Blackfriars in Glasgow City

We have always been big fans of Blackfriars..but recently not so much..not just because it’s a bit over priced n needs a bit of a clean..went in yesterday 8th March glasses n pizza boxes all over tables Main reason not fans anymore is because the rudest barman in Glasgow works there..last few times we’ve been in with friends we’ve all commented on how ignorant he is.. mr bearded topknot needs a lesson in customer service.. won’t be back because of him

The only thing that let this venue down for me is that they do not stock Bacardi . Otherwise it was fine.

We didn't have anything to eat. The pub was really busy but we only waited five minutes on a drink. We had booked to see comedian Stuart Mitchell who was absolutely brilliant. They also had a band playing upstairs who seemed really good.

Corey and Reece looked after us mint. Great night.

Stewart Mitchell amazing..same venue down stairs so good. Up stairs was abit cramped way people waiting. Staff very personal and patient. Will be returning

Hated this place. I promise never to enter this place again. The one cubicle and 2 urinals are the least of my worries. The blonde girl behind the bar that looked into my soul without saying a thing to me before I ordered. I mean, it's basic. "Hi" that would have been fine. Nope, nothing. That's not the reason I won't go back. It's tired, the toilet is disgusting and tbh, it's just not a nice place. There we go. The best 1 star I've ever given.

Chris the bar tender was amazing

Really good service 10/10, bar man Chris is a professional 10/10

Great bar, good live music on Sunday. They ran out of guiness so I was surprised, but overall good bar!

Had some great beer. Lovely staff

Here is a recommendation… give Blackfriars comedy nights a swerve… £20 for a fully restrictive view, under an air vent and in the path of the bar so people constantly bump into you on their way back from the bar… not to mention that the people at the front get to hear and see what the comedian is doing and the people up the very back who have been squashed in (more money for the venue obviously) only hear the comedian so don’t know what is being said and only hear laughing from the front so have to assume that something funny has been said. Over sold tickets so people standing. Horrendous venue. Don’t waste your money. Unless you want to camp out and get a seat at the front. Worst night out ever

Comedy show was great, staff were very nice and helpful

Nice place, drinks prices are a total joke

I had a fantastic experience at Blackfriars of Bell Street in Glasgow. I went with my office staff for our Christmas drinks and dinner, and it was the perfect choice. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, with a charming mix of modern and rustic vibes. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. The food and drinks were excellent—great quality and reasonably priced. It’s an ideal spot for a festive gathering or just a casual meal and drinks with friends. Highly recommend this place if you’re in the Merchant City area!

Show was fantastic but the stewards on the door are so arrogant when show was finished my friend who had hip replacement 5 weeks previously needed the toilet she was told by bar staff member down stairs to go up stairs and use as they need to clean for next show but the steward wouldn’t let her in to use the toilet so we went Carol the road to O’Neill,s so she could use there’s before we got picked up we went back to sit outside on the seats at Blackfriars to be asked to remove ourselves from the premises by the stewards we did ask to speak to the manager but they told us it wasn’t necessary so arrogant those 2 stewards

Staff working hard on a Saturday . Very busy . Music could have been a bit lower as everyone was having to shout ., but it's a good pub with plenty of quiz nights and music and something on most nights . Did not try food another vist Dec 2024 , staff working well

Just there for a comedy event but for a glass of wine and a bottle of water it cost just over £11. A bit expensive for drinks I think.

Great little bar with friendly staff. Serves a range of beers and drinks. Spent time with colleagues there for drinks reception . Recommended for low key works functions .

First stop on my wife, Dianne, and I's date. Two pints of Furstenburg, please. No problem sir. Back to the 80's in a pint. Fabulous! While we were in the 80's, we had two pints of Red Stripe as well. Bringing back our early days, cheers 🍻. Brilliant staff, brilliant service, brilliant beer. Bravo 👏

Nice atmosphere, busy wee place but welcoming and friendly.

Nice pub, good music, fast service. I didn't eat but food looked good as it passed.

Great to have it open again. Good selection of beers and Spirits. Live music and a friendly atmosphere.

