Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre

This iconic open-air venue was restored to it’s impressive former glory in recent times and is set in the beautiful Kelvingrove Park, sitting between the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Glasgow University. The venue features an art deco bandstand with outdoor, amphitheatre-style seating and plays host to a packed summer line-up of events.

The Kelvingrove Bandstand & Amphitheatre is steeped in history! Originally built in 1924,and the only authentic bandstand remaining in Glasgow. It had to shut in 1999 due to disrepair and became a shadow of it’s former self. Luckily, in 2012 plans were drawn up for it’s restoration and it re-opened in 2014 for the Commonwealth Games. It has both a unique and nostalgic vibe and you can just imagine what it was like in it’s heyday almost a century ago!

Glasgow Café Culture

For all the coffee lovers out there – you’re in for a treat as Glasgow’s cafe scene is positively buzzing! Expect a famous Glasgow warm welcome in our cosmopolitan city teeming with independent cafes and coffee shops, perfect for hanging out with your pals, going online or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere. With endless choices around the city, where must you go?

Read on for the top spots we recommend you pay a visit to kick-start your journey into Glasgow’s bohemian café culture..

Willow Grove
Only a few minutes stroll from the Acorn on the lush green end of Sauchiehall Street, this speciality coffee shop offers first-class coffee and cakes alongside a mouth-watering lunch menu – with such delights as grilled mixed veg ciabatta with rocket and home made olive tapenade and to sip on – try a minor figures chai! Expect a beautiful interior with a laid-back feel to the place, paired with a concoction of 70’s folk rock, and you’ll be well on your journey to cafe utopia!

Singl-end
Mixing it up in the city’s café culture is Singl-end, whose unique basement café and bakehouse in Garnethill has seen appetite so high that they’ve rustled up a second cafe in the Merchant City. This hip little gem is not just a café but also boasts it’s own bakehouse on-site, offering up some of the most delicious bread, cakes and brunches in Glasgow, with a big variety of gluten-free and veggie choices into the bargain! Only around a five minute stroll from the Acorn, this quirky artisan café really lends itself to “the proof is in the pudding” analogy – and beautifully presents exquisite but hearty food with a cheerful and chilled vibe going on. Don’t be surprised to observe the odd celebrity or two… the legendary Christian Slater dined there while on location in Glasgow filming his movie “The Wife” with his mega famous co-star Glenn Close. Family friendly too – and if you have a pooch you’ll be glad to know it’s also dog-friendly!

Mackintosh At the Willow
This is a much loved historical masterpiece – designed by our own Charles Rennie Mackintosh, it opened it’s doors in 1903. Savour exquisite tea, coffee and scrumptious food at this A listed and breathtaking venue. Expect a lovely menu including gluten free and vegan options. We recommend venturing into the Visitor Centre with it’s impressive exhibition and retail store. Our hotel is nestled in the core of Finnieston and is near to both the city centre and West End, offering you a multitude of choices for sightseeing, entertainment, shopping and of course our lively cafe culture!

Chill out in our stylish rooms and rest in the cosy beds after a full-on day of exploring, shopping and satisfying your coffee cravings! Remember to book direct via our website for the best room rates available.

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A Glass of the Good Stuff

Ah, the good old amber liquid. Or whisky, our national drink! It’s part of the backbone of Scottish culture and a heritage we really love to share with visitors to our beautiful country. Although most of our whisky distilleries are based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, you can still get a wee dram during your stay in Glasgow. The Ambassador Hotel is ideal to access city centre locations or for driving out onto the open road if you’d like to hire a car and look beyond the city limits in pursuit of our most prized beverage. 

Read on to see our top choices for whisky adventures in and around Glasgow – cheers!

Clydeside Distillery

With stunning views of the river after an impressive 10 million-pound refurbishment of a one-time pump house, the Clydeside Distillery is the showpiece of this month’s recommendations. If you would like a walk, then the locale is a vigorous one hour from our residence and, during a spring visit, the milder Scottish weather will make your appreciation for a wee dram (small drink) at the end , even more rewarding. During a tour – starting from just £15 – you’ll learn about the city’s intriguing relationship with whisky and the distillery’s own journey to it’s everlasting home. 

Whisky and Wallace

Tartan Tours Scotland organise private excursions for groups of up to six people and you don’t want to miss this tour! Following the trail of significant milestones in the life of William Wallace, you’ll visit Dumbarton Castle and the Wallace Monument, before capping off the day with a tour at Auchentoshan Distillery and needless to say, tasting their whisky!

