The Scotia Bar, Glasgow

Supposedly Glasgow's oldest pub, but whether it's or not, it's certainly an interesting place with a characterful heritage interior. Staple-shaped bar with a snug (oddly raised by a single step) in the right-hand corner. As a Belhaven establishment, the 'house' Writers Block beer presumably comes from Dunbar, but three of the other four handpumps were offering cask ales from Loch Lomond, including my Ben Ime (£5.05).

Apparently dating from 1782, the dimly lit Scotia has a long staple shaped bar counter that supports standard, premium and craft keg alongside four hand pumps, two of which were unused during a recent midweek afternoon visit. Belhaven’s 80 Shilling and Alchemy’s Bad Day at the Office were the cask options. I went for the latter which should have been called Bad Pint at the Scotia because it was the dregs at the very bottom of the barrel and closer inspection revealed bits floating in my glass. Pointed out to the barman and soon changed, but maybe they should turn the lights up just a little so the staff can see what they’re serving. Seating is found around all the exterior walls and the odd snug is thrown in for good measure. This would certainly be a good place to hide out if on the run. Regular live folkie music is held here, although there was just some background music on during my visit. There’s also a television up on the wall that was showing a muted old Technicolour film, I’m not sure what this added to the ambiance. This is a cosy pub, in fact the wide bar means that it wouldn’t take many to make it very full. I thought the staff to be friendly and the pub atmospheric, so I’d certainly return when back in Glasgow.

Very authentic ,old pub where Billy Connolly performed as a young man and which has a stong reputation for live music,often acoustic.There is a small side snug to the right of the front door and an aroma of ancient timber while the serving bar is to the left.The ceiling is low and has bank notes pinned up above the bar staff.Elsewhere there is good wood panelling,seats in window recesses and lot of traditional furniture.Interesting old maps hang on the walls,it's very atmospheric inside.The large speakers indicate that some bands will play quite loud. There were 3 handpumps working serving on my trip Orkney Raven and Corncrake (NBSS 3.5) together with Belhaven 80/-. A Glasgow institution and should not be missed when in town.