Hillhead Bookclub
A vibrant, three-story venue in Glasgow's West End with retro decor, gaming, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Hillhead Bookclub
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, three-story venue in Glasgow's West End with retro decor, gaming, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
"Great food, fun cocktails, and a quirky, relaxed vibe make this Glasgow gem a must-visit."
Weekday visits recommended
Opt for weekdays for a more relaxed vibe, avoiding the weekend crowds.
Happy Hour Cocktails
Look out for specific day cocktail deals for great value on drinks.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bar & Grill
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 141 576 1700
Address
17 Vinicombe St, Glasgow, G12 8SJ, United Kingdom
Website
hillheadbookclub.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Retro Ambiance
Immerse yourself in a quirky, book-lined space with retro gaming consoles and vintage decor.
Interactive Entertainment
Enjoy ping-pong, pool, and retro video games while sipping on creative cocktails.
Creative Vegan Options
Savor delicious vegan dishes like corn ribs and Korean Fried Cauliflower (KFC).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekday visits recommended
Opt for weekdays for a more relaxed vibe, avoiding the weekend crowds.
Happy Hour Cocktails
Look out for specific day cocktail deals for great value on drinks.
Arrive early to beat waits
Consider coming earlier, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
Embrace the entertainment
Don't miss out on the fun of ping-pong and retro gaming for a lively experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekday visits recommended
Opt for weekdays for a more relaxed vibe, avoiding the weekend crowds.
Happy Hour Cocktails
Look out for specific day cocktail deals for great value on drinks.
Arrive early to beat waits
Consider coming earlier, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
Embrace the entertainment
Don't miss out on the fun of ping-pong and retro gaming for a lively experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hillhead Bookclub is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious and creative food options, and friendly staff. Diners love the unique decor, engaging activities like ping-pong, and the enjoyable cocktail selection. However, some patrons have noted that service can be slow during busy periods, and there have been comments about the optional service charge policy.
"Had an amazing time. Very cost vibe. Went there with a friend and we both left super happy. Had the drinks and some fries, very sad to not try the other food as we were not that hungry. But we vibed on the drinks and chatted and it was so comfortable. The staff is lovely. Happy faces and smiles. Will definitely come back."
Vasu Kapoor
"Stopped in for a full breakfast, which was amazing -- and then I got to make my own Bloody Mary! Usually I prefer to leave mixology to the pros but I got a double gin before adding exactly the hot sauce, spices, and garnishes I wanted. Perfect with breakfast."
Will Entrekin
"An absolutely adorable spot that has incredible food and a cool vibe. We arrived right when they opened, which is why I suspect it took so long for our food, but it was mostly worth the wait. The staff was also very nice. I hope to return soon"
Jonathan Palo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Hillhead Bookclub offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere with quirky decor, vintage furniture, retro gaming consoles, and book-lined shelves.
Yes, Hillhead Bookclub offers a variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian options, including vegan corn ribs and Korean Fried Cauliflower.
Absolutely! You can enjoy ping-pong, pool, and retro video games, making it a fun spot for groups and dates.
While reservations might be possible, it's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak hours, to avoid wait times.
Opening times vary, but the venue typically stays open until midnight, with specific hours for events.
Yes, you can create your own Bloody Mary with a selection of hot sauces, spices, and garnishes.
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Despite being quietly owned by the biggest generic pub and club chain in central Scotland, Hillhead Bookclub manages to do a just about convincing job of passing itself off as a chintzy, boho independent café-bar. The reasonably-priced brunch menu impresses, with pancake stacks and all manner of egg options alongside brunch burgers, sandwiches and Bloody Marys. Been there, done that?
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The kind of club you would kill to be a member of, Hillhead Bookclub is where the real party is at. Bursting with unwavering charm and hipper than hip furnishings, this wonderland hosts cool events on the reg. If gripping ping-pong sessions get you going, they have them in abundance.
