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Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Pictures unveil inside of Glasgow's newest rooftop bar
SíSí Rooftop has given foodies a first look inside its 'stunning eighth floor' venue ahead of its opening. We reported how the new spot will open in the Merchant City on Friday, August 1, at 12pm. READ MORE: Price slashed on pub for sale near Glasgow's Celtic Park READ MORE: Popular Glasgow bar named among the best in the world Pictures unveil inside of Glasgow's newest rooftop bar (Image: Supplied) Located atop The Social Hub in Candleriggs Square, the all-day boozer will serve up Mexican-American inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and curated wines. While tucking into drinks and food at the venue, punters will also be able to take in its 'panoramic views stretching from the city's rooftops to the Cathkin Braes'. DJ booths will also be set up in the venue, with guests being able to enjoy a 'regular programme of events, featuring guest sets, weekend takeovers, and artist residencies'. READ MORE: Glasgow pub reveals 'rebrand' after closing its doors Meanwhile, one of the bar's most distinctive features is a ceiling mural by Glasgow illustrator and tattooist Pelikan Baba. It shows margarita-sipping figures floating across a pale sky, painted in bold colours and loose lines. The brand-new 160-cover venue includes 100 indoor seats and a 60-seat open-air terrace. Additionally, a feature island bar sits at the centre of the room. (Image: Supplied) Claire Mcilvenny, General Manager at SíSí Rooftop, said: 'SíSí was designed to move with the day. "We wanted it to feel easy and welcoming in the daytime: the kind of place you can catch up over coffee, but with space to truly come alive at night. "We believe it will become one of the places to be in Glasgow. 'It was important for us to collaborate with local artists, and Pelikan Baba has done an incredible job with the ceiling mural. "It's properly eye-catching, but it's the small Glasgow details that make this so special. "There's always something new to spot, and of course, it makes a great photo, too. 'After lots of hard work behind the scenes, we're incredibly excited to finally open our doors in just a few weeks.'
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
First look inside new SíSí Rooftop restaurant to open in Glasgow
Located atop The Social Hub in Candleriggs Square, the venue will serve Mexican-American inspired dishes with craft cocktails and curated wines to enjoy while enjoying panoramic views. One of the restaurant's most distinctive features is a ceiling mural by Glasgow illustrator and tattoo artist Pelikan Baba which shows margarita-sipping figures floating across a pale sky, painted in bold colours and loose lines. DJ booths will also be part of SíSí with guest sets and artist residencies as part of the new venue. The venue has a total of 100 indoor seats as well as a 60-seat open-air terrace with a feature island bar in the centre of the room. Read More The menu, shaped around locally sourced produce and sustainable suppliers, will feature 'fresh and vibrant' sharing plates. Interiors take cues from mid-century design, with earth tones, wood and stone flooring, real planting and soft strip lighting. The space includes a mix of booth seating, open tables and low-slung lounge areas, designed to feel relaxed and sociable. The restaurant will open next month (Image: Handout) Claire Mcilvenny, General Manager at SíSí Rooftop said: 'SíSí was designed to move with the day. We wanted it to feel easy and welcoming in the daytime: the kind of place you can catch up over coffee, but with space to truly come alive at night. We believe it will become one of the places to be in Glasgow. 'It was important for us to collaborate with local artists and Pelikan Baba has done an incredible job with the ceiling mural. It's properly eye-catching, but it's the small Glasgow details that make this so special. There's always something new to spot, and of course, it makes a great photo, too. 'After lots of hard work behind the scenes, we're incredibly excited to finally open our doors in just a few weeks.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
The best budget hotels in Glasgow for location, style and heritage
