Solid Rock, Glasgow

Glasgow's premier and best rock bar for many years (forget the Hard Rock Cafe up the road, this is the real deal)is situated behind Glasgow central station (Hope St exit). You can easily recognise the Solid Rock from its brightly painted front window featuring a group of rock stars (past version have featured Alex Harvey, Robert Plant etc) of course the motorbikes and long haired types outside are a clue ass well. Inside as you enter through the swing doors is a long black bar (on the left as you enter) on the wall are various record covers/plaques/awards , guitars, posters etc. Inside the bar is always pretty dark and is split into 2 areas - the main areas which is really one long room with pin ball / fruit machines and seating nearer the back - the downstairs area ( much brighter )has a smaller bar and pool table and is more subdued. Upstairs the bar has a good drinks selection with various beers on tap including Younger's Tartan, Guinness, Smiths ,Carling, Caledonian , 1664 etc (not Tennents though) usual selection of Spirits including a really nice Vodka and some really nice bottled beers and although not my scene I have been told there is also a selection of shots and cocktail - Prices are what you expect for the area (Youngers £3;10 a pint) - I have never seen real ales in the Rock but have been told that they do serve these from time to time. Clientèle is obviously rock orientated but is mixed in age and type , from office workers, guys and gals in for a couple, to the standard long haired tattooed biker types - all pretty well behaved as they tend to really love this bar. Bar staff are a trendy rock looking lot and are pretty good at their job - Food is good as well. One downside for some is the volume of the music which can be VERY loud, even for a rock bar but is a bit quieter earlier on in the day - well worth a visit even if just to people watch.

"rock music" bar located close to Glasgow central station. Standard draught selection. Music memorabilia on the walls.