Just before Covid; in February 2020, I moved to Glasgow, Scotland.

This post is a tale of experiences of a born and bred Devon boy now living in Glasgow. Over 2 and a half years and only now do I feel in a position to really put across my perspective as a resident of this city.

Before moving here, I had only visited once in June 2018 staying at my pal’s in the west end of the city. As much as I enjoyed it, it would have been a surprise to learn that i would be living there 20 months later.

In December 2019 I was made redundant from my job working for John Lewis in Plymouth. Ended up moving back home for a few months. Then the same pal i stayed with before said I could crash at his in Glasgow for awhile. I gratefully jumped at the opportunity. Looked for place to live and a job. Didn’t sort out both of these until the week of March 16th 2020. A week later Boris gave his now famous “Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives” speech. Looking back this was a bizarre time in my life. I had just arrived in a new city with a new place to live and a new job; then to be told the world has shut down and we are experiencing a global pandemic that requires us to minimise human contact.

I found a room in a nice flat in the fashionable east end district of Dennistoun. Popular in polls of the coolest places to live. Described as a “secluded Island”. I also ended up working 10 minutes walk away. In a call centre for a 119 NHS Covid response service. Booking Covid tests for people with symptoms. A good gig everything considered in difficult times.

When i wasn’t working, i was exploring the city and other new areas around for me. One of the special truths about Glasgow is that once you get on a train and head out of the city, you are in beautiful country landscapes in no time. Like those in the Loch Lomond area. Or a trek up Dumgoyne hill in the Campsie Fells. Have a wee dram at the whiskey distillery.

Dennistoun is perfect for getting the train from the local stop of Bellgrove direct to Edinburgh for a cultural day out in the old town.

A walk up Arthur’s Seat hill or a Castle tour.

That first spring in 2020 was memorable for seeing Glasgow in the eyes of a newbie, without the busyness of a major city. Experiences like going on the subway or seeing sights of the city centre with major attractions closed. Like everyone else, your just trying to stay healthy and survive.

The time in the west end was excellent, but the area was very student centred. Being in the east end felt much more authentic to Glasgow. A short walk to the Parkhead, Celtic park football ground for the green half of this city. The rivalry in the city between Celtic and Rangers is something else. Im more drawn to the Celtic side myself. In some pubs you are not allowed to wear any football colours at all. Sectarianism still exists.

My place, just off the known duke street, populated by bars, restaurants and charity shops.

Spots for a pint of Tennents, very close to the Tennents factory. You can in-fact smell the beer being made in the local area. I personally liked it, as I like the beer. Never done the tour tho.

Glasgow has its main museums like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and The Transport Museum on the banks of the Clyde. Both fantastic, free and worth a browse in the west end. Covid meant I had to wait for them to open again. Kelvingrove has this original Salvador Dali you can can see here.

The Transport museum has models of original bus and subway carriages. The Glasgow subway system being one of the oldest in

Europe, dating back to 1896.

The tall ship is next to this museum. Excellent and you can learn about the history of Glasgow’s shipyards, a critical port in the 20th century western world. Before my move, my only reference point was the tales of the legendary Billy Connolly. There is a mural of him by St Enoch subway station in the city centre.

The Science Centre next to the Hydro arena is also interesting. Fun for families aswell. Games and interactive features that test your mind and perception helping you learn science. Theres a whole feature that details each of the Planets in our Solar system and their distance an reliance to the sun.

You can also get your height exactly and a test on identifying a criminal with screen memory tasks.

Back in the east end, the Necropolis shows the famous Glasgow Cathedral to the left here.

This is spectacular inside and out. Im not a christian man, but you can only admire this architecture. Built in the late 12th century and also known as St Mungo’s church for glasgow’s patron saint and his place of burial. The Necropolis is a an archaic Victorian Cemetery. Has an eerie feel.

.

If you like a nice spot for a few pints and some food in Dennistoun, you can check out the Palais or Coia’s cafe on duke street.

This picture was on a outside table of Palais when the pubs first re-opened with Covid restrictions. Much needed at the time.

Dennistoun was described by an older colleague of mine as historically “a smaller and cheaper version of Glasgow’s west end.”

Before Covid; in the west end me and my pal would go to bars on byres road like Tennent’s bar. Close by is Jinty McGuinty’s Irish Bar, which is always a fun wee night on ashton lane. Some live music often involving a fiddle. A pretty dark haired girl who wouldn’t look out of place in The Corrs.

Its pricey around there tho, and i always enjoyed it more for a day or night out. The botanic gardens a beautiful horticultural breath of fresh air. Second-hand books to browse there sometimes.

The most famous Devonian in Glasgow is Buckfast, the tonic wine drink. Made in South Devon, but drank in Glasgow. You see empty bottles everywhere. It tastes sweet and a good way to finish a night. Or “Bucky” as they call it here.

There are some nice city parks in different parts of the town. Bellahouston, Alexandra, Queens, Victoria and Kelvingrove to name a few. Bellahouston on the south side is very peaceful, as well as being the scene for many summer gigs over the years. You can make a nice cheap day for yourself taking the subway or train to see a few of the parks in a day. Maybe a jog aswell if you like. This video above is of Victoria park in the west end.

There are plenty of smaller hotels and bnbs’ around these parts. You can see a decent amount of the city in a short trip, but living here gives you a different perspective. The slogan “People make Glasgow” from the council makes a lot of sense actually. People don’t take themselves too seriously. Tough, hard-working but friendly for the most part. If you like banter, you will love it. The tall tenement housing buildings are district and reflect the authentic working class roots of the city.

A wee tip, especially for gym rats, is the Glasgow Club (Glasgow Life) app for the public council gyms and leisure centres. You check information for all these gyms (don’t need to book for gym) and book swimming and fitness sessions available in the city. I love using this and continue to use it now. £3 for a swim and the Whitehill and Gorbals pools are perfect for an excercise refresh boost.

Earlier this year, I moved to Govanhill in Glasgow’s south side area. The makeup is diverse with a variety of languages spoken, the Roma and Pakistani communities making this district their home. Other middle eastern nationalities live and work here. There is a fantastic Kurdish takeaway i love for their mixed chicken and lamb spiced wrap. Arguably the most diverse place in Scotland, which the shops on Victoria and Cathcart Roads reflect. There are active social movements that support issues like immigration and environmental action. Charitable causes for local people.

A night out at SWG3 warehouse for an event called Trancefest was this october. Glasgow is known for its techno music and supporting fanbase. Much of the trance played had a techno edge to it.

A fun rave space and a good atmosphere. If you prefer rock check out Solid Rock near central station or The Cathouse (also city centre) for early 2000s nu-metal.

If you have enjoyed reading this post please share, subscribe, comment, like or tell me your opinion. There will be more posts about Glasgow to come.

Safe Travels!

Email: tom.balfe89@gmail.com

Instagram: armchairexpert22