Glasgow's fashionable West End has many bars where you can experience the real local bonhomie.

 The Brewery Tap 1055 Sauchiehall St. Classic student haunt, within skiving distance of the university. Convivial atmosphere, cheap food and a good selection of ales on tap are all major attractions, as are the weekday happy hour (1700-1900) and regular live music sessions (see 'Live music venues' below).

Firebird 1321 Argyle St. Yet another of the city's never-ending stream of new style bars, but this one has the distinct advantage of providing excellent food, especially their pizzas. Happy hour 1700-1900 daily and DJs Thu-Sun.

The Halt Bar 160 Woodlands Rd. Tel: 5641527. This erstwhile tram stop (hence the name) is one of Glasgow's great unspoiled pubs with many of the original Edwardian fixtures intact. Also a good place to see live music two or three times a week (see 'Live music venues' below).

The Living Room 5-9 Byres Rd. Near Kelvinhall Underground. Cool, relaxing space with good music and a wide choice of food throughout the day. Plenty of drinks promos, a happy hour, and DJs five nights a week are other reasons to pay a visit.

Uisge Beatha 232 Woodlands Rd. The "water of life" is one of those pubs you go into for a wee drink and you're still there many hours later, the day's plans in ruins around your feet. Looks and feels like a real Highland hostelry. Cosy and welcoming and serving ridiculously cheap food. Scottish in every sense, right down to the effigy of Mrs T's head strung up by a tartan scarf (if only it were real!).