Visiting The Spiritualist in Glasgow never gets boring! They have an excellent collection of spirits and liqueurs (approx. 320 bottles last time I asked!) and you can order pretty much any cocktail you can think of. Located in the buzzing Merchant City, just a stone’s throw away from George Square, the venue is open for lunch and dinner, making it a great place to escape the city (I mean rain!), unwind with a cup of coffee and the day’s paper or warm up with something stronger.
The Bar
When I’m up in Glasgow I make sure to visit The Spiritualist as I enjoy the atmosphere. I always make a point of sitting at the bar. Six long shelves of bottles to admire, and on each visit I spot something new as they cover the best of the latest bottlings as well as some old classics. Whether tequila, whisky or even cognac is your vice, the well-dressed bar staff are all knowledgeable and always full of great suggestions. Even if the staff may change at times, they are still consistent with their knowledge.
The cocktail menu changes from time to time, and one of their specialities is a cocktail on the rock. It might be a Negroni or a Cosmopolitan, and you must break the rock to release the drink into the cocktail glass. Maybe a bit OTT, but definitely a lot of fun! I’m always inclined to go with a classic cocktail, but that’s never a problem as the bartenders can create drinks on request.
When ordering a G&T you have a huge range of gins to choose from, as well as a variety of tonics (plain and flavoured), and if you are set on a specific garnish, feel free to ask for your favourites! If you’re not into spirits, not to worry, they have enough wines and beers to choose from.
On the bar menu you can find a selection of bar snacks – choose three plates for £10 or simply some olives. If you opt for the plates, I can’t recommend the oyster mushrooms enough!
The Restaurant
This venue is made for date nights. They have live piano and vocalist every weekend to create a nice chilled vibe. The venue is fancy, but not over the top. Dress up and suck in the atmosphere (and those delicious cocktails!).
The Spiritualist supports local independent suppliers, focusing on responsible and sustainable sources throughout Scotland. Their menus are contemporary and very reasonably priced, and both menus change with the season. The à la carte menu offers anything from oysters to tuna steaks to Scottish beef, never mind the delicious side dishes! If you are penny pinching and want to leave money for cocktails, they offer a tasty market menu on weekdays with a choice of two or three courses and plenty to choose from.
Á la carte menu from 4pm Mon–Fri, from 12pm Sat–Sun
Market menu 12–7:30pm Mon–Wed, 12–6pm Thu–Fri
62 Miller Street, Merchant City, Glasgow, G1 1DT
