the football.
I will say that the two ladies serving us were brilliant; friendly, attentive and very helpful – so shout out to the staff on a warm welcome, which took the sting off a wee bit.
Cullen skink(Image: Glasgow Live)The verdict
There’s a lot to love about this curious wee pub, at once a west institution but – in days gone by, anyway – not very west end. From the outside, the makeover was a much-needed boost and I’m sure neighbours are big fans. But step inside and you might find yourself wondering where all your hard-earned cash went after just a few nibbles. If a balance could be struck between the two, then it could be great news for Hyndland. Until then, you’ll find me a short while down the hill…
The Hyndland Rock205 Hyndland RoadGlasgowG12 9HE