Lately, Edinburgh folk have been moving to Glasgow to live more cheaply – and found themselves surprised by the cultural riches on offer. It's a similar experience for the visitor; your Scottish pounds will go further here than in the capital. The incredible range of free attractions includes Degas and Dali at the Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Gallery; industrial history at the Riverside Museum; and the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art. And while the food is more elevated (and healthier) than in decades past, the Glasgow ethos of high calorie-to-cost ratio endures. Not to mention the music scene; you can still catch intimate gigs by Mercury Prize-nominated artists for little more than a tenner. Appropriately, there are plenty of budget accommodations, and most are in the centre of town, so you won't compromise on location. Neither will you compromise on aesthetics. Far from being generic chains, Glasgow's budget hotels are a showcase of the clever design the city is famous for, whether that's in refurbishing a much-loved heritage building or making the most of a tiny space. For the best hotels in Glasgow and the best hotels near the airport in Glasgow, see our lists. 1. The Social Hub Glasgow hotel Aside from the stellar location – among the brunch bars and architectural jewels of Merchant City – this B Corp-run hotel's strength is its flexibility. Options include plush yet reasonably priced king rooms and small-but-mighty single rooms, all with private bathrooms and free Zenology toiletries. You'll get better rates for extended (two-plus weeks) stays and there's even all-inclusive student accommodation that costs less than most West End digs. What's more, your rate includes access to a coworking space, free laundry services and a gym. A rooftop bar is due to open later in 2025. Book now 2. The Address hotel A tighter budget usually means sacrificing style – not so here. Rooms mix traditional and luxe items, all sourced or crafted in Scotland, and there's a Mid-century influence apparent in the graceful lines, patterned curtains and the sepia-toned, Mad Men -esque colour palette. Chill for a couple of hours in the pink Himalayan salt sauna, grab reasonably priced pesto arancini or pork belly bao at North restaurant, then hit the shops. Having saved money here, you'll have more to spend on Buchanan Street, Glasgow's main artery, which is just seconds away. 3. AC Hotel Glasgow The cheaper rooms of this heritage hotel are in the modern extension, but your followers don't need to know that: snap a photo of the Grade A-listed sandstone facade (Glasgow's former Parish Hall) and caption it, 'look where I'm staying!'. Plus, the modern rooms have bigger windows and look out onto the City Chambers or Strathclyde University's Royal College. Head downstairs to the Scandi-chic Hazel restaurant for a seriously opulent (and great value) afternoon tea: the rotating menu may include parma ham and fig open sandwiches or strawberry and matcha Battenbergs. 4. Native Glasgow hotel This isn't the cheapest hotel on this list, but it may be the best value. For the price of a nice dinner, you'll get a studio apartment with a sofa, kitchen and dishwasher. The fixtures are all soft lighting, vintage-styled art and brass edging, inspired by the Art Deco stylings of the palatial exterior (this was once the headquarters of the Anchor Line Shipping Company). Downstairs, you'll find popular date spot The Anchor Line Restaurant, echoing a 1920s cruise ship with its marble bar and Prohibition-inspired cocktail menu. The George Square location puts you at the heart of everything. 5. Point A Hotel Glasgow At this price (and especially at this central, Bath Street location), you'd expect a sterile stay at best, yet this branch of budget travel chain Point A packs pops of colour and locally themed art in amongst clever amenities. Rooms are compact but cover all essentials: free Wi-Fi, logically placed charge points and intuitive air-con. Plus, you'll have fun with the mood lighting colour controls. The continental breakfast has a decent vegan range, including vegan blueberry croissants. Your rate includes discounts at nearby venues such as the excellent Maki & Ramen restaurant or The Butterfly and The Pig Tea Room. 6. Hotel Indigo Glasgow This handsome Victorian building was once one of Glasgow's first power stations – luckily, these prices won't give you a shock. Rooms have that velvet-and-flocked-brocade look typical of the Indigo brand, and come with a nifty workspace and hairdryer. There's also a fitness centre with treadmills, Swiss balls and free weights. The Turbine 75 restaurant serves pub classics and a mean Scottish breakfast with haggis in the morning. The central location puts you within walking distance of top sights, such as the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and George Square. 