Known for its down-to-earth charm, striking Victorian architecture and legendary live music and comedy, Glasgow is a must on your shirt-tour bucket list!
Sometimes the best trips are whirlwind one-nighters. Our trip was exactly that. With a 7 AM flight from Bristol and landing at Glasgow airport just before 8:30 AM. Time was of the essence here, ensuring we packed as much as Glasgow could offer.
Here's where we ended up...
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Sneaker Laundry
Location: 73-77 Trongate, G1 5HB
Category: Fashion/Retail
If, like us, your ‘other’ obsession alongside football shirts is sneakers, then the Sneaker Laundry is an absolute must when visiting Glasgow. Quite simply, it’s a haven for sneaker freaks. Founded by collectors this store is a destination you’ll want to dedicate some serious time to. Packed full of second hand classics/limited collections and one off releases, the store also boasts, yes, you guessed it, a sneaker laundry service.
Just like your motor the good people offer a car valet-like service for your beloved shoes. The services range from a simple face lift and freshen up to a full on repair, basically as good as new service. You can witness the magic first hand, because the restoration and cleaning service happens right in front of your eyes.
The store is as you’d expect, beautifully curated with an array of laced beauties, as well as an offering of the store's own merch and shoe cleaning products. You’ll also find a good selection of the most beautiful sneaker books out there.
Browse the store with first grade coffee and chat to the team, whilst also struggling to decide what you’re going to spend your money on. Because you will spend money here, probably a lot. It’s a one-off and you won’t just be adding to your collection or wardrobe. You’ll be buying from a one of a kind source and taking a slice of Glasgow home with you. Failing that, just get your favourite pair cleaned up and looking like new. Either way, you’re walking away very happy.
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313 Detroit Pizza
Location: 51 Cochrane St, Glasgow G1 1HL
Category: Food/Restaurant
Like Pizza? Good. Love Pizza?… 313 Detroit Pizza. Deep pan goodness that will have you wishing for more and more. The menu is packed full of choice and you’ll always get your choice of spice with your order as well. Don’t order to share, because you’ll struggle to split these, the pizza is so good. Located on Cochrane St, it’s a great central spot, but not too close to the central tourist norms.
Whilst it’s one of the best, if not ‘the’ best pizza places in Glasgow, it’s also good to catch some televised sports. In the summer it’s also a great spot to eat outside also. Sadly we didn’t get to appreciate that because it was drizzly and colder than the surface of Neptune! It was possibly also their quietest day/evening of the week, so we couldn’t properly report on the atmosphere.
Anyway, thank us when you’ve visited and then go back again because you ‘need’ that second hit of chilly and honey drizzle on your pepperoni. Genuinely sensational. Vegan? No problem – 313 cater for this variety as well with a selection of their own classics. Be warned though,... If you’re seeking an alcoholic accompaniment to your pizza, then you won’t find it here.
Oh no, the good folk at 313 only stock beverages of the non alcoholic kind. But don’t hold it against them, they’ll still hit the spot, (sort of). OH and if you’re looking for a bit of silent anime on the big screen as you eat, (niche I know) then this is your place.
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Guido’s Coronation Restaurant
Location: 55 Gallowgate, G1 5AP
Category: Food/Restaurant
We’ve all witnessed the disappearance of proper, local, damn right, fucking superb fish and chips. Glasgow is no different. Cities and their inhibitors are constantly developing new tastes. Which puts the likes of Guido’s at risk. However, when you step into this joyful establishment, (which has existed since 1939) you soon reason why this place will still be here long into the future.
As soon as we walked in we were greeted with smiles and an energy from the staff that you don’t often see anymore. Before you’ve sat down you’ve been asked how you’re going, where you’re from and how you are enjoying the city. All as you squeeze through the tables and take in the decor. A mixture of history, sport memorabilia, (Celtic, Cycling and Serie A) – the heritage of the place hits you in the face!
Now, we’d come for the fish and chips at brunch hours. But this just meant one thing – fish and chips and a fully Scottish Breakfast was on the cards. Guido’s did not disappoint. It’s clear to see why this place is an institution on the Gallowgate.
The prices are fair and the food is exceptional. You eat in a throwback to somewhere between 1985 – 1995, with hand written signs on coloured card and diner style seating, that quite frankly should be named in law as a must have for all caf’s and greasy chippies.
Promise us one thing when you visit – ask them about the history and how an Italian settling in Glasgow created one of the city's most special places for the local community. There’s not many places that welcome tourists like us alongside locals who go there day in and day out. If you’re having breakfast, have the works. If it’s lunch you’re after, just go for the large fish and chips. The staff will take care of the rest.
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Saracen Head
Location: 209 Gallowgate, G1 5DX
Category: Pub
Fun fact… Billy Connelly once did a sketch/act, specifically on the Saracen Head! If you like pubs, pre-match or otherwise, you MUST visit the Sarry Heid. It’s a Celtic supporters graceland when it comes to watering holes. Packed full of memorabilia and framed memories, you can practically hear the walls talk. The ups and downs this establishment has seen over the years is staggering.
Go there, order a Guiness, stand by the fireplace and ask when Brian McClaire is next going to be in. Yep, he’s a regular. You’re welcome to take pictures in this historically elite pub, just don’t shoot video without asking permission first!
Take it from us. Especially on a match day. It’ll create an awkwardness like a fart at a funeral. Anyway, have 3 maybe 4 pints of the good stuff and get chatting to the Celtic faithful, whilst soaking up the history of one of the Gallowgate’s oldest establishments.
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Blue Lagoon
Location: 208 Argyle St, G2 8HA
Category: Restaurant
Yes, it’s another fish and chips, and frankly a bit shit. Safe to say, it’s not one to linger in, (we’ll say no more). But this is the spot you’re going to be sampling a Scottish delicacy. That’s right, the battered Mars bar. Everything about this deep fried treat sounds gross. But trust us when we say, if you haven’t had one before, then who are you to judge?
