Real Ale Bars

We're using the Campaign for Real Ale's definition here: beer, cask-conditioned, containing live yeast that continues to ferment in the cask in the pub's cellar. While there may be other technologies in use to prolong the life of the beer, the key factor is that it continues to develop. The pubs in this section are ones we like, and all serve real ale.

We also like Craft Beer — beer that doesn't fit the description above. Our favourite craft beer bars are listed on the craft beer pubs page.

A complete list of local bars selling Real Ale can be found on the Glasgow and West of Scotland Campaign for Real Ale website.

West of Scotland CAMRA Pub of the Year 2023

0.9 miles / 1.45km

The Three Judges is one of the two real ale bars closest to the SEC, at around 1.3 miles / 2.1 km

1.2 miles / 1.95 km

The Laurieston is a time warp from the 1960s. It only usually has a couple of real ales on, most often from Fyne Ales but they're well-kept and, to be honest, the beer isn't the main reason for the visit. What you will do is marvel at the decor: the U-shaped bar with hidden gantry, the panelled walls, the formica bar — even the signage outside hasn't been updated since the middle of the last century. Always worth a visit.

Please Note: The Laurieston only takes cash payment.

Just round the corner from the State Bar, The Griffin is a sprawling set of rooms (known in the 70s to recently as the Griffin, the Griffiny and the Griffinette) at the north end of the city centre. Refurbished during and after lockdown, they're a bit shiny and fresh right now. Serves two beers from Skye Ales plus another two on rotation.