Old Fruitmarket retains many original features. This makes for concerts, dances, ceilidhs and other fun events that can make the head spin. We want to make sure you have a complete evening that does the same thing...
In the nicest possible way,of course. Sitting pretty in the heart of the Merchant City, Old Fruitmarket is surrounded by some of the best bars and restaurants in Glasgow. To make sure you choose the best, here are our thoughts on which places will send your evening soaring into history...;-)
If you happen to be visiting Glasgow for your event at Old Fruitmarket, and you're staying over, our hints about where is best to stay might prove useful too.
We hope so. Have a wonderful time in the Merchant City at your Old Fruitmarket event...
loud and fun old fruitmarket pre-theatre...
For a fun evening, getting the party started with friends is always a great idea. Time for a laugh and some sharing...
Princes Square is a 5 minute stroll away from Old Fruitmarket. Famous for its designer boutiques, its also famous for another very good reason. Like a jewel in its crown, Princes Square is home to Barca /Browse/Restaurant/Barca_Tapas_and_Cava_Bar(reveal best table deals?) . Locals in the know with a love of Spanish tapas make their way here, with relish... And with plenty garlic! Enjoy excellent tapas in their striking dining room, or in the spacious atrium. Don't forget a glass of cava, to get your evening off to a fun start.
Merchant Square is a proud neighbour of Old Fruitmarket. It holds a perfect surprise, too. Enter from the Candleriggs door, and on the left is the tasteful, understated Arisaig /Browse/Restaurant/Arisaig_Restaurant(reveal best table deals?) . Bringing more than a hint of character and good taste to their menus, fun meals are a certainty. The love of Scottish cuisine they demonstrate shines through. Enjoy a magical Old Fruitmarket pre-theatre meal here.
An evening in Old Fruitmarket might call for a special meal before things get started. No problem! You're in the right part of the city...
Gandolfi Fish /Browse/Restaurant/Gandolfi_Fish(reveal best table deals?) sits quietly to the rear of Old Fruitmarket. Massive windows let diners keep an eye on City Halls' stage door, too. Mind you, with a menu as exciting as this, you'll spend your time trying to decide what to try. Staff are friendly and attentive, making sure you're well looked after during your mouth watering meal.
Across Candleriggs from Old Fruitmarket entrance is the lovely City Merchant /Browse/Restaurant/City_Merchant(reveal best table deals?) . One of the leading lights here, since the time Merchant City was restored, this restaurant catches fans in its nets every day! A focus on Scottish fish shines through, as does the expert way they serve other Scottish game (plus a few veggie dishes to keep us all happy). A classic for very good reason, this is a perfect place to start your Old Fruitmarket pre-theatre inspiring evening.
Getting carried away by the energy and vibe onstage means your evening can easily last longer. Go with the flow, and have fun...
The beautiful people and the funky spirits all know that Brutti Ma Buoni (tel: +44 (0) 141 552 0001) in Brunswick Hotel is the place to go for a fun evening. Laid back staff, a well stocked bar and hip music combine with a pavement terrace in one of the coolest Merchant City streets. The result is an uber-cool bar that leaves the others in its wake. Enjoy a top night out here, for sure.
Maybe you feel like keeping the thrill of the stage going a while longer? In that case, take the short stroll along Candleriggs to Tron Bar in Tron Theatre. There is always a relaxed vibe here, added to a buzz of excitement on performance nights. A long standing local fave, this is a refreshing bar to visit on a night out.
Old Fruitmarket oozes Merchant City charm. This lovely area is home to a couple of bars that are the old gents of this amazing area of Glasgow. Where better to stop off for a wee drink?
Feeling like a sweet rural pub, with its very own beer garden, Babbity Bowster is a top place to sit and chat. Warm and welcoming, it has a blazing fire in Winter, and doors flung open to the beer garden in Summer. Classy and relaxed, The Babbity is a true gem, and a magic place to sit and discuss the City Halls concert you've just enjoyed. Perfect...
The other Merchant City old gent is the one and only Rab Ha's (tel: +44 (0) 141 572 0400) . Creaking floors and a polished bar welcome guests. Hidden just off bustling Glassford Street, this local legend remains a fave relaxing bar for locals in the know. Well done for tracking it down...
Of course, its well known that Glasgow offers the best shopping in the UK, outside London. If you take the constant crowds and distances in London, it can be argued that the shopping is really better in Glasgow...
Either way, you're in the right place to have a wild shopping spree, if that tickles your fancy! If not, why not take a stroll round Gallery of Modern Art ? Entry is free, and this stunning building often plays host to travelling exhibits. So you can never be sure exactly what you're going to see. Enjoy...
If you're lucky enough to be staying over in Glasgow, there are all sorts of hotels near City Halls. Choosing the right one is very important, of course.
Just past the Heilan'Man's Umbrella (10 minutes on foot) is the glorious Radisson Hotel /Browse/Restaurant/Collage(reveal best table deals?) http://www.laterooms.com/en/p8275/hotel-reservations/84449_radisson-sas-glasgow-glasgow.aspx(reveal best room deals?) . All designer minimal chic and cool charm, this award winning hotel looks after guests in great style.
On Ingram Street, just round the corner from City Halls, Ramada Jarvis Hotel http://www.laterooms.com/en/p8275/hotel-reservations/13240_ramada-hotel-glasgow.aspx(reveal best room deals?) makes the perfect spot for some Merchant City snoozing. Close to just about everything, this hotel makes staying in the city centre a real pleasure.
Friendly Glasgow always like to make sure every visitor has a fab time, whatever their budget. So, a couple of the best Merchant City places to snooze in comfort are not far from Old Fruitmarket.
Merchant Lodge http://www.laterooms.com/en/p8275/hotel-reservations/149905_the-merchant-lodge-glasgow.aspx(reveal best room deals?) has one of the most funky restored buildings as home. Warm, welcoming and full of an easy charm, you'll have a fine time in this hidden gem.
On the other side of George Square, on Buchanan Street you'll find Buchanan Hotel (reveal best room deals?) . For top value on a budget stay, this hotel has just about everything you'll need for a memorable time in Glasgow. On one of the busiest, most famous shopping streets in the country, you're right in the thick of the action here...;-)
Had a fab evening in Old Fruitmarket? Did you enjoy a perfect, fun pre-theatre meal and drinks in a funky bar? Perfect!
Why not share your story [here]? Add a photo if you have one. We'll then create your very own Top Secret Glasgow web page, and publish it for you. All free, of course...;-)
What an ace way to remember your Old Fruitmarket evening. Great to share with friends too.
We can't wait to hear from you. Keep up the good work, Old Fruitmarket fans...
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We'll reveal top secrets that many locals don't even know about - often in the shadows of the classics.
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