Glasgow in winter … are you having a laugh?
No, but you could be at the Glasgow Comedy Festival, the largest in Europe (even bigger than that Fringe thingy in another Scottish city that will remain nameless). Now in its 13th year, it will feature more than 300 shows in 40 venues around the city.
Who’s headlining this year?
Stewart Lee, Dylan Moran, Jimmy Carr, Al Murray, Simon Amstell, Jerry Sadowitz, Nina Conti, Rich Hall, Frankie Boyle …
Enough giggling already, let’s get serious
Designed by starchitect Zaha Hadid, The Riverside Museum, which houses Glasgow’s transport collection, won European Museum of the Year in 2013. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has 22 themed rooms, displaying everything from Dali’s The Christ of St John of the Cross to a Spitfire aircraft. A whole gallery is dedicated to one of the city’s favourite sons, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
And for active types?
Hire a fixie and go for a spin at the state-of-the-art Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome (£10.40 an hour) built for last year’s Commonwealth Games.
I’ll need a pint after that
Calling itself the UK’s “first experiential craft brewery”, Drygate, in the East End, has a 24-tap beer hall, restaurant, bottle shop, beer garden and gallery.
And for something a little stronger?
Whisky from the Glengoyne Distillery, at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill near Loch Lomond, enjoys the slowest rate of distillation in Scotland. This encourages the formation of esters, for a sweet, smooth taste. The distillery offers tasting sessions, blending sessions and a £55 Malt Master tour.
What’s cooking?
Beneath Glasgow Central station, Alston Bar & Beef is a steakhouse and gin bar, serving a fine selection of both. Newly opened Porter & Rye on Argyle Street serves interesting small plates and Scottish dry-aged meats. Another newbie is Ox & Finch on Sauchiehall Street, for seasonal dishes such as tartare of roe deer and roast skate wing.
Anywhere to stay for under £100?
For futuristic design, central location and affordable prices, try Citizen M (doubles from £67 in March). The first Scottish branch of boutique chain Z Hotels (doubles from £67) is in a former printworks near George Square – rooms are simple and it’s also central.
Glasgow International Comedy Festival Headliners this year include Al Murray (22 March, King’s Theatre), Jerry Sadowitz (27 March, King’s Theatre), Stewart Lee (19 March, Clyde Auditorium), Shappi Khorsandi (27 March, Citizens Theatre), Hardeep Singh Kohli (13 March, Oran Mor) and Jimmy Carr (13/14 March, Clyde Auditorium). Ticket prices up to £28.
Do I need a car?
There are direct Virgin Trains to Glasgow from London, Birmingham and Crewe and many points in between … Oh, I see, so that’s why they’re sponsoring the comedy festival (and offering 20% off fares for its duration, subject to availability). Very clever.
