Bon Accord, Glasgow

Having just celebrated 40 years as a pub, the Bon Accord continues to maintain its high standards and first class reputation as one of Glasgow's premier real ale venues. It also serves tasty, filling pub food, nothing special but representing good value for money, although being so close to the Koh i Noor restaurant, it's a tough call despite the meal deals on offer. Staff are really helpful, pleasant and appear to be enjoying their work; great service is always provided. Ten ales on this time, I had pints of Heather Ales and Tirril's Balls Up (presumably a football reference), both in excellent condition. There are a few quirks - a tv screen which was a bit irritating, a weird collection of football memorabilia and an incongruous fish in a tank on the bar looking bemused at the humans' behaviour all add to the character. Overall, though, well worth seeking out, especially as it's just off the City centre. Somewhere I always try to visit when in Glasgow.

The Bon Accord (which translates as Harmony) is one of Glasgow’s must visit pubs, certainly for Real Ale fans. A placque outside gives a potted history and informs us that the building dates from the mid 19th Century but was used for a number of trades before becoming a pub as recently as 1973. The interior stretches back further than you expect and is divided into a fairly basic front bare floor main bar and an extended sunken rear section that is raised on one side. A puiano and flat screen TV can also be found in the rear section. There is also some seating outside although the adjacent motorway somewhat spoils any potential trrnaquility. There are plenty of old Glasgow pictures, newspaper clippings and certificates for its many beer awards. A signed Archie Gemmil photo and a Dundee Utd shirt are on display and eagle eyed drinkers will note the Partick Thistle scarf wrapped around a mounted deers head. The tables all have small placques on the surface, the meaning of which is a bit lost on me. Despite its relatively recent history as a pub, it was one of the pioneers for the reintroduction of real ales in Glasgow and it remains one of the premier locations for ale drinkers. There are currently 10 handpumps with, on my visit, a mix of mainstream and local beers that included Williams Brothers Gold, Fullers London Pride, Heather Ales Fraoch, Otley O5 Gold, Marstens Pedigree, Theakstons Old Peculiar, Caledonian Deuchers, Woodforde Wherry and Strathaven Duchess Anne with a further pump unbadged. In addition there are over 200 whiskies stacked up on the barback. I didn’t try any food but there was a small menu that looked good value with a selection of main courses around £5-£6 and grills from £6-£9. There were also some 2 course specials advertised. It was fairly quiet on my visit (an early midweek evening) so I’m not sure how busy it can get but service was fine and the the barman was happy to steer me through anything I wanted to know about the food, ales or whiskies. Despite my flying visit, I get the impression thatbthis is probably as good as it gets in Glasgow and it was certainly among the favourites of the many pubs I tried during my stay. Highly recommended.