Blackfriars in Glasgow City

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

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

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

Wednesday comedy night is brilliant. Staff are first class.

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.

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.

Great bar, great drinks, great venue.

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.

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.

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

Leaving party, great pub, will be back

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!

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

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.

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.

Poor culture of staff, rude and arrogant

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!!!

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!

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

Good to see it open again after the pandemic

Fantastic comedy night at Blackfriars...

Staff is horrible (barman and "bouncer"). We got a couple of G&Ts that had sparkling water instead of tonic, we didn't even have time to complain about it, since they started to kick everybody out with the bouncer standing annoyingly close and with a*s face. Total scam, I'll never visit again.

Excellent good atmosphere liked the decor and good music

Played a game of doms , no live music when we were in .

Great, cheap pizza delivery from a good pizza joint round the corner. Super friendly staff for a city centre pub, best quiz night you'll ever do.

Staff working hard but the Beavertown Neck Oil was okay first pint, then awful - like washing up liquid. Told bar staff - no reaction whatsoever. Very poor.

At the Comedy Cabaret in the basement, a bit crushed in... Sardines basically... and the bar service was really slow, they needed an extra pair of hands, though if people took their glasses back to the bar that would help. Show was good, we'll still go back. Didn't eat there so can't rate the food.

Went to the comedy night Really enjoyed it Nice venue

Was there for the comedy club night. Was good but felt very squashed in.

Used to a cool place to go but after reopening, just going for the upmarket crowd...

Comedy club was amazing,bar staff were awesome,dealt with large crowds quickly

I got soda water & blackcurrant soda was flat. Staff changed it, and this was flat, too. I couldn't drink it

Nice pub for a date or to listen to live music.

Great atmosphere, one of the better spots in the merchant city. Nice beers and some very nice gin. Staff were lovely. Good choice of vegan food

Great atmosphere just like an old pub. Live music amazing

Staff including the security Nicola and Reece were accommodating and friendly. Top service all around! Thanks guys

Popular place with the amount of reserved seating. Not a great atmosphere table lay out is invasive. Service slow and prices expensive.

Called on for Drink after a meal Live band on, good atmosphere

Still a nice bar but at over 6 quid for a pint surely better plumbing should be expected.

Really bad service ordered drinks at the bar .... ordered a white wine, vodka diet coke and Southern Comfort and lemonade they gave us a southern comfort and soda water their mistake and wouldn't change the drink guy at the bar was very cheeky.... came as a group would never come back with the bad attitude and bad service.

We visited on a Saturday afternoon and ended up staying till closing time. We could sit outside which was lovely to enjoy the September sunshine. The reason we stayed was the great jazz band. They were super.

Very expensive for a drink, dearest pint of Guinness in Glasgow I've ever had!

Un bon arrêt à l'entrée du centre de Glasgow pour boire une pinte de bière en terrasse. Le barman était très accueillant.

Shared some afternoon drinks in a Cody corner. Busy enough to give you atmosphere but quiet enough to make conversation. Good service, value for money drinks.

I was there for Darren Connell and the funny bunch gig what a great atmosphere and the staff could not be anymore welcoming or helpful if they tried. The place was so clean for the amount of people in it.

£14 for 2 pints of Beavertown Lager 😄 Used to be one of my favourite pubs in the City Centre but it's too expensive now.

This pub does a fantastic pub quiz on a Tuesday night! Lovely staff, good selection of drinks

The cask beer is well looked after

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

Okay atmosphere with very worn down restrooms. But the street food/sides/loaded is marvelous and the variety of beers is great.

Used to be one of the best pubs in glasgow with excellent selection of cask beer, craft cans and generally a welcoming pub atmosphere. Since it closed and was taken over, the beer selection has gone to pot, with Doom Bar seemingly acceptable as a guest beer. Here’s a clue, Doom Bar sucks. It’s also trying too hard to be trendy. Merchant city needs a real pub back.

Ordered a pizza via the ordering system. This took a long time for everyone. Once everybody else had gotten their food, I asked about mine. Was told that it had already been delivered to the table and someone else took it. This can happen. I got the money back and was offered a free drink. But I really didn't like that they insisted that someone at my table basically stole the pizza. I was there the whole time, there was no pizza. There would have also had to be an empty pizza carton.