8 Best Glasgow East End Pubs This Weekend, East End 2026

Key Points

• A recent feature highlights eight top pubs in Glasgow’s East End ideal for weekend visits.
• Personal favourites from the authors include Redmond’s of Dennistoun.
• Reader-favourite spots feature prominently, such as Hielan Jessie.
• The article originates from Motherwell Times, focusing on lifestyle, food, and drink in the Glasgow area.
• Pubs are selected for their appeal to locals and visitors seeking authentic East End experiences.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) April 15, 2026

Glasgow’s East End boasts a vibrant pub scene perfect for weekend outings, with a new guide spotlighting eight standout venues. Motherwell Times has compiled a list of the best pubs to visit this weekend, blending personal favourites like Redmond’s of Dennistoun with reader-loved spots such as Hielan Jessie. This selection caters to those exploring the area’s rich drinking culture amid its historic streets and community vibe.

Which Are the Top 8 Pubs in Glasgow East End?

The guide from Motherwell Times presents a curated list of eight pubs, drawing from staff preferences and public acclaim. Redmond’s of Dennistoun stands out as a personal favourite, noted for its unique atmosphere on Duke Street. Hielan Jessie earns praise from readers for its traditional charm in the Gallowgate area.

As detailed in the Motherwell Times feature titled “8 of the best pubs in Glasgow East End to visit this weekend,” the selection includes “some of our personal favourites including Redmond’s of Dennistoun to those our readers absolutely love, such as Hielan Jessie.” This mix ensures broad appeal, covering both trendy and classic establishments. The article positions these pubs as prime weekend destinations, accessible and welcoming for casual visits.

What Makes Redmond’s of Dennistoun a Must-Visit?

Redmond’s of Dennistoun features prominently as a staff pick in the Motherwell Times guide. Located at 304 Duke Street, this pub draws attention for its distinctive interior and global influences. A Scout Media documentary describes it as “the most unique pub of Glasgow’s East End,” highlighting its blend of music, alcohol, Asian street food, and atmosphere inspired by bars worldwide.

Foodie Explorers reviewer notes a positive experience with steamed buns—pork belly with hoisin sauce and buttermilk chicken—alongside beers like Fyne Ales Fynebank and a house mojito, totalling £24.75 for two. TripAdvisor users echo this, with one from September 2015 calling it a “fabulous little pub” with excellent beers, good food, music, and a relaxed vibe, especially popular on weekends. Watch Me See recommends it as a cool hangout for G&Ts on Duke Street.

Why Do Readers Love Hielan Jessie?

Hielan Jessie emerges as a reader favourite in the Motherwell Times list, celebrated for its retro appeal. A Pubs Galore review by John Gallagher describes it as a “hidden gem” of Glasgow’s pub culture, better than the Laurieston in retroness and localness, with a functioning charcoal fireplace in winter. He notes its old-fashioned exterior and interior, reasonable prices, and proximity to the city centre.

A Dailymotion video transcript captures its Gallowgate location:

“We’re in Jesse on the Gallaghy. This is a pub which is from the eastern of Glasgow… It’s one of my favourite spots to come to before a gig… still got a telly, you can just sit and get lost… meet some friendly East End folk.”

The guide positions it as a traditional choice amid area changes like the Barras market.

What Other Pubs Complete the East End Lineup?

While Motherwell Times names eight pubs without listing all explicitly in available details, related sources fill in the East End scene. DesignMyNight praises West Brewery (WEST on the Green) as a beer buff’s dream in the Templeton building on Glasgow Green, offering craft beer, German cuisine, a beer garden, and banter. Watch Me See seconds West for its Beerhall menu under German Purity Law, recommending the Heidi Weisse wheat beer, and suggests Drygate brewery near the Necropolis for extensive beer tasting.

Duke Street options like The Duke and Duchess provide traditional pints, per Watch Me See. VisitGlasgow highlights nearby spots such as Ho Lee Fook for east Asian street food, The Gate for modern Scottish pub fare and cocktails, and Van Winkle for bourbon, BBQ, and southern classics. These align with the guide’s focus on diverse, local favourites.

How Do These Pubs Fit Glasgow East End’s Vibe?

Glasgow’s East End offers historic landmarks, markets, music venues, parks, and murals, making its pubs integral to the experience. VisitGlasgow notes the area’s vibrant community, with pubs like those in the Motherwell Times list enhancing exploration around sites like People’s Palace and the Women’s Library. Weekend visits suit the casual, social nature described— from Redmond’s global flair to Hielan’s local warmth.

DesignMyNight calls West a “sterling Glasgow night out,” while Foodie Explorers and TripAdvisor emphasise consistent quality in food and service at Redmond’s. Pubs Galore and Dailymotion stress Hielan Jessie’s unchanging traditionalism despite urban shifts. The Motherwell Times guide taps into this by mixing personal and reader picks for authentic weekend appeal.

What Food and Drink Options Stand Out?

Food and drink variety defines these pubs. At Redmond’s, Foodie Explorers details fluffy steamed buns with pork belly hoisin or panko chicken, a tomatoey anchovy pizza, and drinks like mojitos served neatly without excess ice. TripAdvisor mentions pastrami sandwiches alongside craft beers.

West Brewery focuses on German dishes and on-site brews, per Watch Me See and DesignMyNight. Drygate challenges with its beer menu, while Duke Street pubs offer straightforward pints. VisitGlasgow adds street food at Ho Lee Fook and bourbon at Van Winkle, broadening the East End’s culinary draw as per the Motherwell Times recommendations.

Background of the Development

Glasgow’s East End pub scene has evolved with the area’s regeneration, blending historic venues like Hielan Jessie—praised for its time-warp feel since at least the 2010s per Pubs Galore—with newer spots like Redmond’s, documented since 2014 on TripAdvisor and reviewed in 2016 by Foodie Explorers. Guides like Motherwell Times reflect ongoing local media interest in lifestyle content, building on tourism pushes from VisitGlasgow since 2024. This curation follows a tradition of East End exploration, as in Watch Me See‘s 2024 city guide and DesignMyNight‘s 2025 bar roundup, amid stable community favourites amid urban changes like the Barras.

Prediction for Local Pub-Goers and Visitors

This development highlights accessible weekend options, potentially drawing more locals and tourists to East End pubs like Redmond’s and Hielan Jessie. Increased footfall could boost nearby businesses, parks, and events, fostering community ties for residents while offering visitors authentic Glasgow experiences without city centre crowds. Regulars may see steadier crowds at reader favourites, enhancing social hubs, as guides like Motherwell Times guide newcomers to under-the-radar gems.