World Cup 2022 in Qatar is just around the corner, and the excitement is in the air. And now, the challenge is to figure out our go-to spot to watch the action happen in a pleasant, fuss-free environment full of braw folk. The games kick off on November 21, and will last until mid-December due to Qatar’s summer heat and humidity and will be the shortest tournament since 1978. But worry not, for we made a delightful list of cheerful places in Glasgow to go to to watch the World Cup unfold.
1. Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox
17 Bain Street, G40 2JZ
Located at Glasgow’s East End, St Luke’s & The Winged Ox carries a true charm to it with its quirky décor, with a feel of and old-school American bar. The venue was built upon a church, hence the name, and is a place for live music and entertainment, as well as comfort food and plenty of drink selections. Famous for its outdoor pizzas, the bar also serves ribs, wings, burgers and two hands sandwiches. On top of being affordable, Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox is a relaxed and joyful spot for catching up with your pals and will be screening the World Cup throughout the tournament.
2. The Palais Bar
380 Duke St, G31 1DN
Another East End’s favourite with a friendly atmosphere, and we’re glad it’s showing the World Cup. The gastro pub was named Pub Of The Year at the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 on August 30 and continues to thrive. The Palais is a proper neighbourhood bar serving locally sourced, pub-inspired food. Their obsession with dogs is also contagious and we’ve been kind of shamelessly stalking their Instagram story highlights. Head down to The Palais for a hearty Sunday roast or if you’re after something different, opt for the Scottish mussels cooked in a creamy white wine sauce to keep energised for the World Cup matches.
3. Kitty O’Shea’s
15 Waterloo Street, G2 6AY
500 Great Western Rd Glasgow, G12 8EN
Kitty O’Shea’s is a warm place of woody Irish décor and, of course, plenty of Guinness. On top of cosy nooks, there’s plenty of tables closer to the screens, and the walls have been graced with reclaimed tenement shutters. With two Glasgow spots, one in the city centre, and another in the West End, Kitty’s is convenient for those who want to have a choice of two locations. The city centre spot has 11 beers on tap to satisfy all the beer enthusiasts out there, and a whiskey bar for those looking for a decent Scotch to pair with the game. The food menu consists of pub classics, such as freshly baked pizzas from their pizza oven, burgers, hot dogs and hot sandwiches to satisfy all the cravings. You can find their full World Cup Glasgow schedule here.
4. Lauder’s
76 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3DE
Lauder’s is your classic sports bar with plenty of flat screens, yet it still boasts a welcoming interior for those who actually care what a place looks like. Whether you’re there to jus grab a pint or two and watch the game, or grab some lunch or dinner paired with cocktails, it’s the perfect combo for everyone involved. Oh, and even better: they do a boozy brunch deal for £25pp with bottomless sourdough pizza and four drinks each Thursdays to Sundays! Tuck in and enjoy the game! You can book a table for during the World Cup here.
5. Waxy O’Connor’s
44 West George Street, G2 1DH
Waxy’s is the place to be when it comes to Irish bars in Glasgow. Spread out over three floors with six bars linked with what could be described as labyrinths of staircases, Waxy O’Connor’s is a place like you’ve probably never seen before. Wooden forest-inspired ornaments, the carpentry and church-like décor with stained glass and stone brick backdrops throughout are worth the visit alone, but the fact they’re going to the showing the World Cup is even better. The menu is also full of hearty dishes like chicken and bacon pot pie, steak, haggis and Irish stew to keep you warm as the weather is cooling down. You can find Waxy’s live sport schedule here.
6. Record Factory
17 Byres Road, G11 5RG
Heading over to the West End, Record Factory is a bar, restaurant and club that will be bringing the World Cup to their screens. The tournament will be shown on the venue’s 12 flatscreens, so you don’t need to worry about getting the wrong table. With a pint of Record Factory Lager for only £4 and plenty of affordable bar bites, loaded fries and pizzas to choose from, you don’t have to worry about spending your entire pay check in a bar. Moreover, there’s plenty of classic cocktails to choose from as well.
7. Curler’s Rest
256-260 Byres Road, G12 8SH
Another Byres Road gem that will be offering the chance to catch all the World Cup games. The pub dates back to the 17th Century when it was, literally, a place where local curlers came to after a game of curling on the local pond. You can expect laid back vibes, and if the weather’s extra cold, maybe even a lit fireplace. We love these kind of cosy settings, and out of all the places to watch the World Cup in Glasgow, here will be a true treat. Oh, and they do a cracking Garlic Chicken Schnitzel on top of their famous pies, too. Book a table for the World Cup here.
8. Granary
10 Kilmarnock Road, G41 3NH
Watching the World Cup in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Shawlands, is not a bad shout. Granary on Kilmarnock Road is your go-to place for any sports, and World Cup is no exception. A snug vibe is to be expected, as well as wood-fired pizzas, BBQ pulled pork wraps, tapas or mac and cheese. And the best part, when you get a pizza or a burger, a drink is only £1.50.