The Social, Glasgow Travel Guide

Free Guide: Lively cocktail bar and restaurant in Glasgow’s Merchant City with creative drinks, sharable dishes, and a vibrant terrace overlooking the Gallery of Modern Art.

A brief summary of The Social

Lively cocktail bar and restaurant in Glasgow’s Merchant City with creative drinks, sharable dishes, and a vibrant terrace overlooking the Gallery of Modern Art.

Located at 27 Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow's Merchant City, The Social is a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant known for its lively atmosphere, creative drinks, and diverse menu. It offers a vibrant late-night scene with live music, DJ events, and an inviting outdoor terrace overlooking the Gallery of Modern Art. The Social caters to a wide range of tastes with sharers, pizzas, burgers, and quirky cocktails, making it a popular spot for brunch, dinner, and social gatherings.

1–4 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.1 Very good · 2,742 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon11 am–4 am
  • Tue11 am–4 am
  • Wed11 am–4 am
  • Thu11 am–4 am
  • Fri11 am–4 am
  • Sat10 am–4 am
  • Sun10 am–4 am

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AJ
Phone
Website

Getting there

Train

From Glasgow Queen Street Station, it is a 7 to 12-minute walk to The Social. The route is flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers. No ticket cost for the walk, and the station is well connected to regional and national rail services.

Subway

Take the Glasgow Subway to Buchanan Street Station, then walk approximately 8 to 13 minutes to The Social. The subway runs frequently with tickets costing around £1.70 for a single journey.

Bus

Multiple city buses stop near Royal Exchange Square. Travel times vary from 15 to 25 minutes depending on starting point. Single fares typically range from £1.80 to £2.50. Bus stops are within a short walking distance to the venue.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in central Glasgow. A ride from Queen Street Station to The Social takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately £5 to £8 depending on traffic.

Discover more about The Social

A Hub of Social Dining and Nightlife in Merchant City

The Social sits prominently in Glasgow's bustling Royal Exchange Square, a cultural heart of the city known as Merchant City. This location places it within sight of the iconic Gallery of Modern Art, creating a dynamic backdrop that blends historic architecture with contemporary urban life. The venue thrives as a versatile space, welcoming guests from midday through the early hours with a lively yet stylish vibe. Its outdoor terrace, especially popular during warmer months, transforms the square into a Mediterranean-style café scene, complete with fairy lights that add a magical ambiance in winter.

Culinary Offerings Designed for Sharing and Variety

The Social’s menu is crafted to encourage convivial dining experiences. It features a broad selection of dishes including wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, fresh salads, and a be sociable tapas menu designed for sharing. Breakfast and brunch options are also available, catering to early risers and casual diners alike. The kitchen’s open design allows guests to watch chefs hand-stretch pizzas and prepare meals to order, adding an interactive element to the dining experience. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices ensure inclusivity for diverse dietary preferences.

Innovative Cocktails and Entertainment

Renowned for its inventive cocktail menu, The Social offers a range of quirky and avant-garde drinks, often garnished with playful touches like candyfloss or rubber ducks. Signature cocktails such as the Solero, Rubber Duck, and Haribru highlight the bar’s creativity and commitment to delivering memorable flavors. The venue also hosts regular live music and DJ nights, cultivating a vibrant nightlife atmosphere that attracts a diverse crowd looking for entertainment alongside quality food and drinks.

Welcoming Atmosphere and Attentive Service

The Social is celebrated for its friendly and professional staff who contribute to a welcoming environment. The management and team have been noted for their exceptional handling of situations, ensuring guest comfort and safety. The venue is family-friendly during certain hours, allowing children accompanied by adults until early evening. Free Wi-Fi is available, making it a convenient spot for casual work lunches or social meetups.

Accessibility and Location Advantages

Situated in Glasgow city centre, The Social benefits from excellent transport links. It is within a five-minute walk of Queen Street Station and Buchanan Subway Station, with numerous bus stops nearby. This central location makes it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The venue’s extended opening hours, often until 3 or 4 AM, provide ample opportunity to enjoy its offerings at any time of day or night.

Community and Events

The Social actively engages with the local community by hosting themed events, festive celebrations, and special nights throughout the year. Its social media presence keeps patrons informed about upcoming happenings, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving calendar. Whether for a casual drink, a celebratory meal, or a lively night out, The Social offers an inclusive and vibrant setting that captures the spirit of Glasgow’s Merchant City.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · at 2am or at 3am or at 7am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 67% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 56% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 67% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 78% of the busiest month
  5. May: 89% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 100% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 89% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 78% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 67% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 78% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 22% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 22% of the busiest hour
  3. 2am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 3am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 7am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  6. 8am: 22% of the busiest hour
  7. 9am: 33% of the busiest hour
  8. 10am: 56% of the busiest hour
  9. 11am: 78% of the busiest hour
  10. 12pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  11. 1pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  12. 2pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  13. 3pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  14. 4pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  15. 5pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  16. 6pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  17. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  18. 8pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  19. 9pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  20. 10pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  21. 11pm: 44% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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