It’s not just a marketing slogan; it is true that Glasgow Loves Christmas. I love it too and I’ve been out and about testing out some Christmas experiences. I’ve picked out three festive places to visit this year, to eat, shop and be entertained in Glasgow.
Tempus Restaurant at Grand Central Hotel
Tempus Restaurant in the city’s Grand Central Hotel is such a stunning venue to go for a festive meal out – it is decorated for the festive season so beautifully. The food is top quality, the architecture and decor is gorgeous, and it has such a relaxed atmosphere. Last week I organised a Christmas dinner for some key Glasgow bloggers and we were spoiled by the Tempus Restaurant team. We had a whole mix of dietary requirements too, and they catered to every one of the easily.
One of the highlights of the evening was watching the Forgager’s Salad starter being prepared at the table. It contains everything from avocado and rocket, to hazelnuts and beetroot, and is a real treat. Another delicious starter option is their Chicken, Shallot and Apricot Terrine – the sweetness of the apricots went perfectly alongside the savoury onion and chicken.
I can also really recommend their traditional Christmas Turkey Dinner, and their Chocolate and Salted Caramel Tart – both were a must for me when ordering, and they were just perfection. They do a classic Christmas dinner very well, and I could have eaten every slice of that tart.
Glasgow Christmas Market at George Square & St. Enoch Square
Glasgow’s Christmas Market has a new organiser this year, so it’s back bigger and better than ever. You really could spend a whole afternoon or evening out here, as there’s so much to see and do. It looks and feels very much like a traditional Christmas market too, with lots of cosy European treats to try.
Some must-visit stalls include the Dutch Pancakes outlets at both George Square and St. Enoch Square. You get a plate of these small, round, gooey pancakes with whatever topping you want (there’s everything from toffee sauce and Nutella, to the traditional sugar and butter combo). You also need to check out the Rekorderlig Cider bar at George Square, as you can toast marshmallows while enjoying some hot mulled cider. If you still have room left, there’s an amazing Bubble Waffle stand at George Square, and the waffles come stuffed with sweet toppings – the Kinder chocolate option is incredible. I also need to recommend the coconut macaroon stand at St. Enoch Square – these warm, baked treats are delicious, and I just might have been back a few times to get some more.
There are also lots of stands at both locations where you can shop for Christmas presents. There’s everything from traditional wooden Christmas decorations, to Scottish gin brand Makar gift sets, to cheese wheels from the Snowdonia Cheese Company. There is literally hours and hours worth of eating and shopping fun.
The St. Enoch Centre is one of Glasgow’s major shopping centres and it’s packed full of amazing places to shop for Christmas presents or Christmas party outfits. They have a Disney Store and a Hamleys, if you are shopping for kid’s presents. Hotel Chocolat and Kimbles are the perfect places to head to for gourmet chocolates and sweet treats, and Debenhams is the ultimate beauty and fashion destination – housing beauty brands such as Guerlain, Dior, Urban Decay, Kat Von D, Origins, Decleor and Aveda. It’s a lovely shopping centre to spend a day in, and they even have a great food court and restaurants such as Ed’s Easy Diner.
These experiences were given to me complimentary, but all opinions are my own.
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