The Big Blue

There's something so civilised about sipping a beer in the sun. On the rare occasion it comes out in Scotland, Glasgow's Big Blue becomes packed with bare flesh faster than you can say factor 15.

There's a strong aquatic theme, from the etched glass backdrop to the bar which teems with swordfish to its location. Although the entrance is on one of the West End's busier streets, the bar itself is three flights down in an old archway which opens out onto the Kelvin walkway and overlooks the river.

The menu is predominantly Italian with a few seafood dishes thrown in. One of Glasgow 's best outdoor beer gardens, the Big Blue attracts a crowd of all ages and professions.