Strathclyde Distillery

There can’t be that many cities around the globe which can brag of a working distillery in the heart of their city – but then Glasgow is a unique city. We have our priorities right, and a good bevvy (drink) in the company of friends, founded on our shared legacy and love for the land is very close to the top of our list. Strathclyde is now part of the renowned Chivas Brothers brand and, surprisingly, frequently goes unobserved by Sunday strollers making their way through Glasgow Green, where the perimeter of the distillery sits opposite! 

DIY Tour

This one’s a bit out there, but we think the best way to get into the swing of things with the tradition of whisky drinking is to go out for a drink of the amber nectar in the neighbouring bars and pubs. Try the Ben Nevis for old time Scottish magic, Bon Accord to choose from a selection of over 300 whiskies, or Dram in the West End for a great variety of malts coupled with an assorted line-up of entertainment with comedy, quiz nights and live music. 

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Glasgow on A Budget

Travelling to a UK city on holiday can rapidly turn into a rather expensive pursuit. With pound sterling still a reasonably strong currency, many of our international visitors really feel the pinch on their wallets when they realise the expense of holidaying here. At the Ambassador Hotel we have regular discount deals (see our blogs pages for this month’s offer), making your stay just that bit more economical. To give you a hand though, we’ve compiled a list of stuff to see and do to save you some extra cash. 

Grab a Voucher

The Ambassador Hotel has close connections with various tourist attraction providers all over the city. One of the most popular requests from our guests is for a city sightseeing tour. It’s the best way to see Glasgow’s high points and we’re delighted to give our guests money-off vouchers to help keep your costs down. You can also drop in on the Scottish Tourist Board hub on Buchanan Street for even more discounted tickets. 

Free Attractions

Glasgow is crammed full with free activities. The city libraries hold regular children’s workshops which anyone can take part in. We suggest getting yourself along to the Mitchell Library (the city’s main library) to take in its impressive architecture and jam-packed line-up of events. Outdoors, visit the West End’s Botanic Gardens. Totally free to all visitors, you’ll be transfixed by a journey through the planet’s most exotic plants and flowers by way of a series of established greenhouses. 

Museums are the order of the day for a cheap day out too. Both the Kelvingrove Museum and Museum of Transport have free entry and of course intriguing exhibits. The Hunterian Museum is also deserving of a visit but be warned, with an anatomy theme running throughout the museum’s history, it might be a bit on the gruesome side!

Complementary WiFi

Walking is an excellent way to explore the city, but nobody wants to lose their bearings in a foreign land! Using a map app on your phone can be a tremendous help, and free city centre Wifi helps make it possible. It’s simple to access – just connect to BT Wireless, allow the webpage to load and verify you’re online, and off you go! 

Most of cafes, bars, restaurants and museums provide free browsing too, so remember to ask for any passwords that you might need. 

So, for low-cost but high-quality accommodation, get on the official Ambassador Hotel website, where you’ll find the latest deals and best rates guaranteed – we look forward to welcoming you to our great city!

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Get Late Checkout!

Is it too early to start organising your 2020 holidays? We think not, so because we’re all set to go and are overflowing with suggestions, and to make the deal even better, we’re giving those who stay with us an indulgently late checkout. All you need to do is type in the code LATE when you book online via the Ambassador Hotel website. This is where you’ll discover all of our best deals and most up to date availability, so remember to save it to your favourites!

While you’re staying with us, make sure you take advantage of your late checkout by exploring some of the city’s fabulous night spots – with no need to be up at the crack of dawn, why not stay out way past bed time? We’ve given you some inspiration of how you can entertain yourself after dark, so run your eye over these to find out more.  

Laugh Your Head Off

Featuring live comedy seven nights a week, The Stand is a really popular Scottish venue and sees the likes of Al Murray on stage. Grab a drink at the bar, then shows kick-off at around 7 or 8 and you will literally be crying with laughter. If you’re a brave soul, you could sit at the front of the stage, that’s if you don’t mind getting a roasting – all in good fun!. At the end of the evening, head to The Old School House, right next door for more drinks.  

Catch a Late-Night Movie

Cineworld Renfrew Street boasts a gigantic 18 screens, is set over six levels, and is the tallest cinema in the world. The levels are accessed via both lifts and escalators, the latter of which are lit up neon blue at night. Films are screened until late in the evening, so that you can stay up and score your entertainment hit. 

