A few wee Glasgow pub picks

From the city centre to Janefield Street, Celtic fans have plenty of options available for a few pre and post-match drinks.

The walk to Paradise offers plenty of choice for supporters to take in the atmosphere, whether you want to sing along with songs of love, hope and freedom or grab a bite to eat before kick-off, there is certainly more than enough to whet your appetite.

The CSC on London Road, The Brazen Head in the Gorbals, The Tollbooth at Glasgow Cross or The Old Burnt Barns (Lynch’s) at The Barras have been welcoming hoops fans making their way to Paradise for decades.

Add in Grace’s and Murphy’s to the list and you’ve quenched a thirst before a ball has even been kicked.

If, however you want to try something a bit different, here are a few of my favourites nestled in our Dear Green Place.

McChuills is a Glasgow institution, situated at the bottom of High Street, before you reach The Tollbooth Steeple. It is one of those great venues that always seems to offer something special for anyone popping in for a few drinks. The atmosphere is second to none, especially when Nicky gets on the decks and you start to take in the album covers decorating the walls of the old railway arches. It gives a proper feel good factor whether you’re celebrating 3 points or on your way to a gig.

Connollys Irish bar is another great addition to the Merchant City pub scene. You’ll find it on the corner of Bell Street and Albion Street. The bar has had a few names over the years, but has always been a firm favourite with Celtic fans making their way home after the match. Live music all weekend from the likes of Liam McGrandles and Paul Sheridan of The Wakes means you’re guaranteed a good sing song with like-minded people.

The Admiral Woods started life as The Admiral Bar, but had to move to a new venue earlier this year.  The Admiral Woods offers something away from the football chants of the Gallowgate and Merchant City.  The big spacious bar shows live football as well as serving up some great meals to help line your stomach pre or post-match.  Plenty of music memorabilia dotted around, DJ nights and great music, The Admiral Woods gives a great alternative when you’re over for the football, as well as the best Guinness in the city centre in my opinion.

Last but not least, Jinty McGintys on Ashton Lane over in the west end has been at the forefront of the Irish pub scene in Glasgow since the 1990s.  Live music every night gives you a great opportunity to listen to some folk classics as well indie, pop and rock cover songs.  Sunday afternoons normally offers a trad folk session to help get you back on your feet.  A huge beer garden at the back means even if the bar is full (& it usually is) you still have plenty of space to enjoy a pint or two. It might be in the opposite side if the city from Celtic park, but if you’re here for a couple of days, its more than worth the detour.

Martin Donaldson is a Glasgow East End Bhoy,  He made my first trip to Celtic Park in 1983 for a 0-0 draw with Brechin City & thankfully that never put him off going back.   He now sits perched high in section 409 of the North Stand with his 2 kids making memories along the Celtic Way.

He loves picking out those matches from yester-year to find out much more about the legendary names & faces that have graced the Celtic Jersey over the years.  He is a keen fundraiser for The Celtic Foundation & The British Heart Foundation as they both strive to  make a difference and to change peoples lives all over the world.

Issue 130 Print Edition is SOLD OUT but you can still download the latest digital version.