7. Arthouse Hotel Glasgow This well-appointed 19th-century townhouse celebrates Scottishness in subtle ways, such as tartan bedspreads and lion rampant wallpaper. Blackout curtains ensure a good night's rest – unless you're bingeing a show on the free Wi-Fi, that is. Breakfast is served in the Brasserie Restaurant and includes oat and chia porridge, baked eggs with green shakshuka and vegan pancakes. With its tufted banquettes and smart, subway-tile walls, it's also a great place to enjoy their dinner menu of pan-European small plates. The city centre nightlife is just outside, including celebrated literary-themed cocktail bar The Last Bookstore, which has walls lined with 8,000 books. Address: 129 Bath St, Glasgow G2 2SZ 8. citizenM Glasgow hotel This outpost of the Dutch hotel brand sits in a handy town-centre spot, a short hop from the Glasgow Film Theatre and National Piping Centre. Like all CitizenM hotels, there's only one type of double room here – and, unfortunately, no option to convert to a twin room. The layout makes the most of the limited space; however, there's even a little desk and the ability to control lighting and temperature via a tablet. There's also an accessible room with a low bed and bathroom grab bars. The 24-hour restaurant-bar serves signature cocktails, comfort food and bar snacks including haggis pakoras. Book now 9. The Z Hotel Glasgow Exploring further afield? This budget city-centre hotel sits in an attractive former printworks two minutes from Queen Street station, from where trains depart east (to Stirling and Edinburgh) or west (to Loch Lomond). Or, if you're taking the car, you'll get discounted parking at a car park two minutes' walk away. Compact rooms cover all the essentials and have Sky TV, TNT Sports and underbed storage. The 'Z Inside Single' rooms are a real bargain, but be aware that 'inside' is a euphemism for 'windowless.' 10. Glasgow Youth Hostel In a twist worthy of an Old Firm derby, one of Glasgow's cheapest accommodations occupies some of the city's priciest real estate. You'll find Glasgow Youth Hostel in a high-ceilinged townhouse on the revered Park Terrace, overlooking Kelvingrove Park and minutes from Kelvingrove Gallery (free) and the Hunterian Museum (also free). The lounge preserves the building's moulded cornices and wood panelling – it's worth grabbing the bay window chairs if you can. Private ensuite rooms are available, and the bar is licensed to sell wine and beer. FAQs When is the cheapest time to visit Glasgow? The cheapest time to visit Glasgow is typically during the off-peak travel season, when demand is lower and prices for accommodation, flights, and attractions tend to drop. This tends to be between January and March, although it's worth noting that the weather is much colder. Midweek stays are also a good option for cheaper room rates. Is Glasgow expensive? Glasgow is one of the more affordable major cities in the UK, especially when compared to places like London or Edinburgh. There exists a wide range of food options and accommodation for all budgets, plus many attractions are free, such as museums. The city centre and West End are also walkable, meaning money saved on transport costs, too. What are the best free things to do in Glasgow? Glasgow is packed with free attractions and things to see and do. Gaze at Dali at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, expand your horizons at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), head to The Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery – Scotland's oldest public museum – or enjoy the Riverside Museum & The Tall Ship, all of which enjoy free entry. Fancy a stroll? Head to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens for Victorian glasshouses and tranquil trails, venture into woodland walks and spot Highland cattle at Pollok Country Park, or head to Glasgow Green & The People's Palace – one of the city's oldest parks. There's also a free City Centre Mural Trail that takes in Glasgow's extensive street art scene. After dark, head to bars like The Hug and Pint or Nice N Sleazy for free live music. How much spending money do I need? How much spending money you need in Glasgow very much depends on the things you want to see and do. Budget travellers can get away with spending approximately £25 per day by making the most of free attractions, cheap eats and by walking or using public transport. Keen to spend a bit more? Mid-range travellers can expect to spend around £40 to £70, including all food and drinks, several paying attractions, snacks and transport. As for luxury travellers wanting to splash out on upscale dining, shopping and concerts? The sky's the limit.
