Being positioned in the heart of Glasgow city centre, we’re very lucky to be surrounded by some fantastic businesses, right on our doorstep, so read on to find out more about our neighbours!
Local watering holes
After a day listening to the pioneering research from a conference or talking to delegates whilst being an exhibitor on a stand, you’ll be ready to relax with your favourite tipple! The choices are plentiful around the Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) so you don’t have far to go! Merchants Square caters for all tastes so whether you’re looking for a champagne cocktail, a chilled beer, a wee cup of tea or a soft drink, there’s something for everyone. Over the weekend, there’s also a lovely Craft and Design Fair with gifts galore all produced by local suppliers so if you’re keen to take home a wee memento then make sure you check it out! For those Gin lovers out there, Gin71 is a popular choice serving more types of gin and mixers than you can possibly imagine and with gin themed food, it’s a must! To experience local craft beers, don’t hesitate to pop 10 minutes out towards the East of the city where Drygate brewery serves their own beer brewed on site – one not to be missed!
Foodie venues
After enjoying our hot fork buffet at lunchtime, if you’re looking for a hearty meal, then why not take a stroll down in to the Merchant City where there’s an array of Scottish restaurants, Mharsanta, Café Gandolfi and Gandolfi Fish are always a good bet. Serving everything from local fresh fish, Stornoway black pudding, mince ‘n’ tatties and haggis, you’ll have the chance to experience true Scottish fayre. The team at Mharsanta can also offer a range of experiences including whisky tasting, walking tours and their Immersive “Taste of Scotland” Dining Experience, so make sure you check it out if you’re looking for something a little bit special! A couple of our team members had the opportunity to enjoy the Dining Experience and would highly recommend it!
Making a night of it
There are also some fabulous gala dinner venues in the city if delegates are looking to let their hair down after a long day. Citation, dating back to 1844, is a short walk from TIC and was originally Glasgow’s Sheriff Court Building, so it’s a fantastic backdrop for a special celebration, with an abundance of fairy lights creating a cosy atmosphere. A little further along the road is Trades Hall, which was established in 1605 and can accommodate up to 180 delegates for dinner. Our favourite thing about this venue is that a portion of each booking goes to charity to support the local community; a win-win for everyone! We can’t forget to mention the Old Fruitmarket which was originally Glasgow’s wholesale fruit market but is now a spectacular venue for a conference dinner for up to 300 people.
A good night’s sleep!
If you’re planning to extend your stay in Glasgow either pre or post conference, there are some great hotels to choose from, all within walking distance of TIC. Just along George Street, you can find the gorgeous new AC by Marriott, part of the new Love Loan neighbourhood, boasting some spectacular views across the city. Not only that, the hotel’s restaurant, Hazel, is worth a visit to enjoy a delicious dinner after working up an appetite networking in TIC!
Another new addition to Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City is The Social Hub, part of Candleriggs Square. Not only is The Social Hub a hotel, it’s also a place to learn, stay, work and play, bringing people together, whether they're looking for student accommodation, a hotel room for long or short stays, a space to work or somewhere to relax. Great for our conference delegates!
You can also find the Moxy Merchant City just a short walk from us on High Street and only about 30 seconds from the train station. The hotel is currently closed for refurbishment so we can’t wait to see its new look when it reopens in January 2025.
We’ve also recently visited The Address, a new hotel in the heart of the city with eclectic design and lots of character. The hotel is listed in The Sunday Times 2024 Best Places to Stay so definitely worth considering if you’re planning a trip to Glasgow!
Get in touch
So, as you can see, we are lucky to be so well placed in Glasgow! If you’re keen to experience the Dear Green Place for yourself, why not book a conference with us and sample the delights the city has to offer.
Call 0141 548 4143 or email us today to find out more about our state-of-the-art and flexible conferencing facilities right here in the heart of Glasgow!