Hillhead Bookclub in Glasgow City

Used to be a fan of this place, unfortunately tonight I had the misfortune of sitting in the outside heated area with my friend, who happens to be Chinese. The bar staff, who had served my friend and I several times during the evening, chose to sit at a table close to ours and speak very loudly about how much she dislikes coming across 'Asian men' on her dating apps, and how she instantly dislikes them. My friend and I obviously felt uncomfortable at this racist comment and it ruined the night, such a shame to hear a worker of this establishment speak such a nasty view, and so loudly within earshot of other patrons.

Great bar, great atmosphere. Went in on a Friday night for couple of drinks before eating and sat in one of upstairs booths, intimate and perfect for us. Lovely gaff.

Great place in the west end for some casual drinks. Raspberry mojitos were really nice

The atmosphere was very good but unfortunately had a very very rude bartender.

We went here for weekend brunch, since they take reservations. I would not recommend that. The one cocktail we had tasted good, which makes sense as this is more of a cocktail/party type of place. The pictures of brunch here and what they served us were vastly different. Food had pretty obviously been frozen previously and reheated. Service was very kind, the food quality just wasn’t what we expected based on photos and prior reviews. We picked at our food and ended up going to another place.

Worst service I’ve seen in a long time - writing this at the bar

Nice place. Lovely staff. Worth a visit

Great food. Loud music on a Sunday afternoon. Definitely recommend.

Weird staff keep telling us we're in the way. Ok dudes we will go elsewhere.

Fun atmosphere with a nice drink selection that matches the theme and aesthetic. We did not have food but the drinks were made well and the staff, although inexperienced, were very friendly and committed to customer satisfaction.

Lovely venue with nice music and very clean, went in to use my student discount as they do good deals but was told they don’t do the discounts at the weekends which isn’t stated on the website and seems like it’s described to lure students into the bar. Also watched the many inexperienced bartenders attempt to make my drink which was painful to watch.

Advertises student discount but this doesn’t apply on Friday or Saturday nights which is not stated and seems designed to entice students in

yaz made me the best espresso martini i’ve ever had

Really nice bar both afternoon and evening. Brugal 1888 espresso martini is a must.

Lovely staff and a great atmosphere! Will definitely be back next time I'm in Glasgow!

Nice atmosphere but I am almost deaf after staying 2 hours here.

Recently visited Scotland and popped into Hillhead Bookclub as I was craving a burger! Brooke was my server. She was extremely helpful in my order, knowledgeable on the area and courteous!! Great music, vibrant atmosphere, cool vibe, large area to sit outside. Everyone was very nice! Highly recommend this place.

Loved everything about this place! Fantastic service from Eve, she was so friendly and polite!

Nice place with good atmosphere, nice food and Yasmin was super helpful and friendly very accomodating for our dog, would recommend

amaaaaazing - went for dinner and drinks last night and the service was incredibly attentive! The food also was so tasty and hit the spot - would defo reccomend!!

Great food and drinks! Came in for Meat Free Monday and my server Brooke had so many great recommendations and seemed very knowledgeable about the menu.

They've got really good prices and a great selection of cocktails!!! Shoutout to Brooke for the recommendations!!

Brooke was fantastic! Nice, sweet, and great to talk to.

Love the chilled afternoon vibe! Enjoyed a lovely glass of wine served by a v friendly barman. Food hit the spot too! Love the playlist. 🎵 I’ll be back!

I had a lovely time at book club with my friends, the food was so yummy and the service was really friendly. Our waitress Brooke was super helpful and friendly, I would recommend the loaded fries!

Brooke was amazing very knowledgeable.

Had an amazing time! Shoutout the American girl from Philly for great service

Amazing atmosphere and great service!

Nice place for a drink with mates but adding service charge for a pint which costs £6.10 did feel quite cheeky by the bartender as made it near enough £7 a pint considering there is no service when you order from the bar and carry the pint yourself

Was out with my husband for a late afternoon Friday drinks and popped in here for a few drinks haven't been in for a while but still as good as I remembered, really enjoyed the live music always a hit with me.