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Hillhead Bookclub (HB) might be a hipster west end bar attracting the student population but for weekend brunch, for me personally, it’s one of the best. As HB say ‘we set out to offer Saturday & Sunday salvation in the form of perfectly poached eggs, fluffy pancakes, French toast and the occasional curveball like pulled duck baked beans with toasted brioche to help cure the pain of the night before.’ The category B listed building is beautifully unique and retains period details alongside on trend shabby chic interior. This is bohemian hipster at its very best.
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Bearsden & Milngavie have good schools, lots of family activities, restaurants, bars and only 15/20 minutes on the train into the city centre." Went to this nice little cafe in the west end of Glasgow, last week. Relaxed and friendly neighbourhood bistro specialising in traditional, modern Scottish cuisine with a nod of French and Continental inspiration; Listed as one of the top Scottish restaurants … North West is a great choice for travellers interested … … It is an icon with title Check Circle .
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Opening Times: Varies, typically until midnightLocation: West EndWhy It's Perfect: Hillhead Bookclub, also situated in the West End, is housed in an incredible three-storey building and boasts a fun and lively atmosphere. The bar's unconventional decor, featuring vintage furniture, retro gaming consoles, and book-lined shelves, creates an ambiance that's both nostalgic and playful. Couples can bond over a game of ping pong or challenge each other to retro video games while enjoying a drink.
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A student favourite, Hillhead Bookclub is one of the coolest, cosiest bars in Glasgow’s West End. Formerly an Art-Deco cinema house, Bookclub has kept its charm and personality with coved, arched ceilings and operatic balconies – a cracking contrast to the funky music and laid-back vibe!. With fun, weekly events from drag bingo nights to ping-pong tournaments, you’ll never be stuck for a bit of entertainment to accompany your cocktail of choice.
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Around the corner, you will also find the ‘Hillhead Bookclub’ at ‘Burgh Lane’ which you should check out for the ‘Granny would be proud market‘ which is an indoor vintage and fashion flea market with delicious food and drinks. If you’re looking for a place to sit down and lean back the ‘Tchai-ovna House of Tea‘ will be a good choice. If you’re more into coffee, ‘S’mug’ at ‘167 Great George St’ has pretty delicious and affordable coffee to go.
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If you're looking for a great night out in Glasgow, look no further than Hillhead Bookclub, the West End bar with just about everything you could possibly need. From fabulous food, to delectable drinks, they've also got banging tunes, old-school computer games and a ping pong table too. With lots of fun events, stunning surroundings and fun time vibes, have yourself a cracking Glasgow night out, all under one roof.
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One of the West End’s quirkiest bars, this old, converted library serves a fantastic menu of cocktails. Situated on Byres Road, just along from Ashton Lane, Hillhead Bookclub is another popular stopping off point on a West End bar crawl through the city. Stick your head in, admire the walls lined with books and even relax for a while with a board game and a drink in hand.
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A post shared by Iain Westland (@bluerealmstudios) on Mar 11, 2017 at 5:42am PST. Housed inside an old converted cinema, this quirky, boho bar has everything you need for a night out with a difference. From ping pong tables to retro video games and bingo nights to underground discos, there’s something different happening every night of the week in this hip West End bar.
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Where else can you drink cocktails from a gramophone, play table tennis and pacman while listening to the latest tunes, only at Hillhead Bookclub, you can even take your dog along!. A quirky, cool and fun experience only minutes from Hillhead tube station in Glasgow’s trendy West End. This fantastically decorated pleasure dome is one of Glasgow’s favourite hangouts.
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More than just a bar, Hillhead Bookclub is a student favourite in the West End, offering affordable cocktails, vintage vibes, and even a ping-pong table. Whether you're here for a laid-back drink, a boozy brunch, or a themed quiz night, the atmosphere is always buzzing. Plus, their quirky décor and budget-friendly menu make it a great spot to unwind after lectures.
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£3 strawberry Mojitos, £2 gin/voka/rum of the week (plus mixer) and £2.50 Tennents Monday to Thursdays. Served in a bar that isn't finely coated in a mysterious sticky layer. In fact, it's pretty bloody decent – the decor is nicely bohemian, they have a ping pong table, a video game corner and the quirk factor is covered by cocktails served in gramaphones.
