Every now and again I have an urge to visit Glasgow, like a scratch you need to itch – no messing around in suburbia, we love to be slap, bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. Glasgow has totally upped its game in recent years and has many superb centrally located hotels; handy for restaurants, bars, culture and shopping so, therefore, it had simply not occurred to us to stay on the outskirts.
When the opportunity arose for a weekend staying in Glasgow’s south side, I began the reassuring loop in my head “it’ll be different, it’ll be fine”.
Slightly apprehensive as we drove through the city, we soon arrived at the Victorian splendour of No 10. After the journey from Aberdeen through the busy Friday traffic, it was a blessing to be directed to the car park at the rear of the hotel rather than having to head to a local car park.
On arrival we were met with a warm, Glaswegian greeting from William Sloan, the general manager. William explained No 10 is a boutique hotel with 26 bedrooms, each uniquely styled and offers an alternative to what most city hotels simply cannot provide – beautiful gardens and outlook as well as great rooms and a contemporary bar and restaurant. William has been with the hotel for many years and is enthusiastic and immensely proud of the recent transformation of No 10 by its new owners.
Our room had everything our favourite city hotel has but much, much more – the bedroom and bathroom were extremely spacious with the added bonus of a large dressing area which is a necessity if you don’t travel light!
I instantly realised the charm and character which can be lacking from most hotel chains; the room had high ceilings, beautiful ornate cornicing as well as amazing greenery and views over Queen’s Park from the bay window. However our room and bathroom were modern and luxurious with all amenities.
We had booked to dine at the hotel’s restaurant. The menu was impressive, and despite being hungry travellers, it was a real struggle to decide. My husband chose deconstructed Cullen skink followed by the lamb shank special, and I chose more simply; a roast beetroot and goat’s cheese filo basket and a main of steak and fries. All dishes were beautifully presented, cooked to perfection and tasted even better than they looked. Our meal was superb and, to be honest, far exceeded expectations. We’ve dined in some excellent restaurants over the years but will admit to being blown away by the chef’s expertise. On both evenings, as well as coping with a full restaurant, No 10 hosted large dinner events, however this made no difference as our food was truly wonderful. All in all, a great dining experience.
Following dinner we took advantage of the warm evening to stroll around the hotel, gardens and surrounding area. No 10 has recently been refurbished to a seriously high standard, creating a super-stylish hotel and caters for all travellers’ tastes; contemporary but complementing and gently fitting into the Victorian building.
The hotel is set within the upmarket, leafy area of Queen’s Park, on an elegant street where the majority of the substantial properties are family homes. Crosshill railway station is a short walk from the hotel and you can be transported to central Glasgow within ten minutes. South side has the added benefits of the beautiful Queen’s Park glasshouses and the Burrell Collection, which are both well worth a visit.
After stretching our legs, we decided on a nightcap in the bar. It had a lovely relaxed atmosphere but at the same time a real buzz, busy with a mixture of local clientele and hotel guests. We were told the bar area had recently been converted from a storeroom, retaining many original features plus stylish additions of slate walls, dark furniture and clever lighting – giving a contemporary gentleman’s club feel. The barman certainly knew his stuff; mixing cocktails, pouring fizz and sharing his knowledge of beer and wine. No 10 doesn’t stop at using local produce on their food menu, they also offer assorted beer from small local brewers.
When staying in central Glasgow we always venture out; eating in restaurants and preferring to see what the city has to offer, so we surprised ourselves by spending the evening at No 10. Our weekend proved to be immensely enjoyable with the hotel being a rare combination of elegant/modern and relaxing/busy.
SPECIAL READER OFFER
Enjoy a very special rate of £65pp DBB including a bottle of wine in room on arrival and complimentary upgrade (subject to availability). Call 0141 424 0160 or email info@10hotel.co.uk quoting P&J15.
T&Cs: Valid for arrivals until October 31, 2015. Dinner will be an allowance of £20pp; subject to availability & allocation with a limited number of rooms available on this promotional rate; cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
No 10 Glasgow, 10-16 Queen’s Drive, Glasgow. Phone 0141 424 0160.