The Tolbooth

After wandering around Glasgow for a couple hours, I found myself a little wary and thirsty. I saw the Tolbooth across the street and decided, that looks like a spot to rest my heels.
I walked in and found myself to be the only female patron. Additionally, being an Asian American tourist, I sort of stuck out like a sore thumb. I saw an empty seat across the room and bee-​lined myself to the seat.
I love that I can order a half-​pint of beer. I’m a slow drinker, so I love that my beer is cold to the end. I’ve been told by friends to not tip, but being in the service industry, I just can’t help myself. I’m served by George and a female bartender, forgive me, I can’t remember her name. I want to say, Pauline, but I’m not sure. A regular (Jimmy) beside me glances and gives me the once over and says, «You’re not from around here». I quickly say, «Really, what gave you that idea»… he laughs.
In short, I had a great time at the Tolbooth. A friendly group of locals who genuinely made me feel at home. I wish I could have come back as I said I would later in the week, but I caught a cold and felt I shouldn’t give anyone there my germy-​germs.
Until, next time… thanks for making me feel welcome to your wonderful city!
Cheers,
Daphne from San Diego via Chicago ;-)

Basic pub which opens very early and has people waiting to get in early! Cheap beer and cider. Not rough just basic. No frills but no hassle. Good for a quick stop. Parking nearby expensive.

Dumpopens at crack of dawn to fuel the first class alcoholics crawling in from the saltmarket. had the misfortune of having a dirty pint in here while listening to bigoted crap from all angles, didn’t stay long.

Not bad for a post football beer. Had some good bands on at the weekends and really good drink prices.

Places like the Tollbooth sum up why after almost a decade in Glasgow I’ve barely set foot in the East End. With an atmosphere compromised of equal part menace and sleaze, the Tollbooth serves mainly to provide the bottom feeders that trawl Calton and the Gallowgate with a way of spending their dole money.
Particularly depressing is the queue of alcoholics who often form outside just before the 8am opening. 12 hours drinking, then off to the high-​rise for some domestic violence, and back for 8 the next day. It’s not surprising that the surrounding areas have the lowest life expectancy rates in the developed world.

If you’re looking for an Irish pub, and I mean a real one, not a gimmick one, then your best bet is to traipse down to Glasgow cross, where the area is rife with them.
The Tollbooth is one of the oldest bars in Glasgow. Not THE oldest, but pretty old.
An institution, it’s seen plenty of history, and changes with the time, but little.
It’s a great place to go for a drink if you’re in the mood for some good old fashioned Irish hospitality, but prepare yourself. They’re not handing out clovers and drinking green beer. It’s a REAL irish bar.
It’s a new favourite among the younger crowd; its breakfast license means it’s open at 8am, just as you’re coming home from the party you were at last night. Careful though, if you’ve had enough, they won’t have any of it, and there’s nothing worse than getting thrown out by a lady smaller than you are. Another bonus is that it’s cheap. And when I say ‘cheap’ I mean the quality is great and the price is right. Two drinks and change back from a fiver? YES!
Any time of day you’ll get some good service, great chat, and the walls are papered with memorabilia, most notably, their Guinness bar mat collection; a couple of which I have some serious envy.
When you’re in, make sure you find the fireplace on the ceiling. Guaranteed you won’t find it right away, but there’s sure to be a regular standing near you who will tell you the story about why it’s there. I won’t ruin it for you; go and find out for yourself!
Best times to go are any time Celtic isn’t playing. And especially don’t go on Orange Walk days, or anytime Celtic is playing Rangers.

Good boozer on the edge of the City Centre. It’s an Irish pub but not one of those hellish ‘theme’ pubs. Gaelic football and soccer on the telly, good pint of Guinness, decent prices and Live Folk Music most nights. This place also has a good mix of clientele; from the philosophical old boys to the students that make their way over from the Merchant City for a cheap pint. Best avoided when Celtic are playing at home as it gets very crowded.

not one for tourists.

Ahoy fair Tollbooth! A place to grab a pint, soak up the residents bam’s and leave with an interesting story, 5 pirate dvd’s and plenty of change in your pocket. Parked on the tail end of the Gallowgate and very much in the Celtic supporting quarter, this is a typical Glasgow pub that offers as much atmosphere and buzz as you could and would want to handle.
I once spent a glorious night in here a while ago after seeing Bob Dylan at the Barrowlands. On this eve England were playing Portugal in the knock out stages of the world cup and the game had gone to penalties by the time we reached the bar. As the bar seethed with friendly (ish) anti English banter, a cry went up from the rear of the pub «come on England!», as one the entire pub turned to face the gent in question who appeared to very much regret his mistimed patriotism… yeah. Anyway, a good place for a pint especially if you fancy taking part in any football related celebrations. Good pub!

way back this was the brewery tap for the strathalbyn brewery, and was a great pub especially once they introduced beardmore stout, now its just a keg only shop with no good beer available shame really