My wife and I visited here for a couple of drinks before going for dinner at a local restaurant. Although it was quiet albeit a Monday night, the service was very good and the beers on tap were spot on .

Fantastic place would go back in a heart beat

I didn't eat so can't comment on the food. Was at a Definitely not Goblins Halloween special in the downstairs bar was a great evening

We were staying around the corner, so we've been here before. We drank a lot of The Kraken with cola! Tasty combination. We also had a few small snacks: Loaded Fries with Nashville fries chicken and the Buffalo chicken. Tasty and quite sharp! There was live music on Friday evening! Very nice. Nice pub, friendly staff.

Was in for comedy show so only bought drinkz

Was my first night out since wee lost my best friend a year ago and we all came out to celebrate her bday wee all had a good time no dramas

Went to a comedy club 🤣 I would definitely recommend it 👌

Went to see comedian Stuart Mitchell downstairs, small hall but great atmosphere

Great for cheap comedy #glesgada and a drink with your friends. Could do with more staff up stairs on comedy days so both bars are serving quickly

Good pub with friendly staff worth popping in.👍

Popped in for a pint very pleasant experience not too busy toilet was spotless

Went with my girlfriend late afternoon to have a pint and a bite to eat. The gentleman with the beard behind the bar was very friendly and helped us out on what food to order. Went with a Phillycheese steak pizza and a hotdog - both extremely tasty. The atmosphere in the venue was nice and relaxing but we ended up sitting in the beer garden instead to enjoy what’s left of our Scottish summer lol

Went at the weekend for a comedy show, the show was great and in an ideal setting! After the show we stayed for drinks to enjoy the live music in the pub cause the atmosphere was great. Ended up ordering food and the bar staff were so helpful and friendly, got a salt and chilli hot dog - 10/10

Came for food and drinks before going to the comedy show downstairs. Felt a very welcoming atmosphere as soon as I came in. The pub was pretty busy but still managed to get served quickly with great service. The show was hilarious, such a great space downstairs and ran smoothly. We ended up staying in the pub for a while after the show as we loved it so much. Bar staff are tremendous. Will definitely be returning, highly recommend.

Went to comedy downstairs, was a good venue.

Walking into Blackfriars of Bell St felt like stepping into a scene where everything was just a little off. The atmosphere was chaotic, with bar staff looking stressed and directionless, as if they were trying to manage a situation that had long since spiraled out of control. The music was unreasonably loud, which didn't help matters. It felt like they were trying to drown out the chaos with volume. The food—while decent—didn’t quite hit the mark. The menu was limited, and what was served in Just Eat boxes from Nonna’s felt out of place in a setting like this. Eating from cardboard containers doesn’t exactly scream “welcome to a great night out.” And when the NFC menu on the table didn’t work, it just added another layer of frustration. As someone who’s worked in hospitality, I couldn't help but notice some concerning details. The bar itself was cluttered, and even more troubling were the partially open bottles left sitting out. That’s not just sloppy—it’s unprofessional and raises questions about hygiene and quality control. Service wasn’t much better. Despite giving our booking name multiple times, we were vaguely directed to our seats with a point from behind the bar. It was clear that the staff were overwhelmed and uncoordinated, with everyone trying to stay afloat amidst the chaos. The live show had potential, but even that experience was tarnished by disorganization. Instructions were shouted through a small stairway, and guests were crammed into every available space, including seats awkwardly placed against the walls. The room felt claustrophobic, made worse by the lack of ventilation that turned the space into a sauna. It’s a shame because the act was brilliant—11/10. But the venue itself is in desperate need of attention. With the recent closure of the Metropolitan, Blackfriars should be stepping up, not stepping back. If they want to stay in the game, they need to address these issues—starting with cleanliness, organization, and basic hospitality standards.

Great spot for food and then down to the basement for gigs

It was a busy Sunday afternoon but the staff seemed clueless and disinterested resulting in poor service for drinks charged at a premium rate. Atmosphere rating is due solely to the band.

Wednesday comedy night is brilliant. Staff are first class.

