The Budgie, Garngad, Glasgow

Officially “The Blochairn Bar”, but long known by its avian nickname, this is the kind of establishment which used to get Glasgow pubs, and the city itself, a bad name. You could be forgiven for thinking it was derelict from the outside and from the inside, you could also be forgiven for thinking it was derelict. Amazingly, given its down-market nature, it opens at 8.00 a.m. to serve breakfasts, and drinks, to night shift workers from the city Fruitmarket just across the road. I had a few early morning pints here many years ago, after a party, but my memory of that visit is rather hazy. I went back again recently, stone cold sober, on a Friday afternoon. The dozen or so customers looked suitably rough. One guy was fighting with his pit-bull terrier: the dog was playing, but I’m not sure about the customer. The gents toilet was out of order, so I was invited to use the ladies. On the positive side, it is, as you might expect, very cheap. If you’re looking for a “No Mean City” experience from Glasgow’s past, this is the kind of place to find it, but tread with care.