Gay Edinburgh & Glasgow
Eating out
Thanks to its wide open spaces, rolling farmland and crystal clear springs, Scotland boasts some of the finest meat, fish and produce in the United Kingdom. This means that any dining experience in Scottish cities is sure to be a memorable one.
There are a number of must-sample dining experiences in the country, but two things you should be sure to try are Scottish salmon and Highland beef – both known globally for their quality, taste and deliciousness!
Vegetarians should have no problem finding tasty morsels – the large student population and left-wing leanings of both cities ensure that green options are plentiful.
The local gay communities in both Edinburgh and Glasgow have cooperatively-run cafes that are perfect for a quick bite or to catch up on what’s on in town. The waiters are often the best sources of information in the city and a great way to make friend or two. Try Nexus in Edinburgh or the Glasgow LGBT café/bar for your chance to meet locals while pleasuring your stomach.
Insider Info
If you’re vegetarian or weak of stomach, look away now. The Scottish specialty of Haggis is a mixture of sheep’s lung, heart and liver mixed with oatmeal and pepper and cooked in a sheep’s stomach.
The dish has been eaten since the 13th Century with sales of the hearty dish soaring on 25 January – the national day celebrating the birthday of poet Robert Burns. Burns popularized Haggis in 1786 when he wrote ‘Address to a Haggis’ in celebration of Scottish nationalism. Sounds disgusting but tastes fantastic!
Glasgow Dining
Brel’s
Lively, gay friendly Belgian moules-frites restaurant and bar in cosmopolitan Hillhead. Ashton Lane, G1. Tel: +44 141 342 9666.
Corinthian
Modern European cuisine in a breathtakingly ornate banking hall. 191 Ingram Street, G1. Tel: +44 141 552 1101.
Glasgow LGBT café/bar.
The community’s café, part of the lesbian & gay center. 11 Dixon Street, G1.
Rogano
Glamorous art deco fish restaurant in the heart of the city, with a simpler and cheaper café beneath. 11 Exchange Place, G1. +44 141 248 4055.
Ubiquitous Chip
A forest of greenery greets diners at this wonderful Scottish restaurant. Two courses $60, three courses $70; there is also a simpler upstairs brasserie. 12 Ashton Lane, G1. +44 141 334 5007.
Willow Tea Rooms (www.willowtearooms.co.uk)
Tea, cakes and light meals in art nouveau surroundings by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. See the lovely Room Deluxe while you’re there. 217 Sauchiehall Street, G2. Tel: +44 141 332 0521.
Edinburgh Dining
The Apartment
Seriously funky global fusion eatery with some of the hottest staff in town. You’ll drool over both what’s on your plate and who’s serving it to you. 7-13 Barclay Place, EH10. Tel: +44 131 228 6456.
Bann UK
Edinburgh’s top vegetarian restaurant. Be sure to sample the organic wines and Scottish beers on tap. 5 Hunter Square, EH1. Tel: +44 131 226 1112.
Blue Moon Café
The hub of Edinburgh’s gay scene, this friendly gay café stretches over three rooms. A great place to find out what’s going on in the city. 1 Barony Street, EH1. Tel: +44 131 556 2788.
Dubh Prais
Scottish cuisine featuring the best in local produce. A great place to sample delicacies such as Haggis. 123B High Street, EH1. Tel: +44 131 557 5732.
Nexus
Intimate café with beautiful views overlooking a garden. Internet access available. LGB Centre, 60 Broughton Street, EH7. Tel: +44 131 478 7069.