Gill from Glasgow

About me Born and brought up in Helensburgh on the Clyde Coast, I've lived in Glasgow for 18 years. Worked for Radio 4 in London for 7 years then moved back to Scotland to work in radio and online for BBC Scotland. Escaped after twenty years to freelance as a media producer and write a novel (which I'm still writing). Why Glasgow? Because: You'd be hard-pushe...

Jun 9, 2025

Champagne Central Glasgow

A room with a view

""Champagne Central" in Glasgow overlooks the concourse of Central Station. Go on, treat yourself to a drink in the best place for people watching around..."

Go on, treat yourself to a drink in the best place for people watching in Glasgow. Champagne Central overlooks the concourse of Central Station and it's in the Victorian railway hotel, The Grand Central. John Logie Baird made the world's first long-distance TV transmission here in 1927. There's even a cocktail named after him.

Stepping into the bar with its marble and chandeliers is like stepping back in time. Take a seat at the window with a coffee or a cocktail, keep an eye on the departure board and watch the world go by. Drinks are pricey - a pint will cost you around a fiver and cocktails start at £8.50 – but they are very, very good. Tea and coffee costs around £3 and they do afternoon tea. Small plates of food are served throughout the day and you can get a bacon roll in the morning for £3. It gets really busy at weekends, so it's worth booking a table. Rome Spotter Ivan loved it and it's one of my favourite places in Glasgow. I'd much rather wait for a train here than in a grotty chain coffee shop or burger bar.

Amsterdam

Antwerp

Art & culture

About this spot

99 Gordon Street

no-price

Website

1412403700

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