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Quirk heavy and full to the brim with antiques and vintage oddities (including an old school Nintendo and ping pong table), Hillhead Bookclub boasts something of a cult following among Glasgow’s pleasure seekers. Their BYOB nights are the stuff of legends, and they host an heady roster of DJs and clubnights. Find it: 17 Vinicombe Street, Glasgow G12 8BQ
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With its European, Scottish, and British cuisines, Hillhead Bookclub effortlessly secures a spot among the best restaurants in Glasgow. Reasonably priced dishes starting at £4 and an extensive bar section make it a go-to choice for students. Additionally, the restaurant features a dedicated space with fun games, ensuring a great dining experience.
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Housed in an old cinema, this hipster haunt is known for its honest food, brunch and vegan delights!. Menu highlights include the roasted cod, Korean fried cauliflower and famous vegan doner kebab. This is also a perfect cocktail spot and there’s never a dull moment with a ping pong table and retro video gaming corner.
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If you’re in the mood for cocktails or a game of table tennis, head to Hillhead Bookclub on nearby Vinicombe Street. This funky bar and restaurant is housed in an old theatre and it’s easy to see where the stage would have once been. Bag yourself a booth and tuck in to hearty dishes such as burgers and pies.
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This trendy West End bar is a cool hangout set in an old cinema. Leather Chesterfields, fairy lights, a ping-pong table and even a retro video games corner tend to attract a younger crowd. The cocktails are just as quirky and individual, served in different glasses, jars and even out of a gramophone.
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Hillhead Bookclub is a really funky venue that at first appears to be too cool to be kid‐friendly. Once an old movie theater, Hillhead Bookclub has dramatic design features. At closer look, the atmosphere becomes more casual thanks to the reinvented and reused material used to in the décor.
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Hillhead Bookclub: This is not a traditional book club, but gives you a wonderful way to spend your night time in Glasgow. Interact with some avid readers, talk to strangers, build your time in one of the most creative ways possible.Do Checkout: Places To Visit In Nottingham
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For a less-relaxing but more energetic drink, visit the always-lively Hillhead Bookclub (17 Vinicombe St) or hit up Bananamoon (360 Great Western Rd). It’s a cocktail bar that somehow manages to be understated and a wee bit feral, with a suntrap of an outdoor terrace.
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Hillhead Bookclub used to be one of my favourite hangouts in the West End while I still lived in Glasgow. That’s right, I spent a year living in the city. But I wasn’t veggie back then so revisiting my old stomping grounds still felt like a journey of discovery to me.
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Home to funky tunes, beardy bartenders, gramophones and ping pong tables, this hipster haunt also knows how to serve up a killer cocktail. The west end bar doesn't have just one coffee cocktail - but three. If rum is your poison, Heart of Darkness is a must-try.
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Hillhead Bookclub is a student favourite in the West-end, and for good reason. There’s always lots going on in the week with different events, the staff are always really nice, and they do great £3 mojitos. This is definitely worth a visit when Lockdown ends.
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Hillhead Bookclub, a veritable wonderland of books, games, vegan fare, and fine wines, is nestled in the heart of Hillhead. It is a unique venue that reinvents the ordinary bar experience. Their wine collection is varied and tailored to suit all preferences.
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A post shared by Hillhead Bookclub (@hhbookclub) on May 26, 2017 at 5:07am PDT. I visited Hillhead Bookclub during my first trip to Glasgow many, many years ago. I loved it and, although I haven’t been back since, it looks just as fun as I remember.
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Everyone loves the Hillhead book club, and with good reason!. There’s something for everybody here: a cool cocktail list, cheap beer, excellent music, funky interiors and a playroom for kids. The menu is diverse, cheap, and everything is tasty.
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(17 Vinicombe St, Glasgow G12 8SJ) – Hillhead Bookclub is a “student recommended” venue, meaning you can enjoy a host of special student offers on drinks. It is an eccentric and unique space great for a late night with friends.
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If you like bohemian, lively and great-value spaces, check out Hillhead Bookclub in the West End, where they serve cocktails in gramophones.
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You can enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes, restaurants, or pubs, such as Hillhead Bookclub or Hanoi Bike Shop.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit