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Chat about:
Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
Sloans, Glasgow
Glasgow
G2 8BG
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Sloans
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.
On 9th April 2025
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8679 recommendations about 8678 pubs]
Will Larter left this review about Sloans
An amazing place, with a spectacular entrance from the arcade - the street entrance is ordinary in the extreme, leading to a tourist trap beer garden. Once inside, there's beautiful pub fittings everywhere you look. (See photos - or see the heritage link below, for a professional description.) Just two hand pumps (see photo); my half of Swannay Dark Munro was pretty good (NBSS 3). It was starting to get busy at lunchtime, with a staff member belatedly putting a reserved notice on my table, so I found myself a quiet spot at the foot of the staircase for a peaceful half hour, though some pop music was leaking out from the nearby bar.
On 14th November 2024
- rating: 7
[User has posted 4273 recommendations about 3935 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about Sloans
A good sized and traditional pub located just off the main shopping area, first impression aren’t that inviting with the entrance being up an alleyway that has murals covering the walls with a dance theme. To be honest if I’d been walking past I probably wouldn’t have bothered stopping, but as I had read good reviews of it, I decided to persevere. Once through the alleyway, there is a good sized courtyard, with the pub building off to the right.
It’s largely a single open plan room internally, although there looked to be a separate restaurant area off to the rear. Décor wise it’s quite traditional, with sanded wooden floor and a very large, U-shape bar counter taking up most of the central part of the pub. Dark wooden panelling covered at least half the walls, if not more, and above this was cream plasterwork separated by a strip of mirror. Some fitted and padded bench seating was provided, as well as a number of stools at the bar. The entrance porch was made from some quite ornate woodwork, and a notice behind the bar said that the building dated from 1797. The restaurant looked a little more elegant with maroon coloured walls and etched mirrors. In contrast to the rest of the decor, a couple of quite large speakers were mounted up on the wall, although these were not in use on my visit. A TV screen was showing a news channel, but the volume was off so this was not too intrusive.
Beers on tap were Kelburn’s Craft Noir and Misty Law, along with Deuchars IPA. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately. Service was functional rather than friendly, and the barmaid saw fit to keep my change. Not a big deal, it was only 10p, but it’s the principle more than the amount. Overall though, not a bad pub and I’d happily return if in the area.
On 2nd March 2020
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2060 recommendations about 1962 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Paul McScotty left this review about Sloans
Sloan's main claim to fame has been that it is Glasgow's oldest bar(something the Scotia and College Bar may contest)
but it is one of Glasgow's best bars for a pint (and more). Despite entrances being located on both Argyll & Buchanan street its not always easy to find as they are not that clearly marked and are via a small arcade entrance and a small alleyway (that hosts a small market every weekend). The bar itself if pretty impressive with a dark wood central bar area with both seating and standing room being plentiful with tables and chaired areas all around. There is a good and rotating selection of tap beers available (better than most) including Kelburn, WEST and Caledonian beers. It also has some good bottled beers such as Williams, Brewdog etc and spirits and a selection of cocktails. Prices are about what you would expect for the city centre ( £3.10 for a West) etc. Outside is a large(ish) seated area that is mostly sheltered (for smokers or to chill out in summer). Sloan's regularly hosts a wide variety of events including a classic movie night , Ceilidh's , Burns night , Mac and cheese nights etc so it is worth checking their website. Clientèle are mixed from office workers to clubbers to old blokes in for a pint - bar staff change a lot but are pretty decent. Another must if you have not visited
On 4th January 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 44 recommendations about 42 pubs]