Hillhead Bookclub
1 / 5

Hillhead Bookclub

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A vibrant, three-story venue in Glasgow's West End with retro decor, gaming, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Hillhead Bookclub

Hillhead Bookclub

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant, three-story venue in Glasgow's West End with retro decor, gaming, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Great food, fun cocktails, and a quirky, relaxed vibe make this Glasgow gem a must-visit."

TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Sunday 11AM

Cuisine

Bar & Grill

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 141 576 1700

Address

17 Vinicombe St, Glasgow, G12 8SJ, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Retro Ambiance

Unique Retro Ambiance

Immerse yourself in a quirky, book-lined space with retro gaming consoles and vintage decor.

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Interactive Entertainment

Interactive Entertainment

Enjoy ping-pong, pool, and retro video games while sipping on creative cocktails.

TikTokThe Top Places For A Unique Night Out In GlasgowThe 13 Best Date Night Bars in Glasgow 2025+2
Creative Vegan Options

Creative Vegan Options

Savor delicious vegan dishes like corn ribs and Korean Fried Cauliflower (KFC).

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

this place is a must if you’re looking for some comfort grub🥰 the staff were super friendly too🫶🏼 @hillhead bookclub #fyp #hillheadbookclub #girlswhomunch #glasgow #glasgowtiktok #besties #foodreview #grunge #comfortfood
@girlswhomunch
43 likes • 5.8K views

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.

Hillhead Bookclub vintage market last weekend ✌️✨️ #hillheadbookclub #glasgowmarket #artstall #artiststall #canvaspainting #collage #stickers
@carminencobalt
4 likes • 158 views
Hillhead Bookclub , Glasgow🍹 #glasgow #explorescotland #visitscotland #hillhead #drinking #cocktails #datenight #loveyou
@tincwong
2 likes • 288 views

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.

Jeepers Creepers Spooky Season is upon us! Join us for spooky movies, scarily tasty grumb and the odd ghost pouring your pint this October! #hillheadbookclub #glasgow #westend #hospitality #spooky
@hillheadbookclub
16 likes • 833 views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Quirky, book-lined ambiance
Creative cocktails and comfort food
Fun ping-pong and retro gaming

What People Dislike

Occasional slow service
Optional service charge practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Hillhead Bookclub offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere with quirky decor, vintage furniture, retro gaming consoles, and book-lined shelves.

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Yes, Hillhead Bookclub offers a variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian options, including vegan corn ribs and Korean Fried Cauliflower.

Google Review

Absolutely! You can enjoy ping-pong, pool, and retro video games, making it a fun spot for groups and dates.

The Top Places For A Unique Night Out In GlasgowThe 13 Best Date Night Bars in Glasgow 2025

While reservations might be possible, it's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak hours, to avoid wait times.

Google Review

Opening times vary, but the venue typically stays open until midnight, with specific hours for events.

The 13 Best Date Night Bars in Glasgow 2025

Yes, you can create your own Bloody Mary with a selection of hot sauces, spices, and garnishes.

Google Review

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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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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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