The Counting House (JD Wetherspoon), Glasgow

This is a bank conversion that has been more than well described below. It was busy on my Wednesday evening visit. The service here was not that great as they seemed to be short staffed for a large island bar. Although there are eighteen hand pumps the net choice after stripping out duplicates and unused pumps was just the Scottish JDW Trio Of Doom, Adnam's Broadside, Wadworth Swordfish, Butcombe Rare Breed, Inveralmond Thrappledouser and Jaw Surf. I went for the Surf which was so cloudy I sent it back and had to wait several minutes for the staff to respond. I replaced it with the Wadworth Swordfish which although in good nick was a typically dull concoction from the Devizes brewer. This may be a grand building but on my visit it was a pretty rubbish Spoons.

Called in on Thursday 7th of Feb nice place typical spoons in an old back had a good couple of pints of calidonian bitter. If you had said 30 years ago a fine old building like this was going to be a pub you would have got some funny looks. not the first time we have been in and it wont be the last when were up here

A large ornate wetherspoons in a former bank. Located on the corner of george square & close to queen street station.

I think it’s fair to say that the Counting House is the crowing glory of Glasgow’s numerous ‘Spoons outlets and, architecturally, certainly ranks among the best in the country. Situated on the edge of George Square, it was originally built in 1870 and was previously a branch of the Bank of Scotland. The central main bar is housed under a spectacular glazed rotunda with a series of stauettes propping up an elaborate and ornate ceiling. A series of rooms around the edges all have ornate touches, portraits of Scottish heroes, displays (including a particularly interesting one on the development of bank notes) and city photos of yesteryear. The huge T-shaped bar must have the longest service counter in Glasgow, if not, the country although it also takes up a fair chunk of floor space. Luckily, on my 2 or 3 visits it was well manned and service was quite efficient no matter how busy. Of the 18 hand pumps, 11 were in use with a good selection of standard ‘Spoons regulars and several guests including 4 local ales from Kelburn (Red Smiddy, Cart Noir, Pivo Estivo and Dark Moor). I also ate here on a couple of occasions and had no complaints. Maybe it was just the opulent surrounds, but the customer base also seemed far more civilized and mature than I found in the other branches and quite frankly, after a visit here, the other ‘Spoons in town feel all like distinctly poor relations so if you only do one, make it this one.