Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens
Glasgow, United Kingdom [view map]
Local restaurants
Seafood fanatics will love tiny, unassuming Two Fat Ladies on Dumbarton Road (+44 (0)141 339 1944), which has rightly earned its place among the city’s best-loved restaurants for its simply perfect, sensibly priced fish dishes. Glasgow institution For more of the same in smarter, art deco surroundings, head to the legendary Rogano(+44 (0)141 248 4055), a 1930s oyster bar and seafood restaurant on Exchange Place. Gamba (+44 (0)141 572 0899), another fish restaurant, has a simple, exquisite menu. Amber Regent (+44 (0)141 331 1655) specialises in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. Zinc (+44 (0)141 225 56200) is good for a meal in stylish surrounds. Loch Fyne Oyster Bar (+44 (0)1499 600217), is a 45-minute drive from the city, but well worth the trip for the food and location.
Local bars
Uisge Beatha (pronounced oosh-ke-bar) (+44 (0)141 564 1596), means ‘water of life’ in Gaelic and, like the whisky it refers to, has a distinctly Scottish flavour. Opus (+44 (0)141 204 1150) is a modern fine-dining experience and has a late bar with great cocktails.
Local cafes
On Byres Road, specialist deli Heart Buchanan (+44 (0)141 334 7626) is a truly special food emporium; stock up on picnic goodies (or pick up a pre-ordered hamper) before heading to your chosen patch of park.
Nightlife
29 at Royal Exchange Square is an ultra-smart members’ bar with a chic, chandeliered interior. Reservations essential: book a table for dinner, and get on the club’s guest list at the same time (+44 (0)141 225 5610). Tiger Tiger (+44 (0)141 553 4888) late-night bar and nightclub is open until 3am at weekends. Arta (+44 (0)141 552 2101) is a stunning venue for a night out (3am licence at weekends).
Worth getting out of bed for
Get an eyeful of soothing greenery at the Botanic Gardens, virtually opposite the hotel, or in Kelvingrove Park, also home to the excellent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (www.glasgowmuseums.com). Alternatively, tranquil Loch Lomond (the UK's largest freshwater lake) is only a 30-minute drive away. Glasgow is home to Scottish Opera, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Burrell Collection (art objects from around the world) and the Lighthouse (where a Charles Rennie Mackintosh conversion houses a variety of dynamic exhibitions); go to our Glasgow destination guide or see www.visitscotland.com for details. Shopping: designer labels at the Italian Centre; exclusive and upmarket brands in Princes Square; bohemian boutiques and deli delights on Byres Road.
Diary
April Glasgow Art Fair: view, buy and sell contemporary art (+44 (0)141 221 0049; www.glasgowartfair.com). June Glasgow's annual Jazz Festival (www.jazzfest.co.uk); Glasgow Art Fair; and the Bard in the Botanics Festival, which brings drama to the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
Weddings
Smith hotels aren't just ideal for romantic escapes: many are also ideal wedding venues. Each fantastic wedding hotel we’ve highlighted has that all-important wow factor – and here we give you the insider low-down on how to sort out details from booking rooms to the bridal bouquet.
- Number of people
- 4-70
- Licensed for weddings
- Yes
Wow factor
Five-star service and superlative food, set in a terrace of Victorian townhouses in Glasgow's bohemian West End.
Need to know
Weddings can be held any day of the week. If you want a Saturday wedding, you'll need a minimum of 50 guests.
Inspiration
Lisa Marshall, the dedicated events manager, makes sure the big day runs smoothly. She has a huge contacts book and is happy to advise on all the extras, from the flowers to the going-away transport. The food is the main event here, and guests often request a wine-tasting menu. Scottish-themed menus (traditional haddock chowder, venison) are also popular.
We've done our homework to bring you the most inspiring and stylish wedding reception locations around the world.
Click here to view more wedding hotels in United Kingdom