Drum & Monkey Glasgow is a traditional pub housed in a former American-style bank building, constructed in 1924 by architect Andrew Balfour. The establishment features an opulent marble and wood-paneled interior with ornate ceilings, reflecting its historical grandeur. The pub offers a diverse selection of real ales, including local and national favorites, and serves classic British cuisine such as pies, burgers, and traditional dishes. Its central location on St Vincent Street, named after the 1797 Battle of Cape St Vincent, makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a unique dining experience in Glasgow's city center.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.3 2,337
- Tripadvisor 4.0 774
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Attractive historic atmosphere Housed in a former Bank of Scotland building, this pub features a beautiful interior with original woodwork, crystal chandeliers, and a naval theme. This creates a great pub atmosphere.
- Dog friendly This pub welcomes dogs and provides water and treats, making it a great option if you're traveling with your pet.
- Excellent Scottish food The Drum and Monkey specializes in traditional Scottish cuisine, particularly their pies (steak and ale, crofters, chicken) and haggis, neeps, and tatties. Many consider the pies award-winning and the portions are generous.
- Friendly and helpful staff Many reviewers praised the staff for being welcoming, friendly, and efficient. Staff are often noted for being helpful with recommendations on drinks and food.
- Wide selection of beers and ales This pub offers a wide variety of beers on tap, including local ales and Innis & Gunn tank lager. Friendly bartenders are able to offer recommendations.
Criticised
- Can be cold and unwelcoming A few reviewers found the pub to be cold and unwelcoming, lacking a friendly vibe.
- Can get very crowded Due to its popularity, the Drum and Monkey can get extremely busy, especially on Friday nights and weekends. Booking in advance is recommended.
- Inconsistent food availability Some reviewers have reported that certain menu items were unavailable during their visit, leading to frustration when ordering.
- Service can be slow during peak times The pub can get so busy that the wait time for food and drinks can be quite long.
- Toilets can be unclean Multiple reviews mention that the toilets are often dirty, with a bad odour, and in need of maintenance.
The longer read
The Drum and Monkey Glasgow, situated in a stunningly renovated old Bank of Scotland building, earns high praise for its ambiance and classic pub feel. The architecture, featuring detailed woodwork, marble, and what appear to be crystal chandeliers, creates a memorable setting. Many reviewers recommend it as a must-see for tourists and those seeking a traditional Scottish pub experience. Live music sessions, particularly on Sunday afternoons, enhance the atmosphere and are frequently mentioned as a highlight. The pub is often busy, especially on weekends and evenings, so reservations are recommended, particularly if you want to dine. While busy, reviewers noted that the atmosphere is generally lively and friendly.
Food is a major draw, with the steak and ale pie earning repeated accolades as "award-winning" and "to die for." The Crofters pie is also recommended. Traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties are popular choices, and the fish and chips receive positive mentions for their quality and portion size. While most find the food to be well-prepared and tasty, a few reviewers noted that some menu items may occasionally be unavailable, or that service may be slower during peak hours. A few reviewers mention the quality of the Cullen Skink. Also of note are the desserts, especially the sticky toffee pudding.
The pub offers a wide selection of drinks, including real ales, lagers, and a variety of Scottish whiskies. The staff is frequently described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, particularly in recommending beers and whiskies. Some reviewers specifically mentioned staff members by name, praising their exceptional service. The pub is also dog-friendly, offering water and treats for canine companions.
While the vast majority of reviews are positive, a few mention issues with the toilets, citing cleanliness concerns. A small number of reviewers also mentioned that the pub can be cold, especially near the windows. Although the pub is often busy, reviewers noted that the staff is quick to serve patrons. The pub's central location makes it easily accessible by public transportation.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 141 221 6636
- Website
- nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/thedrumandmonkeystvincentstreetglasgow?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb-homepage
| Mon | 12:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 against a median of 4.9 across the 1 places to eat we hold for City Centre, where the most-reviewed is Chopstix - Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular and unique dishes served at Drum & Monkey Glasgow?
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- Does Drum & Monkey Glasgow offer good options for vegetarians, vegans, or those with special dietary needs?
- Is it necessary to make a reservation at Drum & Monkey Glasgow, especially during peak times?
- When is the best time to visit Drum & Monkey in Glasgow to avoid crowds and enjoy the best experience?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.