The Pot Still, Glasgow

Dating from 1835, the Pot Still has a long standing history of family ownership that has given the place a degree of stability rarely enjoyed and to this day it remains a fairly unspoilt, unfussy and traditional pub removed from the more trendy bars and theme pubs that tend to blight city centres. The interior was significantly altered in the early 1980’s and now has a single room main bar with the counter to left, bare floors, high ceilings propped up by a series of columns, patterned glass windows depicting the pub name and 2 large bays of seating. At the rear is a cosy raised balcony section with tartan carpet, leather banquette seating and a handful of pictures and mirrors. The pride of place must be the impressive bar back laden with around 300 bottles of whisky for which the pub is reknown. The ales aren’t quite so statistically impressive with 3 available across the 4 handpumps at the time of my visit - a brace from Fyne Ales (Hurricane Jack and Jarl) and one from Kelburn (Cart Noir) with the fourth pump unused. Unfortunately the Jarl ran out before I had a chance to try it leaving just 2 for the evening. Quality was fine and service friendly. My Sunday evening visit was initially no more than a one pinter to tick the place off the “to do” list however a shortage of seating led me to the balcony section where I was ushered in by a group of traditional musicians (who apparently meet every Sunday evening) and was treated to an entire evening of high quality folk singing and musicianship that I would have gladly paid to see in any concert hall although I declined the offer to play and sing! Only the loud grating voice of an inconsiderate American tourist took the shine off things. Before I knew it, 8pm had become 11.30pm and I left having had one of the best pub sessions in memory. If I ever find myself in Glasgow on a Sunday evening, I know where I’ll be heading. Well worth a visit.