Pub quiz done. Was very easy, could be a little more difficult. A good, friendly quizmaster! Nice location, a bit noisy at times: regulars who paid less attention to the environment. Maybe just get rid of the scribbling in the men's bathroom. Otherwise good pub!

Great pub and great location, a great buzz about the area , the bar itself has some really nice beers with the bar staff really helpful , recommend it

Nice Pub. The Kids Loved the Chips and we drank our first IRN BRU. Which two out of three found good. Stuff ist Kind and frindly, like all Scotts we meat. Short correction after the 2nd visit on the service.

Amazing pizza! Lovely service who are ready to help!

I went to this bar as I needed to rest a bit as it was my first day in Glasgow and I’d been walking around a lot (1st August 2024). It was very quiet nobody in the pub at the time but the music and atmosphere was still amazing. I ordered one of the new sandwiches with fries but was told it could not be accommodated due to how they were produced. But that was okay as I ended up having the margarita pizza instead with fries and it was so good the service was quick the staff member on shift was so lovely and accommodating and he helped me make choices on what food to have. It definitely feels like a really good pub and will definitely be coming back any time I’m in Glasgow now.

Great bar, great drinks, great venue.

Warm welcome, very friendly! Tasty cask ales, we had a lovely time :)

Geart night out staff are really good 👍

Great music in the background on a Thursday lunch time

Amazing prices and lovely bar staff

Best pub around. Great live music. Staff are fantastic.

Always a good spot for a few pints. Good outside area for yer nice days to people watch. Some cracking nights in the basement too.

Nice pub attended a great comedy show at the venue

Stopped in for a couple of pints, nice place.

Leaving party, great pub, will be back

Had such a good night in here. Left four almost finished drinks and went out for a smoke and came back in to a very apologetic Chris and Liam, they were so lovely. We laughed and said it was completely fine but they poured us fresh pints! Genuinely very kind guys and very quick service and friendly service! Definitely going back x

Chris & Liam, top tier staff with excellent patter. Customer service on point and a great pint!

Great wee pub but don't order hipster beers or you'll be bankrupt.

Didn't eat, went for a comedy show. Great atmosphere! Lovely staff! Lucky enough to see David Duffy singing songs as well! Great fun place, be going there on a Sunday afternoon more often!

Beer and entertainment was good, but too busy for me. Service was slow,but hey it was busy.

Not as good as I remember. I won't be rushing back.

Good bar Tuesday night was a fun quiz night

Only negative was having to go downstairs for the other part of the venue for performances like comedy Nights, so disability access not good because it is two flights of stairs going down, But the staff were amazing and very very helpful they allowed us in early to access it we managed just about ,but took us about 15 minutes to get downstairs, great performance by stuart Mitchell comedian 5 star, anyway back to venue there is a multi-storey car park 100 ft away as you cannot park on triple yellow lines,

Fantastic pub, always a great atmosphere. They have an excellent selection of real ales, delicious food, and offer a very moreish pint of Guinness. Staff are always welcoming- we were served by Chris on our visit, who was a lovely chap and very friendly. I hear they also feature live entertainment and comedians in the evenings.

Was here for a comedy show which was really good.

Lovely staff, brilliant venue, comedy gig downstairs and live music upstairs, definitely recommend

If you are looking for a hot beer you have the address

Guinness was £6.50! A Guinness, double gin lemonade, single glenfiddich was £30!! Ridiculous and passive aggressive bar staff too. Avoid. Was on a weekend trip to glasgow from England and found much better and more reasonably priced pubs.

Fantastic night downstairs tonight for the comedy night. We'll definitely be back

We had a drink up the stair there was a singer with guitar he was absolutely amazing and played a mix of songs.. loved it. Went to comedy club down the stairs, it's cosy. The acts where very funny though. My partner asked me if I wanted a drink as he was going to toilet and member of staff shhhhhh'd us.. so kinda took shine off it a bit.. but other than that reasonably priced pub and amazing atmosphere up the stairs. Would def go back to the pub!

Came as a group for the pub quiz. Fantastic night. Staff are very welcoming and the quiz host was top notch! Definitely be back!

Great atmosphere with live music. Staff were lovely, very helpful and polite. Had a great night will definitely visit again. Thankyou all.

