Sloans, Glasgow

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.

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