Champagne Central Glasgow
A room with a view
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.
About this spot
Find your way with 147 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Glasgow
Pollok Park
Running spot in the Southside
"Pollok Park" is one of my favourite running spots in Glasgow. My favorite thing is coming on a sunny day and going Highland Cow spotting!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Cuningar Loop
Outdoor bouldering
"Cuningar Loop" in Glasgow is a woodland park surrounded by the River Clyde and a hotspot for bouldering enthusiasts of all levels!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Riverside Skatepark
Skating by the museum
Come to Riverside Skatepark to experience local skate culture with ramps for all levels. Great for people-watching with fun, views, and community vibes.
by
Fraser
Strachan
Hamilton Crescent
Historic Sports Club in Glasgow
Hamilton Crescent, home to the world’s first international football match, is a historic, peaceful ground where cricket, memories, and heritage live on.
by
Fraser
Strachan
Rafa's Diner
Best Tacos in town
I have only tried their veggie options but the meat options look delicious and my non-veggie friends are obsessed with their Pollo Asado and Barbacoa.
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Brewhaus
Beer gardens and dogs
"Brewhaus" in Glasgow is a West End pub (used to be a church) best known as the venue for the infamous glass over the balcony scene in Trainspotting...
by
Scott
Walker
Relics
A vintage gem in Ruthven Lane
If you are taking a walk to the West End of Glasgow, make sure to visit Ruthven Lane, where you'll find my favorite vintage treasure store "Relics"...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Rawnchy
Quirky cake heaven
"Rawnchy" in Glasgow is heaven for raw cakes and coffee lovers! Their cakes are from another planet. Super tasty & healthy - they even have a lunch menu!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
BAKED
Pizza heaven by the slice
"BAKED" in Glasgow makes Pizza al Taglio, which means these guys know what they're doing. Their tiramisu tastes as if my granny had made it...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Book Swap
Library in a garden
I always pop up at Glasgow's "Book Swap" in the East End to see what's new. The concept is simple: leave one, take one. Really nice initiative!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
OCHO
Cosy canal cafe
"OCHO" in Glasgow is a little cafe on a corner of an 1851 warehouse building. It's a perfect spot for brunches and lunch breaks - I love the homemade soup!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Hogganfiled Park
My favourite running spot
"Hogganfiled Park" in Glasgow is a true hidden gem, part of a larger network of 7 ancient lochs. It's the perfect place to run in nature...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Heading to Glasgow?
147 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Glasgow?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 147 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Glasgow
Get to know our other Spotters from Glasgow
As featured on:
