Hillhead Bookclub
Retro cinema vibes meet quirky cocktails and ping pong in Glasgow's West End— a multi-level playground for drinks, bites, and unbeatable energy.
Nestled in Glasgow's vibrant West End, Hillhead Bookclub transforms a former Art Deco cinema into a quirky multi-level haven blending retro charm with lively energy. High arched ceilings, vintage lighting, ping pong tables, and Nintendo games create an eclectic space for cocktails, comfort food, and casual hangs. Enjoy gramophone-served drinks, brunch classics under £10, and a buzzing atmosphere that draws students, professionals, and locals alike. Open daily from noon (11am weekends) till midnight, it's a West End staple for fun without fuss.
A brief summary to Hillhead Bookclub
- 17 Vinicombe St, Glasgow, G12 8SJ, GB
- +441415761700
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
- Thursday 12 pm-12 am
- Friday 12 pm-12 am
- Saturday 11 am-12 am
- Sunday 11 am-12 am
Local tips
- Opt for gramophone cocktails like Jezebel’s Daiquiri for a shareable, theatrical pour around £7-£8.
- Head upstairs for ping pong and board games; it's caged off to keep the action lively without chaos.
- Brunch early on weekends from 11am—pancake stacks and Bloody Marys under £16 deliver value.
- Weekdays offer calmer vibes with vinyl DJs; weekends ramp up for disco and funk crowds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
Hillhead Bookclub location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Hillhead Bookclub
From Cinema Screen to Social Hub
Once a grand Art Deco cinema on Vinicombe Street, Hillhead Bookclub preserves the building's cinematic legacy with soaring arched ceilings and operatic balconies that overlook the bustling downstairs bar. Paint-peeled exterior walls hint at its storied past, but step inside to discover a space reborn as a vibrant neighborhood gathering spot. Vintage lighting casts a warm glow over mismatched furniture and eclectic decor, evoking a sense of nostalgic playfulness amid the preserved architectural bones of yesteryear.Layered Spaces for Every Mood
The venue unfolds across three levels, each with its own character. Downstairs mimics a cozy American steakhouse with wooden pews and low lighting, perfect for intimate chats over candlelit cocktails. Upstairs lounges feature board games, mismatched sofas, and a caged ping pong area where laughter echoes off the walls. A games corner with old-school Nintendo consoles adds a layer of whimsy, inviting spontaneous competitions amid the hum of conversation.Cocktails with a Twist
The central bar buzzes with creative libations served in unconventional vessels, like gramophones brimming with fruity concoctions such as Honey I Drank the Monkey or Me, Myself and Melon. Priced around £6-£8, options range from spicy chili-infused rum blends to tropical daiquiris with aged rum and passion fruit. Craft beers on tap complement the scene, while punch bowls encourage sharing among groups. The menu's playful names and presentations underscore the bar's commitment to fun, inventive drinking.Comfort Food Done Right
Hillhead's kitchen delivers homely dishes with fresh twists, from chickpea and coriander fritters to salted pork belly and seafood chowder. Brunch stars include gluten-free pancakes topped with Nutella, bacon maple syrup, or blueberry jam, all under £8. Mains like beer-battered fish and chips or braised ox cheek with polenta keep prices accessible—lunch for £5, dinner under £10. Served on charity-shop crockery, meals feel personal and unpretentious, matching the venue's laid-back ethos.West End Rhythm and Events
In Glasgow's bohemian West End, near the University, Hillhead pulses with the area's student energy and cultural buzz. Weekday DJs spin vintage vinyl for relaxed catch-ups, while weekends erupt into disco, hip hop, and funk that pack the dance floor. Regular happenings like bingo nights and vintage fairs infuse variety, making it a dynamic fixture in a neighborhood rich with art galleries, parks, and gothic spires.Atmosphere That Pulls You In
Trendy staff in ripped jeans and slogan tees weave through the crowd, mixing drinks with flair. The air carries notes of sizzling fritters, citrus peels, and craft hops, mingling with funky beats. Whether cheering ping pong rallies or clinking gramophone glasses, the space fosters easy connections in a grand yet homely setting that celebrates Glasgow's irreverent spirit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Savings Bank of Glasgow building
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The Glasgow School of Art
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Finnieston Crane
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McLellan Galleries
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The Clyde Arc
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St George's Tron Church of Scotland
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Statue of Light and Life
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Bronze 3D Map of City Centre
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Unmissable attractions to see
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
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Tennents Byres Rd Glasgow
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Tennent's Byres Road, a quintessential Glasgow pub offering local brews and authentic Scottish hospitality.
The Mackintosh House
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Step inside the meticulously reconstructed Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design and creative legacy.