 

 

Wander After Dark

The same as any other city, we wouldn’t recommend venturing out after dark alone, but take a friend and hot cup of coffee and go out into the city to explore as the city gets a little quieter. It all looks very different without the hordes of shoppers usually found swarming the pavements during the day. 

Take a Snifter Before Bed

A snifter is a small measure of whisky, needless to say! The Oran Mor has a vast selection of our national drink and is open late every night, so you can enjoy a glass of amber nectar before bed and sleep like a baby, up until mid-morning, making the most of your free late checkout.  

For further sightseeing suggestions and discount deals, go to the Ambassador Hotel website, where you’ll get live availability and guaranteed best room rates.  

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Staying Healthy

Spring is here and hot on it’s heels will be summer, so many of us will be stepping up our physical fitness routines in an effort to look our best when the weather permits us to shed some layers of clothing. Spring break will see us nibbling away at those irresistible chocolate eggs, hitting the most fitness-conscious of us hard. 

Keeping this in mind, there’s nothing to stop you getting back on your healthy living schedule as soon as your holidays come around, and a visit to the Ambassador hotel doesn’t have to upset the status quo. Our fair city is famous for its diverse food scene, and while a three-course dinner in many Glasgow restaurants may require some extra gym time, we are in the know about a few obscure gems that won’t see you going off the rails quite so dramatically! Read on to see our pick of the bunch of healthy restaurants in Scotland’s largest city. 

Fit Food Bistro

Set inside Tiso’s flagship Glasgow store, Fit Food Bistro has its origins firmly set within the notion that healthy food should still be delicious. Wholesome soup, energizing breakfasts and copious amounts of vitamin-rich smoothies, make this eatery a prime spot for health-conscious shoppers looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat mid-spree. Plus, the friendly folks at Fit Food think there’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself with a slice of cake from time to time!

KCAL Kitchen

Walking through the city centre with an empty tummy can be tricky when you’re trying not to give in to temptation and stay on the side of healthy. Luckily, KCAL Kitchen saves the day every time. The West Regent Street café’s approach is nutritious food made delicious, and with a whole menu devoted to dessert, we’re really impressed! Check out their Muscle Builder burger for the ultimate protein boost, or choose an egg based breakfast from their selection of omelettes and eggs on toast to pep up your day. 

 

 

Picnic

Serving up fresh grub for all the animal-lovers out there, Picnic is 100% vegan and proud of it. The lovely staff serve a wide variety of smoothies and juices, burgers, baked sweet potato, super salads and, needless to say – a mouth-watering dessert menu. 

Singl-End

How can we put Singl-End on our list when they have an entire trestle table jam-packed with cakes, we detect you thinking? Well, obviously, the cakes aren’t compulsory (but they’re oh-so divine!) and this bakehouse has more to tempt you than just sweet treats. Order the vegan breakfast, eggs on toast or freshly prepared sandwiches to
please your taste buds and your healthy diet. 

 

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Everything You Need To Know…

If you’re from out of town, it can be tricky to know what’s on offer in a strange city. Glasgow folk who live here will always recommend the West End to new arrivals. With its old fashioned, sandstone tenement apartments, tree-lined River Kelvin and the Harry Potter-like University of Glasgow turrets, the place has a lot going for it. The West End is a blend of professionals and students and has a raw cosmopolitan feel. You’ll encounter park yoga, alternative dance lessons and book groups, as well as some interesting clubs and a whole gamut of award-winning restaurants. It’s a highbrow setting, with a large emphasis on education and enjoying life to the full. Pore over our selection of favourite West End spots and pastimes. 

Alternative Movement at In the Moment

Just sitting on the edge of the West End, in the Moment is a movement and dance hub with a difference. Tai Chi, Somatic Movement, Biodanza, Five Rhythms, Self Love Club and more fill up the timetable. If you’re curious as to what some of those are, have a look at their website for class descriptions and go along with an an open mind. We promise you’ll emerge feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and ultra
relaxed.

Botanic Gardens

The time-honoured attractions are the best and the Botanic Gardens are only a few minutes’ walk from our door. You’ll be in awe at long-established glasshouses (complete with koi carp pond!) displaying a broad range of weird and wonderful plants from far-flung destinations across the globe – some as big as houses! There are seating benches outside for basking in the sunshine, or why not bring a picnic blanket and stretch out with a few nibbles. Indulge in a coffee and cake from North Star Café just a few steps away and enjoy a chilled out afternoon.