We ate vegetarian here upon our arrival in Glasgow in this atypically charming restaurant. The continuous service is very practical and the atmosphere of this place is warm. The prices correspond to what is done in Scotland and this remains correct for what is served. Special mention for the veggie version of Fish & Chips. We were able to pay by credit card and the service was fast.

Very quiet when we were there. Just had a few.

I’m not sure where to begin with this review, as our experience wasnt great from the start. While I understand that staff members may be new and still learning, the way management handled our situation only made things worse. We had reserved a table that included two bottles of prosecco and orange juice. Upon arrival, we had to request the prosecco, and the orange juice was missing. Despite reminding the staff three times, the orange juice was still not brought to the table right away. They also did not bring the fruit platter which was included in our package and when we asked about this, they told us "we don't do the fruit platter anymore", despite this being advertised on the website. This set a disappointing tone for the rest of our visit. When it came time to order food, we were not informed about items that were unavailable that day. As a result, three of us ordered dishes that were no longer on the menu. Additionally, when one guest ordered the classic mac muffin with an extra hash brown, it arrived without the hash brown but with an extra potato scone instead. After sending it back to be corrected, it was returned with the hash brown but the potato scone removed. This issue persisted after multiple attempts to explain our order. For the Highlander mac muffins, we ordered three with extra hash browns, but only two arrived, and neither had the extra hash brown. We politely reminded the staff, only to have one of our meals arrive 30 minutes later, after everyone else had finished eating. This delay was particularly disappointing as it was a birthday celebration. To add to the confusion, an additional mac muffin with an extra hash brown was brought out much later, despite us only requesting the missing hash browns. By then, we had already finished our meal and no longer wanted them. When it came time to settle the bill, the staff informed us that we wouldn’t be charged for the hash browns or the extra meal that no one ate, which was hardly a consolation. They also attempted to add a 10% service charge, despite the subpar service we received. While they did offer us a round of drinks for our next visit, it’s unlikely we’ll be returning after such a disappointing experience. Overall, the service we received was lacking, and the management's response did little to address the numerous issues we encountered during our visit.

Went for lunch and a few drinks with a couple of friends yesterday, thought the service was outstanding, food came very fast and was delicious. Our server Fiona couldn’t have been more helpful very friendly. Would recommend to all.

Good value for money. The portions are very good and you don't leave hungry. The decor is very nice and the service 👌 We ate there as a family at lunchtime but in the evening the atmosphere must be very lively because the place lends itself to it.

this was the best place ever anna and eve and scott where so nice n the coffee was mega will be back every day

Had brunch this morning at Hillhead Book Club. We were the only guests and had to wait half an hour for 2 simple dishes. The waffles and sauce hollandaise seemed ready-made and warmed up in the microwave. The ladies toilets were very filthy from the night before. We thought in advance that this would be a prime location, but no... A bad experience.

this place is weally cool 😎 widdly the gweatest place ever ❤️

3rd of August: A tall woman with black-curly hair is horrible and rude.

Went in ordered drinks and they came put a sign on our table it’s booked. We swapped tables as we planned to eat and again they came put a sign on our table. Then another member of staff came and said you have 15 minutes to finish as the table is booked later. Then 30 seconds later another staff member came and told us to move now, I said your colleague has just came over 30 seconds ago and said we have 15-20 mins left. The woman said okay now go, I said you know you are supposed to be polite we are paying customers? There seems to be confusion between what you are telling us and what your colleague is saying and you are giving us attitude over it.

Wonderful environment with super life music

Went for euro final and the in house commentary was disappointing. Left at half time

Very nice live music. Amazing disco vibes. Has a ping pong table.

Two friends and I had an amazing lunch this afternoon. Food was brilliant, drinks were great and our main server Rachel was so lovely as were the other servers who attended our table. Music was great and not too loud (those of a certain age will appreciate this) and there was a great atmosphere. We'll definitely be back.

Great selection and lovely service. Salt and chilli fries with kimchee were beautiful. The American girl from Philly serving us was a credit to the Bookclub. Very friendly and really hardworking.

Great atmosphere with helpful pleasant staff. Great pint of Guiness.

We had a wonderfull time here. Yasmin was a friendly and attentive employee. The food is good and nice prepared. An urban and exceptionel place, we highly recommend it.

