Tennents, Hillhead, Glasgow

A large one roomed high ceiling place with a central ornate timber bar topped with a clock, there were 11 hand pumps on during our visit ranging from Scottish brews to beers as far away as London, including Youngs Special and Fullers London Pride. we went for the Orkney Dark Island which was well kept and well under three quid a pint. We arrived just after opening on a weekday and the place was already filling up with older regulars and students coming for breakfast. A full English breakfast start at £1.99 which looked excellent value but just a shame that we had already eaten! Well worth the trip out from the centre of the city on the Underground.

Painted wording above the bar proclaims that this is “Glasgow’s Finest Alehouse,” and it’s not far wrong, especially if you’re a real ale drinker. It offers a selection of half a dozen regular cask beers plus four or five guest ones, all well kept and reasonably priced. Combined with the usual range of keg beers and lagers, this gives Tennents an impressive array of beer pumps along the fortunately long horseshoe bar. Although it tends to be busy most of the time, you never have to wait long to be served, as it is always adequately staffed. The varied clientele includes locals, tourists, visiting real ale buffs, students and staff from the nearby University and pensive old timers. There is a no music policy and the TV is only turned up during major sporting events, but the competing conversations make it loud enough in any case. Inexpensive meals are served until early evening, although you’ll be lucky to find a table at weekends. Situated on Byres Road in the city’s trendy West End, it’s easily reached by Underground train to Hillhead station across the road.