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Victory Column, Eiffel Tower, you won’t find anything like that in Glasgow. It’s more about the feeling than about playing sightseeing bingo. It’s this vibe, the coolness of this city, that keeps you floating in the clouds and on the ground at the same time. Glasgow is like tequila on the rocks: what begins as a faint tingling sensation gradually enters the bloodstream, makes the heart pound and fogs the head. Kev Sherry sings songs about it – literally, because as a true Glasgow rock star he also has his own band, Attic Lights. This month he reveals the real gems of his home town.
Living in Glasgow
The Brunswick Hotel is something for real rock stars. Coolness literally sticks to every wall here and fills the rooms, especially when bands from all over Glasgow parade through the rooms as part of the “Get A Room” event. The Alamo Bed and Breakfast is typically old school: simple furnishings meet a cozy Scottish atmosphere. And the magnificent view of Kelvingrove Park is simply priceless.
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Restaurants in Glasgow
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Coffee my ass, a real Scotsman drinks tea and lots of it. The Tcha-Ovna Tearoom near Glasgow University offers over 80 varieties. The interior is reminiscent of a living room from the 60s, cozy, edgy, cool. It is also a wonderful place to feast on vegetarian delicacies. Glasgow’s Indian immigrants are to thank for the great Indian restaurants. Mother India is one of the best, but The Banana Leaf is the ultimate insider tip. This is where Indian workers meet for a chat, the food is authentic and cheap, making it probably the best takeaway in the city. Fans of fresh seafood are in the right place at The Crab Shakk – week-long waiting lists speak for themselves, so be sure to book early! The Hanoi Bike Shop serves the best Vietnamese food and delicious cocktails that look sweet but really heat you up. But be sure to try the Glasgow specialty, the deep-fried Mars bar, available at any good fish and chips stall.
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Shopping in Glasgow
When it comes to second-hand clothes, Glasgow is the place to be. Watermelon has all kinds of items, so take your time to browse. Unusual pieces can also be found at The Magpies Eye, a charity store in the Govan district. A1 Comics offers what is probably the largest collection of comics, including rare collector’s items. Mono, a concept store consisting of a restaurant, stage and record store where live bands play every day while you enjoy delicious veggie food next door, feels like you’re in cultural heaven.
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Party in Glasgow
There is no place for couch potatoes in this city. Those who throw themselves into the fray will not regret it. The Flying Duck throws the infamous monthly indie party “Back Tae Mine” – it’s like partying in a cauldron while the organizers project clips of their favourite films onto the walls. The best dance music can be found at The Arches or just around the corner at the legendary Sub Club. At King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut or Nice’n’Sleazy, young bands take to the stage every day, happy to collect a few pounds. Afterwards, the in-house DJs work the mixing desk until the sun rises over Glasgow.
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Quarters
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Ashton Lane in Glasgow’s West End is one of the city’s only remaining cobbled streets. There are small pubs and restaurants everywhere, as well as the famous Grosvenor cinema. Boutiques and numerous stores by local designers and artists are located on Byres Road and Great Western Road and are definitely worth a detour.
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Must do
Glasgow is see, feel, discover. Just stroll through the streets without a plan and let yourself drift. Be sure to visit The Optimo club and its world-famous DJ duo Twitch&Wilkes. When the two play in their home town, the club is bursting at the seams – with the best that Glasgow’s underground has to offer. The coolest place to chill out and meet people is The Berkeley Suite, a bar and club with an atmosphere that gives you goosebumps even in the middle of the night.
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Our host in Glasgow: Kev Sherry
is the singer of the band Attic Lights. Loves sensitive thoughts. Hates negativity. www.atticlights.com
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