Hunterian Art Gallery
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Scotland’s oldest museum art gallery showcasing iconic works by Whistler, Mackintosh, and more in a modern university setting.
University of Glasgow
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Explore centuries of history, stunning Gothic architecture, and vibrant culture at the University of Glasgow’s iconic West End campus.
The Lion and Unicorn Staircase
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A dramatic Gothic Revival staircase guarded by stone lions and unicorns in the heart of the University of Glasgow’s West Quadrangle.
Hunterian Zoology Museum
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Discover the fascinating diversity of the animal kingdom at the University of Glasgow's historic Hunterian Zoology Museum.
The Suffragette Oak
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A powerful living symbol in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park honoring the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for voting rights.
Visit West End
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Kelvin Way
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Statue of Lord Kelvin
0.8 km
A distinguished bronze tribute in Kelvingrove Park honoring Lord Kelvin’s groundbreaking scientific legacy and Glasgow’s rich academic heritage.
Kelvin Hall Open Collections
0.9 km
Historic Glasgow landmark blending rich cultural collections with modern amenities in a vibrant West End setting.
Kelvingrove Bandstand
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
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The Loveable Rogue
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Essential places to dine
Cail Bruich
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Cafe Andaluz
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Experience vibrant Spanish tapas and lively Mediterranean ambiance in the heart of Glasgow’s West End at Cafe Andaluz.
Ubiquitous Chip
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Bothy Glasgow
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Experience creative Scottish cuisine with a modern twist in Glasgow’s vibrant West End at Bothy Glasgow.
Paesano Pizza West End
0.6 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizza crafted with Italian passion in Glasgow’s lively West End, where tradition meets vibrant flavor and great value.
La Lanterna West End
0.7 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine in a bright, welcoming setting at La Lanterna West End, a beloved family-run gem in Glasgow’s vibrant West End.
Stravaigin
0.7 km
Discover Stravaigin, Glasgow’s vibrant West End gastro pub blending bold global flavors with local Scottish ingredients in a lively, bohemian setting.
Goat in the Tree
0.8 km
Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in Glasgow’s West End with cozy ambiance and expertly crafted tagines at Goat in the Tree.
Number 16 Restaurant
0.9 km
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The Bay Tree
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Eighty Eight
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Discover Eighty Eight, Glasgow’s cozy small plates restaurant blending Mediterranean flair with seasonal, locally sourced delights in a vibrant West End setting.
Bistro du Vin Glasgow
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Celino's
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Chillies West End
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The Hug and Pint
1.3 km
A vibrant vegan restaurant and intimate live music venue, blending great food with Glasgow’s dynamic cultural scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Papyrus
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Amaryllis Westend
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Discover unique lifestyle products at Amaryllis Westend, a charming boutique in Glasgow's artistic West End, perfect for finding memorable souvenirs.
West Vintage
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A compact West End boutique specialising in well‑curated vintage clothing and sustainable style on Great Western Road.
Oliver Bonas
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Discover joyful style at Oliver Bonas on Byres Road: eclectic fashion, sparkling jewellery, chic homewares, and gifts that brighten everyday life in Glasgow's creative West End.
Ae Fond Kiss
0.6 km
Discover Glasgow’s ethical gift and art studio blending fair trade treasures with local creativity in a welcoming boutique setting.
University of Glasgow Gift Shop
0.6 km
Discover official University of Glasgow merchandise and authentic Scottish gifts in a lively, accessible shop nestled beneath the Hunterian Museum.
The Glasgow Vintage Co
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Discover curated vintage fashion treasures at The Glasgow Vintage Co, a stylish hub for timeless apparel in Glasgow’s West End.
Downstair Design Co.
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Compact West End gift shop showcasing curated cards, jewellery and design-led presents in a cosy, maker-focused setting.
Decadent Riot
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Cassiopeia Gift Ltd
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VELVET MOON
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Cut Price Gift Shop
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Gallus Alice
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Found
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McLay's Gift Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hillhead Bookclub
0.0 km
Retro cinema vibes meet quirky cocktails and ping pong in Glasgow's West End— a multi-level playground for drinks, bites, and unbeatable energy.
beGIN
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EightySix
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Deoch An Dorus
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Firewater
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Saint Judes After Dark
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The Plug Glasgow
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Buff Club
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The Savoy
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Bamboo
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Kokomo Glasgow
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Popworld Glasgow
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Platinum Lace Glasgow
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Glasgow’s premier gentlemen’s club with stunning dancers, VIP luxury, and an electric nightlife atmosphere in the city centre.
Cathouse Rock Club
2.9 km
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Classic Grand
3.0 km
Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
Sub Club
3.0 km
Glasgow’s legendary underground nightclub, Sub Club, pulses with cutting-edge sound and authentic dance culture in an intimate basement setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
