What does one do on a gloomy Saturday in February? Well, my friend and I decided it was the perfect day for a road trip to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and a vibrant melting pot of rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving cultural scene.
I love the drive from Yorkshire to Scotland, glorious countryside and rolling valleys give way to a cosmopolitan and expansive city offering something for every visitor. Whether exploring world-class museums, enjoying live music in bustling bars, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Glasgow’s unique blend of culture and contemporary flair makes it the perfect weekend getaway.
Just steps from Central Station, Radisson Blu Glasgow is ideally located to explore all that this exciting city has to offer, from cutting-edge art exhibitions to contemporary theatre performances.
We arrived at The Radisson Blu in the centre of Glasgow at lunchtime and wasted no time heading up to the sixth floor to check out our very luxurious abode – a two-bedroom suite with ALL the bells and whistles!
With a bedroom furnished with plush beds, premium linens, and ample storage space, at each side of the suite and both boasting an ensuite – one with a freestanding tub – the central spaces comprise a comfortable living area where guests can relax and a huge dining room perfect for entertaining and in-room dining. This suite is exquisite, beautifully turned out in stylish decor with unique design details and more swag than Jay-Z – we are in hotel heaven! With a bedroom and a bathroom each – we freshen up and meet in the decadent dining room to enjoy a bottle of fizz before heading out to enjoy the famous Glaswegian hospitality!
As we head downstairs and walk through the stylish reception area, I note that the hotel bar is a hive of activity. So often, hotel bars are dead as a doornail and lacking in atmosphere, but this place has a great vibe and is quite clearly well-regarded by locals and residents alike.
Glasgow enjoys a very convivial atmosphere on the weekend, and it is not unusual to find live music entertaining lively crowds in stylish bars alongside traditional pubs. If sport is your thing, then there is no shortage of places to enjoy the match, and if you’re looking to do some damage on your credit card then you will enjoy the plethora of shops from famous big brands and boutiques to independent outlets and artisans. The city is alive with street entertainers, vendors offering a huge variety of tasty treats and of course the peppering of enticing souvenir shops – I cannot possibly leave any destination without securing the obligatory fridge magnet – yes I am that girl!
After a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours enjoying the bright lights of Glasgow’s afternoon karaoke scene (yes, I’m that girl aswell), a few drinks with a variety of colourful locals and a spot of retail therapy, we head back to the sanctuary of the Radisson Blu and the welcome sight of a comfortable table at the in-house restaurant – The Grahamston.
The Grahamston Restaurant at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow offers a contemporary and inviting dining experience, blending modern style with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Named after the historic Grahamston district, the restaurant showcases a menu that features a delightful mix of local Scottish flavours, and international cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Guests can enjoy a relaxed yet elegant setting, with stylish décor and comfortable seating, making it ideal for a leisurely meal or a special occasion. The menu offers a variety of dishes to cater to all tastes, including hearty Scottish classics and contemporary creations.
We were absolutely ravenous after our afternoon of cavorting, so a slap-up meal was just what the doctor ordered – and The Grahamston did not disappoint.
To start my guest opted for the succulent seared scallops served vegetable pakoras, celeriac butter and madras butter – a beautifully balanced combination with the salt of the pakora cutting through the sweetness of the scallops perfectly.
I plumped for the lamb cutlets delicately flavoured with a smoky Malaysian rub and served with a spicy and sweet chilli jam – perfectly cooked, a little pink in the middle and a nice flavour. Chef’s kiss!
On to the main event and I’m delighted with my Kerala Hake, served with pea and spinach puree and a very lightly spiced Kerala sauce – again, a really nice combination of flavours that managed not to overpower the fish.
Across the table, my friend tucked into the tandoori marinated chicken served with sweetcorn puree, black dhal and a crispy chicken roll – I must admit I had a little food envy with this dish, and she certainly showered it with plaudits!
I would wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant, the menu is fantastic and offers a unique take on some quintessentially Scottish ingredients – we both enjoyed the Asian influences.
Dessert was a no go – or was it?
The one thing I really must impart about this hotel and restaurant is that nothing is too much trouble. The staff are wonderfully accommodating, and nothing is too much trouble. I couldn’t possibly manage a sweet treat after dinner, but of course, I could be tempted by the suggestion of a cheeseboard served in our luxurious suite with a glorious glass of red wine – how decadent can one girl be?
An air of melancholy hangs in the air as my friend and I ready ourselves to leave the comfort and opulence of our sixth-floor suite. I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed the hospitality offered by a truly exceptional team, from the reception staff to the front-of-house guys and even the people behind the scenes who make sure the rooms are impeccably clean – the Radisson Blu Glasgow is a truly upscale hotel offering the attention to detail that is often so lacking in the hospitality industry.
I was sad to say farewell so quickly, but it was farewell and not goodbye because as I finished my last mouthful of haggis from the bountiful breakfast buffet, I vowed that I would be back, and I insist you visit too. Book your break at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow today and prepare to enjoy a wonderful weekend at the best hotel in a fantastic city. Tell them I sent you.
Words by Joanne Brook-Smith
Address: 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow
Tel: 0141 204 3333