Argyll Arcade, Glasgow (must see)

During your stay in Scotland you will certainly want to do some shopping and Argyll Street is the city’s main shopping area with its pedestrian zone from Trongate to Queen Street. While you are there, take a wander through Argyll Arcade.

The Arcade is Glasgow’s oldest covered market and the first shopping mall in Scotland. Old terrace buildings were torn down to create the Arcade, which links Argyll Street and Buchanan Street.

Designed in the Parisian style by John Baird in 1827 it is L-shaped with a hammer beam ceiling in cast iron and a glass roof. When it was built it served as an up-market shopping area for rich Victorian gentlefolk. Today it houses over 25 top-of-the-range jewellery shops and of course, the famous Sloans Bar and Restaurant.

This wonderful establishment is spread out over three floors and is a must if you are visiting Glasgow. On the ground floor you can enjoy a drink in the Snug, or pub food in the Bistro. On the first floor is an excellent restaurant and the Grand Ballroom is on the second floor.

If you are looking for something to do in the evenings, Sloans offers an “EatFilm” menu every week – a delicious meal on in the ballroom, followed by a viewing of one of the latest movies on its giant screen. If you want to stretch your brain, every Thursday you can take part in the Bad Boy Quiz Night – the winner takes home a crate of beer and other goodies.