Beer has been brewed in Scotland for over 5000 years, with 150 breweries in the country producing around 2000 beers a year. Yep, we think it’s fair to say that the country has a real affection for the old amber nectar, with dark, rich ales particular popular.
And the most popular? Well, it’s said that one in three pints of keg ale in Scotland is a Belhaven Best, with 15 million pints of Belhaven Best sold annually. Wow!
That said, there is also a thriving, creative craft beer scene, with some of the very best found in Scotland’s second city, Glasgow. Try everything from milkshake stouts to bitter IPAs on this 5-pub crawl of Glasgow’s craft beer scene.
Innis & Gunn Taproom, Ashton Lane
Innis and Gunn is a Scottish staple. If you’re looking for a taproom with many options, you’ll want to take a gander down to one of their Glasgow taprooms for a fresh pint and some fantastic food.
Innis and Gunn have taprooms in both the West End and City Centre of Glasgow, serving a fantastic selection of fresh pints and food every day of the week. Their Ashton Lane spot has the perfect street-side outdoor beer garden seating area, offering an ideal place to people-watch and enjoy some fresh air.
With 23 taps at each venue, Innis and Gunn not only provides you with tasters and pints of their beers – delivered fresh from their brewery every morning, but also beers from some of the best craft breweries in Europe. Try everything from Session IPAs to cask-matured scotch-whisky-flavoured beers!
Top Tip: Ever wondered about brewing your craft beer? Ask about their new Brew Schools. It’s a great group activity for local beer enthusiasts and tourists interested in Scottish brewing.
Address: 44 – 46 Ashton Ln, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SJ, UK
Drygate Brewery & Taproom, Drygate Street
You’ll find Drygate Brewery over Drygate Street. It’s a funky, ultra-modern spot designed to host everyone from solo drinkers to big parties of excited beer lovers.
They’re known for their expansive options, including over 23 taps serving delicious tipples daily. You’ll find many ‘out of the ordinary’ drinks at this brewery, including peanut butter stouts and smoothie IPAs. If you’re seeking a thrill, their ‘B-sides’ menu will surely introduce you to something you’ve never tried before.
Though Drygate may appear to be a mostly indoor taproom, they have an impressive roof terrace, ideal for big parties and long tasting sessions, or for romantic nights equally. If you’re looking for somewhere to hunker down for an afternoon, this might be the perfect spot for a Glaswegian day-to-night adventure!
Top Tip: Interested in learning more about how beer is produced? Ask about a brewery tour.
Address: 85 Drygate, Glasgow G4 0UT, United Kingdom
The Record Factory Bar, Byres Road
Nestled away in the heart of Byres Road, you’ll find the Record Factory – a New York-style dive bar with a rock ‘n’ roll twist.
The Record Factory is a great spot for spirits, cocktails and cold, refreshing beers. They often host beers from independent craft breweries, with cans from Welsh craft brewery Tiny Rebel making a frequent appearance on their menu.
They also provide a wide selection of tasty treats, including American-style classics like BBQ wings and loaded fries. In the summer, they even open up a BBQ area, giving you the full experience of a cool city cookout.
While it might not look like much from its exterior, you’ll find plenty of space inside the venue. Round the back, there’s a beer garden with plenty of room for you and your friends, with tables with umbrellas to help you combat the unpredictable Scottish weather.
Top Tip: Looking for a late-night spot? The Record Factory is open until 2 am every night, making it a perfect spot for late-night drinks or a day-to-night party progression.
Address: 17 Byres Rd, Partick, Glasgow G11 5RD, United Kingdom
The Shilling Brewing Company Bar & Brewery, West George Street
The Shilling Brewing Company is a Glasgow-based independent brewery specialising in a range of home-brewed craft beers. They brew everything from pilsners to wild and wacky stouts, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, there will be something new and exciting to try in this stylish taproom.
If you’re feeling experimental, try out one of their fun flavours such as the ‘Aye, Caramba!’ IPA, which is bursting with mango, pineapple and fruity (and spicy) jalapeno flavours. Or, if you prefer your craft beer on the darker side, give their ‘Blackstar Teleporter’ dry porter a try – it’s full of rich flavours, such as chocolate and roasted malts.
Top Tip: Want to try a few beers? The Shilling Brewing Company hosts monthly ‘Flight Nights’ where guests are invited to try various beers. They are usually hosted on Friday nights and can be booked in advance on their website.
Address: 92 W George St, Glasgow G2 1PJ, United Kingdom
Read: 4 of the best city breaks in Scotland for 2023
Inn Deep Taproom & Bar, Great Western Road
Inn Deep is the place to go if you’re looking for a cosy, laid-back vibe to enjoy some craft beer in Glasgow.
Inn Deep is based on Great Western Road and is a popular spot for locals who enjoy the underground beer scene. Inn Deep prides itself on their variety – you’ll often find they have a few pints you’ve never heard of before from super-cool microbreweries and independent brewers.
Their house beer is Williams Bros, but they also have 19 guest keg lines, 3 guest casks and over 100 bottled beers. They also have beers of the week, exclusive beers, monthly tap-takeover events and rare keg imports to keep things exciting!
Address: 445 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HH, United Kingdom
Top Tip: Looking for a dog-friendly spot? Inn Deep has treats, water and more for your wee pals to enjoy!
We hope this list has helped you discover the 5 best craft beer bars in Glasgow and that you have a fantastic time exploring. And whilst you’re in Scotland, why not hot foot it over the capital city and check out the best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh. You know you want to!