Sloans, Glasgow

I somehow missed this one on my previous visits to Glasgow, so it was good to have it included on our 'pub research trip' itinerary. We entered via the impressive rear door and tiled entrance stairway up from a glitzy arcade full of jewellery shops. The bar has a relatively modern U-shaped counter with wood panelling to match the rear booths and some of the walls, so one might wonder what the fuss is about... until you venture up the grand staircase. The first floor comprises a fabulous collection of Camra regional inventory heritage rooms of different sizes and original functions (most still in periodic use). Just Swannay's Island Hopping (£2.95, half) being served from one of the pair of handpumps, but that was in good shape thankfully. Left via the front entrance which is located off a narrow courtyard that is almost hidden from the nearby street.