The Social, Stirling Travel Guide

Free Guide: Vibrant cocktail bar and gastro pub in Glasgow’s Merchant City, offering creative drinks, sharable dishes, and a lively social atmosphere.

A brief summary of The Social

Vibrant cocktail bar and gastro pub in Glasgow’s Merchant City, offering creative drinks, sharable dishes, and a lively social atmosphere.

Located at 27 Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow's vibrant Merchant City, The Social is a lively bar and restaurant known for its creative cocktails, diverse gastro pub menu, and dynamic events. With an inviting terrace overlooking the Gallery of Modern Art, it offers a perfect blend of casual dining, late-night entertainment, and social atmosphere in the heart of the city.

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

Public Transport

Take a train to Glasgow Queen Street Station, then enjoy a 10 to 15-minute walk through the city centre to reach The Social. Frequent bus services also run nearby, with stops within a 5-minute walk. Tickets typically cost £2 to £4 depending on the route.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at Glasgow Queen Street Station and throughout the city centre. A taxi ride to The Social from the station usually takes 5 minutes and costs around £5 to £8 depending on traffic.

Walking

If you are staying nearby in Merchant City or central Glasgow, walking to The Social is convenient and pleasant, with flat, paved streets and pedestrian-friendly routes. Walking times vary from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point.

Discover more about The Social

A Hub of Glasgow's Merchant City Social Scene

The Social is nestled in the bustling Royal Exchange Square, a cultural and social heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City. This area is renowned for its blend of historic architecture and modern vibrancy, making it a magnet for locals and visitors alike. The Social leverages this prime location, offering guests a stylish and energetic venue that mirrors the district's creative spirit. Overlooking the Gallery of Modern Art, the venue benefits from a dynamic urban backdrop that changes with the seasons, from sunny al fresco dining in summer to festive fairy-lit evenings in winter.

A Culinary Experience Designed for Sharing

The Social’s menu is crafted to cater to a wide range of tastes, featuring a variety of gastro pub dishes including wood-fired pizzas, burgers, salads, and a popular tapas-style sharing menu. The food is designed to be social and approachable, encouraging groups to share and enjoy a relaxed meal together. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, ensuring inclusivity for diverse dietary preferences. Watching the chefs hand-stretch pizzas through the glass kitchen wall adds an engaging element to the dining experience.

Creative Cocktails and Lively Entertainment

Renowned for its inventive cocktail menu, The Social offers quirky and playful drinks such as the Solero, Rubber Duck, and Haribru, each crafted with avant-garde garnishes that create a memorable sensory experience. The bar atmosphere evolves as the day progresses, with DJs and live music performances providing a vibrant nightlife backdrop. Regular themed events and parties keep the venue fresh and exciting, attracting a diverse crowd looking for both casual drinks and lively celebrations.

Atmosphere and Ambience

The Social balances a relaxed yet lively vibe, making it suitable for various occasions—from casual brunches and friendly lunches to romantic dinners and late-night outings. The outdoor terrace is a standout feature, offering panoramic views of Royal Exchange Square and a Mediterranean café culture feel during warmer months. Inside, the stylish décor and comfortable seating create an inviting environment that encourages socializing and enjoyment.

Accessibility and Convenience

Situated in the city centre, The Social is easily accessible by public transport, with Queen Street Station and Buchanan Subway Station just a short walk away. Numerous bus stops and a nearby taxi rank enhance connectivity. The venue offers free Wi-Fi, supporting those who might want to combine socializing with work or leisure browsing. The Social welcomes families with children accompanied by adults during earlier hours, making it versatile for different visitor types.

Community and Service

The Social prides itself on friendly and attentive staff who contribute to the welcoming atmosphere. The team is known for excellent service, from bartenders crafting cocktails to servers recommending dishes and drinks. The venue also demonstrates professionalism in handling unexpected situations, reflecting a commitment to guest care and safety.

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: 60% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 60% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 70% of the busiest month
  5. May: 80% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 90% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 90% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 80% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 70% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 70% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 90% 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: 33% of the busiest hour
  7. 9am: 44% of the busiest hour
  8. 10am: 56% of the busiest hour
  9. 11am: 67% of the busiest hour
  10. 12pm: 78% 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: 78% of the busiest hour
  21. 11pm: 56% 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.

Explore The Social on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Social, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to The Social, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near The Social

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Stirling

Discover Stirling with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Stirling like a local with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app offering detailed insights, easy bookings, and curated experiences—all for free.

  • Complete history of Stirling and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Stirling, a city steeped in history and brimming with modern attractions. Whether you're captivated by the medieval majesty of Stirling Castle or eager to stroll through the charming streets lined with quaint shops and cafes, Evendo is your indispensable travel companion.

With Evendo, navigating Stirling’s famous landmarks such as the Wallace Monument or the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre has never been easier. Our app provides in-depth information, captivating images, and local tips to enrich your experience. Discover culinary delights at renowned restaurants like the River House or indulge in local flavors at the Curly Coo Bar, all easily located using our intuitive ‘Near Me’ feature.

Planning your trip is seamless with Evendo. Book your accommodations, tours, and experiences in Stirling directly through the app, saving you time and effort. Whether you're interested in historical tours, exploring vibrant nightclubs, or finding the best shopping spots, Evendo has it all.

Download Evendo today and unlock the secrets of Stirling, enjoying a travel guide that’s as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.

Select Currency

Choose the currency you want prices to display in.