Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, or SECC to its friends and fans, draws us back, time and again. Attracting BIG names for concerts, there's much more to impress here.
A full range of conferences, exhibitions and smaller events call SECC home. The Tweenies even turn up from time to time, keeping the kids happy...
Of course, its important that your visit turns out a star performance. With this is mind, here are some of the top places nearby. A quick look will help you find the best places for some SECC pre-theatre dining beforehand.
If you're lucky enough to stay over. places to sleep on a range of budgets are shown. Cool local bars with style - to help your evening go with a bang - are also mentioned. Have a fab time at SECC.
fun secc pre-theatre...
Having a laid back time on your evening at SECC might be the most important aspect for you. Glasgow has many restaurants that are prefect for SECC pre-theatre.
Hidden in a quiet lane off Byres Road, Cafe Andaluz West End /Browse/Restaurant/Cafe_Andaluz(reveal best table deals?) serves fabulous tapas. Some of the wait staff really are Spaniards, which adds to the authentic feel. Just make sure everyone has agreed to a 'garlic pact' before getting stuck into the quality dishes served here...
In the other direction from SECC, Red Onion /Browse/Restaurant/Red_Onion(reveal best table deals?) is unique to Glasgow. The owner spent years travelling the world as chef to the stars on tour. All sorts of influences from his travels have made their way into the menus here. Relaxed and sure of itself, this makes a top place to get your SECC pre theatre off to a wonderful start. Enjoy...
Maybe you're visiting SECC as part of a Big Date. Setting the right mood makes all the difference, doesn't it? Romantic SECC pre-theatre is nearby...
Close to Kelvingrove Park, The Sisters Kelvingrove /Browse/Restaurant/The_Sisters_Kelvingrove(reveal best table deals?) serves up top of the range Scottish cuisine. Adding their own take to all sorts of locally sourced produce, meals here live long in the memory. A warm welcome and decor that's minimal and natural, but with splashes of strong Scottish art and tartan, combine for perfect romantic SECC pre-theatre dining.
A hidden local gem makes a very unusual basement its home.The Shandon Belles /Browse/Restaurant/Two_Fat_Ladies_at_The_Shandon_Belles(reveal best table deals?) truly is tough to find - best ask a taxi driver, its only 2 minutes from SECC. Cute and understated, the cuisine shines here. Following the quality standards set by older siblings in the 'Two Fats' stable, this restaurant is sure to impress. Your evening will get off to a tasteful start at Shandon Belles.
Local secret bars are always a pleasure to find. Even locals don't know this, but overlooking the M8 motorway, two amazing specimens wait to be discovered...
Chinaski's exudes an easy charm, mixed with a shining bar and food that's well above that old 'pub grub' tag. And it even has a West facing beer garden out back, which always comes as a complete surprise. Tricky to find, this place goes out of its way to stay secret. Well done for finding it...;-)
Look closely, and next door to Chinaski's nests the well groomed Black Sparrow /Browse/Restaurant/Black_Sparrow(reveal best table deals?) . Charming and highly polished, the laid back tunes here are often mixed by a DJ sitting by the rear windows.And those curved Chesterfield leather booths make the perfect place for a chatter (and laugh) with friends, either before or after visiting SECC... And before or after any SCEE pre-theatre treats.
Maybe your trip to SECC was to enjoy s concert? A relaxed bar for a quiet seat after cheering and dancing for 2 hours might be just what the doctor ordered!
City Inn /Browse/Restaurant/City_Cafe_(reveal best table deals?) sits right on the river Clyde, a mere 2 minute stroll away. In the funky shadow of Squinty Bridge, take a seat on their riverside decked terrace for a stylish drink. Or head inside, for a relaxed time in the minimal, chic city bar.
In about 10 minutes you can walk over to The 78 . This fave spot among those in the know makes a laid back place to chill, listen to some quiet music and enjoy the post-event glow that comes with great times. Whose round is it?...
Although SECC sits in an area all its own, its nice to know that there's a major attraction close by. Take a stroll over one of the foot bridges beside Crowne Plaza Hotel and turn right. You can't miss it!
Glasgow Science Centre (tel: +44 (0) 871 540 1000) dominates this stretch of the Clyde. Quite right, too. With the curved main building, Glasgow's IMAX cinema and its cloud-bustin' tower, it comes to us right out of 'Logan's Run' or 'Buck Rodgers'. Crammed full of fun things to see and do - including hands-on stuff for the young, there's always laughter (and learning) in the air here. Have fun...;-)
SECC attracts people in droves. Two plush hotels worth considering for your visit are neighbours to your venue and they also serv lovely SECC pre-thearte meals.
Shining in the sun, reflecting the glories of the SECC, is the one and only The Crowne Plaza /Browse/Restaurant/One_Restaurant_at_the_Crowne_Plaza(reveal best table deals?) . All set to cater for large groups and individuals, it offers amazing views along the Clyde. As well as top notch service and rooms where the decor is up to date and relaxing. A delight...
Almost next door to SECC stands City Inn /Browse/Restaurant/City_Cafe_(reveal best table deals?) . It might look like a shoe box from the outside - but we all know not to judge a book by the cover (if you can excuse some mixed metaphors!). You know what I mean... With chic, minimal decor, this lovely hotel has one of the funkiest spots in Glasgow, excellent cuisine and a riverside terrace. Who could ask for more?
Glasgow has a well deserved reputation as one of the most friendly cities. To make sure every visitor has a warm and cosy time, beds suit all budgets.
If you feel like staying in a cute joint that feels like going to stay with friends or family, Argyll Guest House http://www.laterooms.com/en/p8275/hotel-reservations/180375_argyll-guest-house-glasgow-glasgow.aspx(reveal best room deals?) fits the bill. Perched on the edge of gorgeous Kelvingrove Park, its within easy walk of the city centre, West End's fun - and SECC.
Along Sauchiehall Street from Argyll Guest House, and in one of the grandest curved terraces in the city, Townhouse Hotel http://www.laterooms.com/en/p8275/hotel-reservations/150000_the-townhouse-glasgow.aspx(reveal best room deals?) poses like mad. Mid-range prices are matched with above range service, quality and design. And its also walking distance from SECC. You can't say fairer than that...;-)
So, how was it for you? Had a blast at SECC? Great! Its time to share your story, and spread those happy memories and views on SECC pre-theatre.
Send us your story, and we'll publish your very own Top Secret Glasgow pages on the web. For free, naturally...;-) Then you can impress everyone with the amazing times you're having in Glasgow.
Even if you decide not to indulge in some SECC pre-theatre, we still look forward to hearing from you...;-)
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get on the VIP list and be first to hear ALL the news about Glasgow...
Be a "Top Secret Glasgow VIP". We are always working on all sorts of new features... the most buzzing events... the "insiders" low-down... the key to the very best of Glasgow.
We'll reveal top secrets that many locals don't even know about - often in the shadows of the classics.
If you want to be first onto these new top secrets, then just use the simple form below to pass us your email address and first name. We'll be in touch... "confidentially"!
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