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The 7 best Glasgow pubs to watch Euro 2024
It seems like half the country is off to Germany – but spare a thought for those of us who aren’t.
Luckily the Tartan Army cheering on from afar won’t have any shortage of places to watch the game with pubs across Glasgow and beyond gearing up for a month-long party. Scotland’s real capital isn’t short of places for a pint at the worst of times but for Euro 2024, you won’t have to look far for a cracking boozer or beer garden in which to cheer on Steve Clarke and his troops.
Whether you’re after the full fan zone experience, something a bit more low key, or anything in between, there’s somewhere for you to sit, stand, or hide behind a chair and take it all in as the Scots go out to make history in Munich. If you’re not in Germany, Glasgow is the place to be, and here are some of the best places you can watch the Euros from the comfort and safety of the pub.
Felsons (City Centre)
If you’re after the full sports bar experience then you won’t get much better than Felsons. It’s one of the newer bars in the city centre, located near Cineworld and upstairs to the popular Walkabout (another good option). They’ll be showing every game and have nearly as many TVs as they have pool tables – ideal for a couple of frames with your mates as Slovenia take on Denmark in the background. You can book a table here.
Granary (Southside)
Located on Kilmarnock Road in Shawlands, the Granary is one of the most spacious yet cozy pubs the Southside has to offer. Historically a hub for the old Glasgow tram system until 1962, it leans into its roots, and it’s right next to Queen’s Park, one of the nicest settings you’ll find in Glasgow outside of the West End. It’s also dog friendly if you’re fancying a pint with your pup. If you’re booking in advance, you can have drinks packages waiting for your arrival.
Cooper’s Bar (West End)
A vibrant West End spot just across the water from Kelvinbridge Station, Coopers is known for its open-air feel and high ceilings, with food served until 10pm. It’s one of Glasgow’s many Belhaven Pubs and is as football-friendly as it gets, with two floors, every seat within view of one of its 14 4k HD TVs. They promise to show every game at the Euros, though if you’re booking ahead, a £5 deposit is required on the days Scotland are playing. Walk-ins are welcomed, but as with any pub when the Euros are on, you’re not guaranteed a seat!
Platform (City Centre)
Platform, across from the Argyle St entrance to Central Station, is pulling out all the stops for the Euros. The underground location gives it a Bohemian feel, and the massive screens and dark, strip-lit surroundings will make it feel like you’re watching the football at the cinema. They promise an unrivalled viewing experience and fans can book specifically for the Euros for a bespoke football-watching night out.
Merchant Square fan zone (Merchant City)
Not quite sure where you want to watch the game and keep to keep your options open? The Merchant Square fan zone might have just what you’re after. The 300 capacity courtyard is surrounded by pubs and restaurants, whether you fancy a pint at O’Neill’s, cocktails at Metropolitan, or one of the Tap Yard’s array of draught choices.
The fan zone runs throughout the Euros from 6pm-10pm and Glasgow singer-songwriter Kirk Strachan will be providing live music from 6pm-8pm before the games on days Scotland are playing. It’s completely free with no bookings for the central courtyard – so the only way to guarantee a seat is to get down early.
Clockwork (Southside)
Legend has it a stray Andy Robertson corner once landed in the beer garden at Mount Florida’s Clockwork. Alright, I made that up, but it’s so close to Hampden, you’d believe it. It’s one of the go-to pubs for Scotland fans on matchdays and in the shadow of the national stadium, it’s likely to be full to the brim of feverish punters – on the days Scotland are playing, and otherwise. It’s an adopted Tartan Army stronghold and you can watch the football either indoors or from the beer garden. Food is served until 8pm, and the outdoor seating is first come, first served. You can book online for a table indoors.
Drygate Brewery (East End)
If you fancy piling your cash into local enterprise this summer then you know where to go. Drygate Brewery are getting so into the Euros they’ve launched a ‘A Brew from the Terrace,’ a *checks notes* Bovril flavoured stout in partnership with the popular BBC Scotland TV show. But even if that doesn’t sound like your thing (no-one’s blaming you), you won’t get a better selection of beers anywhere else in the city.
They’re also taking bookings specifically for the Euros, which will be shown both indoors and on the upstairs terrace. They also offer taster paddles for those unsure which of their beers to order – a favourite of the more restless and adventurous drinkers among us. Book here!