Summertime, and the livin' is easy. Okay, so we don't exactly get much sunshine in our city, but when we do, it's safe to say that we slap on that SPF and make the most of it. Luckily for us, there are some cracking places to drink outdoors, ideal for setting up camp with a round of cocktails until day turns to night. So, get ready to soak up those rays while you sip and dine alfresco-style with our guide to Glasgow's beer gardens.
Vodka Wodka is one of Glasgow's most famous gardens, and one of the oldest cocktail bars in the city - decked out in floral decor in summer and chalet-style seating come winter. The stunning spot is ideal for your after-work drinks, with a list ranging from their very own Jolly Rancher cocktail to all kinds of Scotch and £4 pints.
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Much loved by the student community and sports fans looking for some nail-biting action, Ark is a summer favourite thanks to its generous outdoor space. The cocktails here are all under a tenner, with classic concoctions and signature serves like the Posh Totty spritz with elderflower cordial. Just remember to head down early as this beer garden in Merchant City is a popular hotspot that fills up quickly.
To sip on drinks in a sunny Glasgow beer garden, look no further than O'Neill's Grand Central's spacious alfresco area. Head here and you'll get the chance to tuck into bottomless brunches of pizza and cocktails, or enjoy affordable pints of Guinness alongside delicious pizzas, sharing platters and burgers.
Look out over the bustling streets of Glasgow while you relax with a bev at The Lauder's' beer garden. This lot pour a pretty perfect pint of Guinness, alongside classic cocktails like pina coladas or a Long Island iced tea for as little as £7.75. All of this pairs well with a menu of gourmet burgers, stone-baked pizzas and loaded mac 'n' cheese, as well as regular live music to keep you entertained.
Situated in the trendy West End corridor, Gael & Grain adds vibrant flavour to the Finnieston food scene.
Fusing local ingredients with contemporary flair, the restaurant serves up standout signature dishes like their popular haggis tikka masala with naan, pan-fried sea bass on basil mash, and an iconic Irn Bru cheesecake for dessert.
Take your drinking outside at The Old Smiddy Inn's adorable beer garden, which comes with picnic benches, colourful parasols and lots of verdant shrubbery. Indulge in a range of classic cocktails while in good company, before delving into the delish food menu, which features juicy burgers, loaded jacket potatoes and top-quality classic pub grub.
A packed-out spot whatever the weather, All Bar One on Argyle Street is home to one of the best outdoor bars in Glasgow city centre - thanks to tables overlooking the bustling St Vincent street. Swing by the nightlife hub for alfresco cocktails or a gourmet feast of brunch classics complete with plenty of prosecco, Korean chicken burgers and nachos smothered in cheese.
WEST On The Green is one of the best Glasgow pubs with a beer garden, boasting a huge lawn space that's ideal for enjoying German grub like wurst platters, mushroom schnitzel and curry dogs, alongside alfresco pints. Housed in the iconic Templeton Carpet Factory building, this brewery, restaurant and pub is a heaving destination when the sun's out.
With a stellar lineup of music and art events, St Luke's is the place for live entertainment. You can also catch the football on a big screen inside or sip on a special craft beer in the garden at The Winged Ox bar and kitchen, which always promises good times. And if you fancy a more creative tipple, try out their signature cocktails like the Tennessee Peach Fizz or a D'Mango Unchained.
Come rain or shine, this Duke Street spot is a beer lover's haven, armed with craft pints and a sprawling outdoor garden - featuring picnic tables and covered areas. Glasgow's first experiential craft brewery is the ideal spot to catch all the rays when heatwave weather is here, with a menu of juicy burgers, currywurst, poutine and more to keep you fuelled.
Boasting a gorgeous beer garden near Ashton Lane, Brel is one of the city's favourite outdoor spaces. The fairy-lit space becomes a hive of activity at the first sight of sunshine, with picnic tables and pots of steaming mussels pulling in the crowds.
While Chinaskis may be best known for its cracking cocktail collection and cosy interiors, it also just happens to house one of the best beer gardens in Glasgow city centre. The roomy decking area gets the sun all evening, making it the perfect hideaway to indulge in alfresco drinks with your gang - the margaritas here are to die for.
This East End boozer brings a slice of America to Glasgow, serving up comfort food like delicious pizza and naughty wings alongside dirty burgers. These guys also specialise in classic American bourbons, as well as having an in-house smoker to cook meat dishes on. Nab a spot in the cosy beer garden and let the sun-soaking, cocktail-slurping and sharing board-grazing commence. Even better? They've got a second venue in the West End too.
Your typical Irish watering hole, Jinty McGuinty's is a fail-safe bet for good chat, great music and even better Guinness. Something of an Ashton Lane institution, this place offers a bustling space for your outdoor sipping, paired with plates like haggis pakora, mango chicken wraps and mac 'n' cheese.
Perched on the beautiful banks of the River Kelvin, Inn Deep gives you a wealth of waterside views to take in as you sun yourself on the terrace. As it's one of the best places to drink outdoors in Glasgow, craft beer fiends flock here for hops and a menu of hearty accompaniments like pizzas topped with maple miso mushrooms, and pepperoni with pickled chillis, with Mexican loaded fries and gochujang honey butter-glazed chicken breast on the side.
If you're seeking out the best bars in Glasgow for groups, Republic Bier Halle is the perfect place for a thirst-quenching stein in the sunshine. Affectionately named the bier garden, this vibrant hub is made even better when the frozen cocktails come out to play. And if you're hungry? These guys are cooking up thin and crispy stone-baked pizzas, as well as hotdogs, salads or nachos.
The Finnieston may be your go-to for fresh seafood, steaks and exotic gins, but it should really be known that this place hides a wee outdoor space that's perfect for summer drinks. Join them in the warmer months for brunches surrounded by lush foliage, with plenty of bubbles to keep you cool.
Looking for the best beer gardens in Glasgow's west end? The spacious area for outdoor drinking has plenty of rustic charm. Flaunting picnic benches and couches scattered about, Record Factory hosts BBQs in the summer along with sports screenings and late-night lock-ins. As for drinks, expect pink gin martinis, lychee coolers and a cracking choice of draught beer.