It's a scam. There's no books. - A Disappointed Bibliophile

Busy! Just in for drinks. Nice table outside in the sun people watching, will come back.

Came for a cocktail masterclass and it was a great atmosphere and Dulcie was the best bartender we had so much fun , food was fab too 😄

My family and I just had lunch here. Nice atmosphere with board games and annuals which my daughter loved. Service was initially a bit slow but very friendly staff nonetheless. Main issue was the food. My husband ordered a Reuben toastie. I appreciate it was advertised as a “Breville classic” so maybe I should manage my expectations but at £9 I expected better than this (see picture).

We were here for a friends birthday for the cocktail class. We also had the buffet too. Omgg it was sooo good the girl on the bar was brilliant!! Dulcie you are bloody fab gal. She really took her time and was good fun! Really recommend. The food was surprisingly delicious. Yummm

We had the best cocktail making class ever and lovely food with Dulcie 🤩 we made two stunning cocktails Mojito & Daquiri & had so much fun on our friends birthday!!! We will be back, super fun night, definitely book everyone!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Also catered brilliantly to celiac & vegetarians! 10/10

Just had a great lunch and drinks at Bookclub. Jess was amazing, her cocktails were great!

Popped in for some graduation drinks and received great service from Anna and Alanna! They were super friendly and offered great recommendations which were lovely! Highly recommend!!

Good discovery due to chance and the pretty mural outside. Nice atmosphere, good music and surprise: a Scottish and Irish music group (banjo, guitar, harmonica).

They gave me son the worst tasting piece of chicken I have ever come across. I invited the staff to try it. The manager was very nice and offered to take it off the bill. The waitress however didn't do that.

Super good, super beautiful and super nice And lots of good choices for vegan and vegetarian

Awesome venue! Friendly staff & great music!

It's one of my favourite bars! Great atmosphere and service. Food is delicious and a great selection of cocktails, too.

Table tennis at a bar what else do you need really?

I have always liked the vibe of bookclub. On this weekend, I was excited to bring my guest, and for him to experience what I had before. Everything started promising: the table we had, food, drinks, and questions that were entertained related to the menu. This was all okay until we were finished with our meal. It took more than thirty minutes for our bill to come even after telling two staff that we were ready to pay. In addition, we had to wait another extra time to actually pay the bill by card. As much as I patronise this place, it saddens me that this incident is giving me doubts now. I just hope this will be improved.

It's a nice pub and waitress was very friendly but I have to say that the food was decidedly mediocre and not great value for money. Ok, I know everything is expensive these days but £16.50 for a pretty flavourless shrimp burger (which was clearly a processed item and not freshly made) and fries without salad or any trimmings was disappointing. My wife was underwhelmed by her food too. Based on our experience at least, nice as a drinking pub but not for food.

Extremely long waits for drinks and I always struggle to find a table

Booked for my birthday. Requested to be outside in the beer garden when i booked and called on the day so theyd be aware :) ( you cant book it but if there is space on arrival). Was seated upstairs inside and couldnt leave the table really until my friends arrived and there were train delay issues , so went down to ask if there was any space outside and if it was ok to move there instead if something becomes available. Was met with a very dirty look from one of the girls , her name might have been Neve ? and told you're welcome to check and she walked off before I could explain further. Not exactly a great reception for my birthday...

It's been my 2nd appearance in Hillhead BookClub. Decent inside and very warm and comforting down stairs and upstairs. Usually get high level profiles heading in and with good seating areas and open social standing for drinking your favourite soft or alcohol drink. My soda and water limes didn't cost much and staff seem alright. The only thing I would say is the time it takes to get a drink or to be served is the longest I waited at a bar I think they must lose customers and money because my time waiting in the queue I noticed potential customers leaving because of the wait time and that's with 4 to 5 staff in at the bar. The bar staff are in slow motion and have no urgency in getting customers served it could be they don't want to be feel pressured and with a more calm attitude. The first wasn't as busy and servies to be served was better.

Reccomend here if you want to to wait 30mins for a poor pint. They need to redo the bar layout as the staff seemed to struggle.

Hillhead Bookclub is a vibrant pub in the West End! It quickly fills up with young people, mostly students from the nearby University of Glasgow. I brought my daughter and her husband here when they were visiting from Amsterdam. We sat outside as the weather was really good that day. Then as the night wore on and it got colder, we went upstairs and sat in the most interesting little nook and cranny. Great drinks and great prices, friendly people all around. The West End in all its glory!

I was actually amazed at it's size inside. Maybe not my favourite place for a drink, but you'll definitely have a good time.

Didn't try the food this time around. Love the building and the busy vibe on a Saturday. The food passing by looked good so will try on another day. There were plenty of staff behind the bar and the service was for drinks was good, the drinks are a little expensive but it is well placed in the West End.

Great atmosphere and friendly staff

Sunday afternoon old skool toastie with a couple of pints of Guinness with some live music, great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Booked a drinks table . Music at 6.30pm but we had other plans . Im sure it would've been fun . They have a full programme every evening

Lovely setting. Plenty of seats. Good beer selection.

Archie was fab during our cocktail masterclass! Recommend

Archie was our bartender for a hen do booking. He was absolutely fabulous and such a great host!!!! Totally brill

Archie was brilliant. Taught me how to make a proper cocktail. Will come back to Hillhead Bookclub when the extended outdoor seating is back for the summer.

Archie is the best man in the world. We love him and his support with making cocktails for my hen do. He’s a legend, never let anyone else do it. What a professional.

Fantastic bar and restaurant within turn of the century converted cinema . Amazing original architecture. We arrived late afternoon and the atmosphere was relaxed and relatively quiet for conversations. Didn't order food but drinks were reasonably priced for the West End . Pool table and Ping pong are upstairs and separated conveniently. Staff are friendly and welcoming . Wheelchair access is good for the ground floor section.

Not a great experience to be honest. The place was pretty empty, yet our food took over 20 minutes to be brought to our table and speaking of food, in this day and age you'd expect a few more vegan main options, not just a falafel burger, or katsu curry. On top of that they added a 10% service charge even though the service was meh! I don't think we will be going there again

the bar is so cozy and all around goooddd vibes! love the athmosphere and choices here. couldnt recommend it enough

Probably the coolest place I've been! Interesting atmosphere, booked themed menus, board games that you can play and friendly staff.

Massive thank you to Archie for making me a Mai Tai despite it not being on the menu! Friendly and great atmosphere. Thank you

Had 4 lovely cocktails made by Archie :-)

Good coffee and beer, a nice place to chill out or watch a film as they have one showing on a screen, although you’ll have to read it to follow the plot. They also have a ping pong and a pool table that you can play for free and some gaming machines.

Fantastic brunch, great atmosphere

Archie was is making fantastic annoying drinks for us all night !

Absolutely unreal atmosphere and such lovely staff. God bless u Euan with the curtains give that guy a raise immediately

Service was lovely, the glass my beer came with was hot but obviously it was just out of the glass wash. The burger was nice but the actual patty wasn't the best quality and a weird pink reformed pink. The fries had a great rough cut to them but were slightly under and pale. Wiling to come back and see if the other items are a bit better.

your staff member Ethan was so lovely :) got us a blanket and lit the heater on a cold day!

Great service from Ethan! Master at the cocktails.

Ethan was the best server ive ever had. Will be coming back!

cheers ethan for the service and the craic!!!

Would recommend! Ethan and Mile were great

Good vibes but service can be slow. Wasnt busy when we went for brunch but took half an hour to get our order taken, and I've waited an hour for a drink before. Food is generally good as long as what's delivered matches what's on the menu. We got Eggs Bennie and fry ups and they were great, but the croque monsieurs were really more of a cheese toastie which was quite disappointing for the price. Cocktails are generally decent. The Sunday market is pretty good as well - lots of variety of handmade/vintage and they have tarot readings too.

Good beers, table tennis and chilled music.

Food was great, however feel like the food was let down by the service. Thought the place looking interesting on the inside. Will have a return at some point to see if we were just unlucky.

Beautiful space with live music, ping pong, great range of drinks and food. Used to be an old cinema and has lots of stylish features and furniture

Really nice place for a drink, had a watermelon margarita which was delicious and the staff were very friendly. Super cosy place with a great atmosphere!

Lovely food! Lovely staff! Also Archie is good at his job