Glasgow had me at Tunnocks Tea Cakes. Whilst these biscuit, chocolate and marshmallow concoctions, which always remind me of happy times from my childhood, are reason enough to love Glasgow, they aren’t the only reason I love this city.
Glasgow is the first city I visited with my husband, long before he was my husband. His best mate went to uni in the city and so after many trips over to crash on student accommodation floors, he was pretty familiar with Glasgow. By the time we went, he was able to show me the sights. From Sauchiehall Street (or Sausage Roll Street as he fondly calls it), The Garage, (an unmissable nightclub, well you can’t miss it, what with the yellow truck hanging out the front of the building) and the shopping mecca that is Buchanan Street, I instantly fell in love. The people and the city also reminded me very much of Belfast and over the years Glasgow has become somewhat a home from home. I have been back several times; to see the architectural side of the city, visiting all the major spots that sport a heavy Charles Rennie Mackintosh influence; to celebrate my hen party; to go to concerts at the stunning Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and just cos I fancied a weekend away. However, what always strikes me about the city is that no matter how often I go back, there is always something or somewhere new for me to discover.
Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to a People Make Glasgow press event to promote the city. Held upstairs in the Bar + Grill at James Street South, Belfast, the event treated guests to a stunning Glasgow inspired menu by the super talented Carl Johannesson. From smoked mackerel and oat cakes to slow braised featherblade of beef with haggis, the food was cooked to perfection and superbly combined tantalising flavours. However, the dish of the evening for me had to be dessert: marinated blackberries, custard, sweet cream, meringue and honeycomb. It was heavenly.
As well as being spoilt rotten with a fabulous menu, the kind people at People Make Glasgow filled us in with fast facts on the city (did you know National Geographic Traveler named the city as one of 20 ‘Best of the World’ destinations for 2016 – impressive stuff, not to mention Glasgow is also a UNESCO City of Music) before sending us on our way with fabulous fun goodie bags. Inside the eye-catching pink bags was a wonderful mix of treats from a miniature bottle of Scottish whiskey, a Charles Rennie Mackintosh coaster, coffee, Glasgow honey and of course a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Biscuit and, my favourite, a Tunnocks Tea Cake.
Once I got home – well, after I devoured my Tunnocks Tea Cake – I did have a sneaky look at trips to Glasgow, especially after finding out Stena Line are currently offering day returns from a bargain £10. I am pretty sure I know where I will be heading on my next city break – Glasgow here I come – again!
- From 25-30 May, Glasgow will be holding its first ever Style Mile Shopping Festival: http://glasgowstylemileshoppingfestival.com/
- For more information on Stena Line deals including return day trips from as little as £10 visit: http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferries-to-britain
- For more information on Glasgow: https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/
Posted: 19/05/2016
LittleBurch 