Fantastic place with an awesome vibe. Staff were amazing and couldn't do enough for us. A must for anyone visiting Glasgow. Well done to all.

Great pub with good service and food was lovely. Had a nice atmosphere. Would visit again.

Poor culture of staff, rude and arrogant

Great vibes, awesome atmosphere! Live music is great! Bar staff were amazing and the food especially the pizza n the loaded fries I recommend! Both great!

We were in for the comedy show which was quite good, the compere was the best, the other 3 were average but the drinks were very expensive. For a pint of neck oil, a can iron bru and double grouse it was £18, a bit over the top .

They offer a food service from another venue (Nonna's) but ordering and communication between the pub and the venue is limited It's been near 50 minutes since ordering a pizza and hot dog with no sign of arrival - bar cutlery being set at the table. Atmosphere and drink is nice but if you're here for a quick bite you're going to be starving Update: girl the food came (after an hour ish) and it was banging! Never had a vegan battered sausage until today! Fair play once the issue had been raised the staff were grand with it, would deffo come again just when there's no time constraints (just in case)

Great Atmosphere, Great staff and live music, Pizza is also very good will definitely be back!!!

If only they still served Hoegaarden on draft ... a great pub nonetheless

Spent the evening here for a comedy show. Had a brilliant time. Relaxed cool vibe.

Was here for Paddy's day great music, nice beer and an amazing atmosphere

Good pub basement comedy club worth a visit

A single gin with lemonade and a can of pop £8.30. £3 for the pop. Very expensive place

Packed pub and v good atmosphere. Good range of craft beers but disappointing lack of real ales prevents 5 stars. Still will go back

Smashing wee bar, excellent food and super staff. Loved it

Fantastic bar with a lovely atmosphere and lovely interior decor. The selection of beers was excellent and the bar staff were very friendly helpful and accommodating. Pub quiz Tuesday's are great fun. Will definitely be returning here.

Nice place to have a drink. Nice service and lots of choices! Can definitely recommend visiting!

Didn't eat so can't rate food but went here for a gig and the place and the staff were both fantastic.

Great spot for Saturday evenings - live music (bloke with a guitar playing 90 classics, James always gets a blast) and decent Guinness.

Great atmosphere, brilliant quiz night with Mr Mackie ! Beer is flowing !

Great boozer. Went for the comedy club night and loved it.

some places never change and this is one gem that hasn't. 30 years on and still going strong.

Great pub quiz - class tunes on! (extra point please)

Nice place for a drink, put £10 for a shot and a pint, way too much. Not be back. The staff were lovely 😍

Went to an event here in downstairs area. Insufficient cloakroom space only 30 mins after opening so had to spend event (as long as we could bear as heat was incredible on dance floor) wearing or holding my jacket, toilets were a mess and some out of action. The real problem was the bar, queues of up to 40 mins to get served, staff appearing to have meltdowns, not serving people in order causing anger and frustration between the punters, then seen one of them get right up in face of a wee woman standing at bar shouting at her (guy with ginger hair I think and one of those stupid man bun things). From the few times anyone in our group tried to get drinks it was a nightmare and attitude of bar staff was appalling at times. You’d think they’d appreciate the custom and the patience of punters for their own shocking organisation. Put it this way if they’d served better and provided cloakroom space they’d have made a load more money from us. Will never attend another event in this place and wouldn’t even have a drink upstairs after how they were treating us punters. Shame as the night had moved there from the old Admiral bar who’s staff were absolutely amazing and the event ran smooth as clockwork. Just to add, been to events all over city and beyond, festivals the lot and never had to queue so long for a drink. We actually spent Hogmanay 1999 in the upstairs bar and even that night you could get a drink within 15 mins. Guess current management and staff aren’t up to the job.

Booked a table last Saturday for lunch. (Now) I know the place was closed before re-opening several months ago but what a huge change place was nearly empty ordered drinks at bar and asked for food menu only to be told no kitchen hence no food finished our drinks and left won't be back

Nice atomspheren, we had great time while drinking our Guiness pint.

Atmosphere was good , bar service quite slow , waited about 20 mins to get served