Byres Road and Ruthven Lane

We’ve put these two together because the word on the street is – shopping! From bookshops (old and new – from Waterstones and an interestingly-stocked Oxfam bookshop across the road) to vintage vinyl, vintage clothes from yesteryear and high street brands like Oliver Bonas and Fat Face. Go easy on the credit card though, or you could find yourself spending a bit more than you planned!

Food, Glorious Food

When you’re not wandering along the River Kelvin or charity shop bargain hunting, spoil yourself with some tasty food from one of the countless and diverse restaurants and cafes the West End has to offer. The University Café is a charming vestige of the 1930s and still has many of it’s original fixtures and fittings for you to marvel at. Plus, their home-made ice cream is legendary! Transport yourself to Japan via Glasgow at Bar Soba, and sample South-east Asian street food dishes or go upmarket with nouveau cuisine at Ubiquitous Chip.

Medical History at the Huntarian

Little known outside of the medical community and historian circles, William Hunter was the forefather of the study of obstetrics and his research and ground-breaking techniques have saved the lives of literally millions of women and babies. Discover facts about his amazing life and work for free at Glasgow University’s Hunterian Museum – beware, some of the exhibits are not for the squeamish!

Discover Glasgow by Subway

Glasgow’s subway is so easy to navigate due to it running in a circular loop! It’s possible to go clockwise or anti-clockwise; you will eventually be back at your starting point. Running every 4 minutes, it takes just 24 minutes to get around 15 different stops. Because of its simplicity, it’s one of the best ways to travel about the city and is much favoured by both locals and visitors. Tickets are really cheap, with a return costing just £2.90 while a 7-day ticket is only £14 and can sweep you away from the Albion Hotel to the city centre in less than ten minutes. This month, we’d like to help you uncover some of Glasgow’s high spots and all prominent areas are within minutes of a subway station. 

Now, your first priority is to purchase your tickets for the “Clockwork Orange” (so-coined because of it’s dominating orange theme!) and appreciate Scotland’s biggest and best city like a native!

St Enoch Centre

At the southern end of the city centre you’ll come to St Enoch station. Disembark here to find a shopping centre full of well-known retail outlets stocking the newest trends, or stroll the length of the famous Argyle Street and experience the dynamic vibe of the city, having a sit down for coffee and donuts at Tim Hortons while enjoying a host of brilliant buskers along the way. 

Cowcaddens

Artist Rogue-One has, without a doubt, revitalised one of the less attractive areas in Glasgow. Cowcaddens station is well positioned to visit treasures such as Singl-End bakehouse and the Tenement House, and has been given a revamp in recent times with a utterly surprising mural, enhancing it’s previously grey walls. We won’t reveal too much so as to not ruin the surprise, but we recommend that you go see it!

Ibrox

Residence of the celebrated Rangers Football Club of course! It’s football gold, really. Home to one of two famous Glasgow teams, Ibrox is a true fixture on the Glasgow landscape and consistently draws in the fans with it’s exciting atmosphere on match day !

Kelvinbridge  

This subway stop is so near to our residence, you won’t even need to take a train! It’s certainly one to remember though because this station is slap-bang in the centre of the West End – half way along Great Western Road and a mere five minutes from Byres Road. It’s encompassed by many of the finest shops, cafes, bars and eateries in Glasgow; try the tremendously popular Kelvin Pocket for a chilled out ambience, great music and delightful coffee and cakes, or Inn Deep for craft beers and really delicious eats. 

Kelvinhall

Located amongst the bustle of Partick’s main street, you won’t need to wander far from Kelvinhall station to find the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, with its historical and glorious collections and intriguing events schedule. Have a roam through the park to completely immerse yourself in one of Glasgow’s most inviting green spaces – you will be glad you did, even in the winter cold!

Shop Til You Drop: Glasgow’s Style Mile!

Let’s be honest. The Glasgow climate can be a bit unpredictable more often than not. But the one great pastime that’s sure to cajole us out to the city centre in any conditions, is an opportunity to shop along the famous Style Mile. We hold our hands up – we’re shop-a-holics. If you, like us, love to browse the fashion aisles then watch as your newest find is lovingly swathed in gift wrap (even though its obviously a gift to yourself – we won’t tell if you don’t!), then read on to be in the know about which of our top locations to visit, on the Mile when you’re next in town. 

Princes Square Mall

This ritzy-looking venue isn’t your typical mall. It houses luxury high-street brands like French Connection, Ted Baker and Le Creuset, you’ll also be spoiled with a designer selection from the likes of Vivienne Westwood. Plus, their dining options are first-class. Independent and chain restaurants are situated either in the basement – where a central open space plays host to regular markets, fairs and concerts – or on the top level of the mall, where the glass roof gives diners lots of natural light. 

 

Argyll Arcade

Looking for the perfect ring to present as a special question is popped? then Argyll Arcade is the place to go. This 19th century shopping space’s architecture has stayed largely untouched and is a favourite haunt for watch and jewellery connoisseurs. You can find the big brands of course, like Mappin & Webb, Ernest Jones and Omega, where you can opt for a wow-factor watch or necklace to mark an occasion. Smaller jewellers aren’t to be dismissed though, such as ROX Diamonds and Thrills and Laings of Glasgow definitely make their presence known, boasting specialists of the highest standard in their field – really helpful for advice prior to a large purchase. 

Buchanan Galleries

For department stores such as John Lewis and a huge Boots, you’ll discover it all under one roof at Buchanan Galleries. If you’ve walked from the beginning of the Mile – St Enoch Square – it’s probably going to be coffee o’clock, so have a sit down and relax at Starbucks, Costa, or John Lewis’ very own café. The kids will be pulling you along to play at the Lego store, or you can treat yourself to something pretty at Boux Avenue. Remember to explore the bottom floor before you go. to pick up a Krispy Kreme donut, tasty pretzel from Mr Cinnamon or even bubble tea at MooBoo.
 

After a fabulous shopping spree, your tired feet will have earned a much deserved rest back at the hotel. Check out our regular blog to keep posted on our latest deals for the Albion Hotel and enjoy the Style Mile in, well, style!

Our Travel Tips!

We welcome travellers from the around the globe through our doors every week of the year and frequently get asked questions about the practicalities of a stay in the UK. In this month’s blog we hope to explain the basics to you, so if you’re coming from a long distance away, you can make yourself comfortable as quickly as possible and enjoy your stay at the Albion Hotel to the max. 

Power Up

In the UK we use 13 AMP plugs with three pins. The voltage is 240v – a little higher than in many regions of the world – so check that your appliances can function at this level. Before you depart your home country, or at the airport, purchase a plug converter to make sure you are fully prepared on your arrival. 

Getting Around

The Albion Hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the nearest SPT Subway Station. The subway map can appear a bit confusing at first, given that it’s simply a circle! There are 14 stops, and a single ticket whisks you to whichever stop you wish on one line, meaning you’ll pay the same amount if you want to get off at stop 12 as you would stop 4, for example. Trains are really regular throughout the day but be aware – the Subway stops operating in the early evening on a Sunday! Buses are also a great choice for travelling around the city, although exact change or card payment is required and they can be a little bit costly. 

For sheer convenience and peace of mind that you’re in the right place, use a taxi. Reception staff are always available to call you a cab whenever you may need one, just remember that black cabs from Glasgow Taxis take card payments while private hire cars only take cash. Glasgow also has an extensive Uber network. 

Finally, airport travel to and from Glasgow International is simple! A designated, express bus service operates up to every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day (less frequently very late at night). A return ticket is just £12 and buses are clean, comfortable and also have USB charging ports, free 4G WiFi on-board and accepts contactless payments up to £30. Journey takes 15 minutes.

Stay Warm

If you’ve learned anything about Scotland, you’ll have heard about our weather. Glasgow and the wider region can get very cold, especially during the winter months. Expect to require a warm, waterproof coat, hat, scarf and gloves at the very least. Remember to bring an umbrella and pack some thermal underwear too – just in case!

Health Matters

Getting ill on holiday can be a real pain in the neck, so we’re here to make sure you’re prepared if the worst should happen. Hospital Emergency Rooms are open 24/7 every day of the year, and the city has a couple of late-night pharmacies just a short taxi ride away from our hotel too. Here you’ll be able to get over the counter treatments for minor ailments and sickness, to keep you feeling in tip-top condition. Our water here in Scotland is safe to drink and, compared to the rest of the UK, is known for its purity – it does trickle down our mountain
peaks you know!