We asked around before trying and were urged to visit this spot on Argyle St, let’s just say the recommendation did not disappoint. We were rewarded for our patience with sweet, sticky hot treats covered in glorious batter. Shouldn’t work, does work! That was the verdict. The perfect way to see out a cold, boozy evening. We dare you to not want a second, immediately after you scoff down the first.
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The Glasgow Celtic Wear
Location: 219 Gallowgate, G1 5DX
Category: Retail/Store
There are a lot of football shirt sellers now. Fans looking to build something out of their love for their team. However, there are not many the likes of Kieran, the founder of Glasgow Celtic Wear. Besides being, (and we’re not exaggerating here) an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to Celtic players and the shirts worn over the years.
This passion has led to ‘the’ vintage and retro Celtic shirt store. You’ll walk into an Aladdin’s cave of shirts and be welcomed by Kieran and possibly even his Dad as well, who won’t let you leave the store without passing on a story or fact about the club, such is the passion. Whilst a small plot on the legendary Gallowgate, the store is packed full of classics. The owners are Celtic mega fans too, following the club home and away, week in week out. So, expect to have your ear chewed off with memories from some of the biggest fans in Glasgow.
You won’t find a fake in sight and every search has been cared for and made ready for its future owner. Good ranges of eras and sizes, the prices are competitive and reflect the existing market. If you’re going to take home one ‘footy themed’ item make sure it’s a shirt from here. In fact, we challenge you to not walk away having spent the best part of 30 minutes talking to Keiran and feel somewhat obliged to feel some sort of connection with Celtic.
A beautiful place, built by wonderful souls. It’s a visit you won’t regret spending more time than you think you should have. We couldn’t leave the store without purchasing a prized and cult status, Hesselink shirt. If you know, you know.
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Celtic Park
Location: Janefield St, G40 3RE
Category: Stadium
Everything you’ve heard about the atmosphere, the fans telling us ‘ah, there’s nothing like it’... Is 100% true. Granted we attended on a Champions League night, that tends to offer its own level of spice, but nothing could prepare us for the sheer volume of the crowd once that famous intro finished. Spine tingling is no exaggeration.
Yes, you can say that many clubs boast electric atmospheres. Anfield, St James’ Park, Old Trafford are notable references. But it's true – there's just something different about Celtic Park. High on three sides, low on one, the stadium is a green and white cauldron and if you’re an away fan/team – the intimidation levels will certainly be up there.
Getting to the ground leaves you with a bit of a walk, rather a long one actually. So be prepared for it, especially in Scotland’s unpredictable weather, if you’re hungry or fancying another swift one pre match, (we’ll come to drink in a moment). The walk is, however, a straightforward one. It’s direct and it is simply a case of keep walking straight followed by the crossing over of some roundabouts and junctions with the stadium just off to the right.
Once you find yourself coming out of the Gallowgate road, you will not be met with watering hole choices. Further still, for our game at least – there was NO alcohol available in the ground either. This was, as you can imagine, devastating. But not ones to dwell, we simply moved on to a hot tea AND some stadium food.
Notable mentions for food goes to the macaroni and cheese pie(!), smelt a bit like feet, but tasted alright. The pizza seemed to be the choice for the locals though, with us immediately regretting our selection. We made up with it with a sausage roll which would give the Cornwall Pastry Company a run for their money!
The prices in the stadium aren’t crazy, and customer service is swift, so don’t worry about the queues. You’re also not limited to where to get it, with food and drink services a plenty.
Heading back into town for a few more swift ones? Prepare yourself for the yomp ahead. If it’s a midweek game you’ve attended and you’re hoping to get into a fans pub on the Gallowgate, then good luck! At this point it’s locals only. But if you can find a local to tag along with you might be in with a chance. Otherwise, continue walking to the centre, where you’ll find plenty of options. The weekend however, is a VERY different story. Enjoy.
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Print Culture
Location: 23 Parnie St, G1 5RJ
Category: Retail
Who says print is dead? Not us, we can assure you. This store is a delight and tucked away just around the corner from the Sneaker Laundry. It’s a small place but packed full of independent mags, covering the arts, fashion and music. It’s an aladdin’s cave in fact and you’ll find it hard to leave empty handed. Whether you’re looking for some book shelf or coffee table decoration, some research material or, (and call us old fashioned) a good read – then this store is your spot.
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Mr Ben Retro Clothing
Location: Kings Court, 101 King St, G1 5RB
Category: Retail/Fashion/Vintage
It’s one of Glasgow’s best offerings of vintage clothing. From full Horseguards outfits and military tunics to upcycled Doc Martens and Converse. This store is literally packed to the gills with some incredible items. You’ll go in there looking for one thing, (in our case football shirts) and come away longing for some Dickies worker-jacket, you absolutely don’t need.
The store is big enough to spend time browsing, but so packed full of items that you’ll experience a sensory overload. Not a bad thing perhaps, but if you’re on a mission you might feel the pressure as other shoppers riffle through the rails.
The staff are hugely welcoming and very helpful. Just don’t expect them to shift on prices, particularly on the football shirts they have. And certainly don’t expect them to part-ways with their Clydebank Tartan shirt, (a grail of a shirt for us) on any terms. It’s pure bait – and sits proudly, or rather hung proudly near the entrance of the store.
Mr Ben Retro is a must for vintage lovers, looking to add stylish items to the wardrobe for a fair price and in very good second hand condition. It’s a great spot to meet like-minded fashionistas visiting from mainland Europe as well.
Shop ALL Celtic Football shirts here.
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