The State Bar, Glasgow  

A real find this, whether escaping the rigors of shopping Sauchiehall street, or wetting the whistle for any other reason. It is a classic pub, barely touched from a charming Mid-Victorian boozer, few of which ever existed in central Glasgow. The central bar, wall lamps, old photos, half-frosted windows, snugs and benching all create a warm and intimate atmosphere, and interesting to boot. They stock some choice whiskeys we regretted not even beginning to sample, but with 8 cask conditioned ales, there is clearly a need to visit here more often and for longer. Houston Killellen, Deuchars and Marsten Pedigree were some of those offered and tip top too. If none of these grabs you, surely the good selection of bottled beers will or the usual S&N offer on the pumps. The service is excellent, even with the bar quite busy, and the whole placed buzzed with decent banter backed by an esoteric choice of music covering blues, pop and punk- all good. Don't expect to eat more than a packet snack here, but hell, why should you? Terrific.