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
New Glasgow mural in area that feels 'like Spain or Italy'
Renowned street artist Rogue One (Bobby McNamara) has unveiled a captivating new mural on the hoarding between Brunswick Lane and Candleriggs in the Merchant City area. The artwork adds a vibrant touch to the area and becomes a new highlight on Glasgow's esteemed city centre Mural Trail. Known for his hyper-real murals and wry Glaswegian humour, Rogue One's style felt like a natural match for Candleriggs. Part of the new Candleriggs mural by Rogue One (Image: GlasgowbySamsung) (Image: GlasgowbySamsung) READ MORE: Artist behind Billy Connolly mural's mission to get artwork to iconic comedian The developer says, "His mural doesn't just sit on our hoarding. It blends into it. Becomes part of the fabric. "This artwork marks more than paint on a wall. It celebrates a wider moment for the Merchant City." Bobby McNamara, Rogue One, said: 'I felt that Candleriggs had a very nice cultural vibe and it felt like being in a little bit of Spain or Italy - so I really like that. 'I think the artwork is really adding to that, too.' New Glasgow mural in area that feels 'like Spain or Italy' (Image: GlasgowbySamsung) READ MORE: HUGE new mural being painted in Glasgow city centre by well-known artist Candleriggs brings new rental homes and new commercial tenants to one of Glasgow's most iconic neighbourhoods. The mural faces The Social Hub, which is also championing street art and creativity in the area, with their own newly commissioned piece by Smug. James Hart, from the developer Legal & General, said: 'We are delighted to support this latest addition to Glasgow's vibrant street art scene at Candleriggs. Our goal was to create an enjoyable public realm for everyone, enhancing the experience for Candleriggs residents, future retailers and passers-by. "This fantastic new street art achieves that beautifully. We hope everyone who visits Candleriggs and Merchant City enjoys it.' The mural is titled Butterflies in Her Eyes (Image: GlasgowbySamsung) READ MORE: New Superman mural appears in Glasgow - here's where to pose like the movie hero Rogue One is one of Glasgow's most celebrated street artists, known for iconic works like 'The World's Most Economical Taxi' and 'A View from the Clyde.' His murals are central to the city centre Mural Trail, which has been recognised among the world's best art trails by Wanderlust. His art not only brightens up and decorates the city but also tells stories that resonate with both locals and visitors.
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
House Party makes comeback with Pride pop-up in Glasgow
House Party, formerly located in the city's southside, has relaunched as a brand agency and curator after closing its physical store earlier this year. The new model will see the team represent a select group of independent businesses and place their products in like-minded shops across the UK and Europe. The Social Hub (Image: Supplied) Richy Edwards, co-founder of House Party, said: "We're still here, we just look a little different now. "This model gives us more flexibility to continue working with the brands we believe in, many of which are queer-owned, female-led or run by people of colour. Read more: 200,000 homes in Glasgow can now access faster broadband "It also means those products can reach more people, in more places." House Party will continue trading online and through pop-up events, with its first taking place from July 14 to 20 as part of Pride Hub at The Social Hub Glasgow. The pop-up will showcase a curated selection of brands, including Brooklyn-based puzzle makers Le Puzz, Scottish studio Vonk known for pop icon-inspired mugs and prints, and Mull, which creates functional homeware from repurposed plastics. Limited edition Pride cards illustrated by Glasgow designer Ruth Tullis will also be available. Mr Edwards said: "Pop-ups are a great way to collaborate, meet new customers, and bring small brands into places they might not normally reach. "We see this as a chance to grow without the overheads of a permanent location." The Social Hub was chosen for the relaunch due to its central location and ongoing support for small businesses. Mr Edwards said: "It's such a well-positioned hub, right next to everything, and the brands just feel aligned. "Our model has always been that everybody's welcome in our house, and that's exactly what The Social Hub is about, too." The House Party pop-up is part of The Social Hub's July programme celebrating LGBTQ+ creativity and community. Events are free or donation-based, with full listings and booking details available on Eventbrite.
