![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_7977c342-67a9-4328-99ea-e548f6ae42c1jpeg.jpg\")
The Hyndland Rock’s new and improved outdoor seating will no doubt be popular in summer.(Image: Glasgow Live)<\/p>\nWe 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…<\/p>\n
16:57, 18 Dec 2025Updated 16:09, 22 Dec 2025<\/p>\n
The Hyndland Rock’s new and improved outdoor seating will no doubt be popular in summer.(Image: Glasgow Live)<\/p>\n
There was a bit of stooshie when Glasgow institution The Rock closed<\/a>, amid plans for a massive refurb earlier this year – not least because new owners Mitchells & Butler were proposing a name change.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> neighbourhood.<\/p>\n In fact, The Rock was Hyndland\u2019s first pub<\/a>, built in 1966 after decades of having to stumble downhill to Partick<\/a> for a tipple. Local temperance advocates, and specifically the congregation of Dowanhill Church (now Cottiers – there\u2019s an irony to it all), were to thank back in the early 20th century, in case you didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n After a recent visit to check out the makeover, I have to say\u2026you might still want to carry on walking to Dumbarton Road, unless you\u2019re feeling flush – because a mere pint will cost you an arm and a leg. And that\u2019s before we get to the food menu.<\/p>\n Now a Nicholson\u2019s pub, here\u2019s why the new owners seem to have focused more on the \u2018Hyndland\u2019 than the \u2018Rock\u2019 aspect of the name – and why it\u2019s unlikely to win over regulars any time soon\u2026<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A huge lantern in gleaming gold looms over the door, pointing to the faux country house vibe inside; it\u2019s all dark wood, tall bookcases and framed portraits – of whom, you\u2019ll 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\u2019d done away with the sport completely.<\/p>\n But at \u00a36.70 for a pint of Guinness<\/a>, my other half won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n On then, to the food, and a large menu of pub classics – with equally hefty price tags. Don\u2019t get me wrong, you get plenty on your plate – but at an average \u00a320 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t resist Cullen skink – a clear nod to the pub\u2019s Scottish roots – on a menu, but I can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n The pub chain prides itself on pies and has an impressive selection, from crofter\u2019s (pulled lamb with haggis mash) to chicken, leek and tarragon. Across the table, their award-winning steak and Nicholson\u2019s pale ale pie was impressive, no question, and would fill you up on a warm day. But at \u00a319 a plate, we could help but feel it was steep.<\/p>\n 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 \u00a31.50) 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.<\/p>\n The total for two starters, two mains and two pints (a third was included in the lunch deal) came to a hefty \u00a369.08, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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…<\/p>\n The Hyndland Rock<\/a>205 Hyndland RoadGlasgowG12 9HE<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Beef](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1_95a8eec6-9f47-48d5-bfe5-6b25d076fcfcjpeg.jpg\")
Beef croquettes were a hit(Image: Glasgow Live)Where is it and what\u2019s it like?<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_IMG_3677.jpg\")
The fish finger sandwich was all batter, says our reviewer(Image: Glasgow Live)What\u2019s on the menu?<\/p>\n![\"Pies](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_91a29021-c04f-49ea-9825-932081528771jpeg.jpg\")
Pies are the star of the menu – but they’re pricey(Image: Glasgow Live)Can we have the bill, please\u2026<\/p>\n![\"Cullen](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_IMG_3674.jpg\")
Cullen skink(Image: Glasgow Live)The verdict<\/p>\n