The Ben Nevis

What can I say about The Ben Nevis that hasn’t been said before, perhaps my favourite bar in one of my favourite parts of town. Instead of a long winded paragraph I think I’ll just list the reasons why it’s great:
1. No jukebox, no telly and no DJ. Just the chatter of the bar, or as happens often, a few folk with a fiddle playing a tune or two to help keep the mood jovial and buoyant.
2. An actual fire. Who doesn’t love a fire.
3. More whisky than you can could possible consume served in proper whisky glasses.
4. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, I like my whisky but I am always open to recommendations which the staff are always happy to provide.
5. The people (and their pets), this place is dog friendly and whilst the odd one gets a bit excitable it would almost seem wrong to visit here and not meet a new canine companion, and I don’t even like dogs that much.
I find you can really tell how good somewhere is by how busy it is on a normal weekday and last night (Wednesday) it was jumping. The venue of choice for people who had been out for dinner and looking for a fun way to round out their evening. It’s tiny but oh so, friendly. I heart The Ben Nevis and I think you should too.

Lovely whisky. Unfortunate that it closes at midnight, but well, what can you do? I enjoy coming here with friends or coworkers in the evening in any case.

What a great place for a wee dram (or two or more…). It was very busy the eveningi was there but the guys behind the bar really know their whisky adn make great reccommendations.

Aw man, I love this place! We were having an accidental Friday and ended up here, for cider and whisky. Ciders poured, what whisky would we like? I hesitated, I usually ask for Talisker, I said thoughtfully, to which the barman replied «don’t order what you’d have at home. Hang on. Tell me what you like.»
Barman proceeds to ask if we like smoky, peaty, this island or this? Hang on, he says, I’ll get the stool, and plucks something from an upper shelf. My wallet trembled, unnecessarily, as it turned out.
Not sure what the folks behind us waiting to be served thought of the barman and his careful selection of whisky, but we were happy. Here, he says, and hands us a small milk bottle of water. Taste it neat first, then put a strawful of this in.
There’s quite often live sessions happening in the corner too…

I’m so glad I finally made my way in to this wee pub. One of my boyfriends favourites in the area, I’m surprised we’d not been in prior to this visit.
Walking up to the pub, I’m always quite put off by the amount of people that hang right outside the door to smoke (if not directly in the doorway) which is probably why I’ve never been in with friends before. Today was different, as it was a Saturday, around lunch time– still early for most party animals to still be in their beds wishing away Friday nights feelings.
We walked in and were able to grab a cider right away from the most amazing lady bartender. She reminded me of someone or seemed a bit familiar, but I couldn’t place her at all. She was sincere and friendly, warm and welcoming. I love this wee pub even more because of her.
Anyway, again, noting that the city is quite small (gets smaller the longer I live here), we were also greeted by one of my boyfriends co-​workers who was here enjoying a drink with her husband before they headed across the street for lunch. I quite like meeting people he knows through work/​football, etc out and about at pubs I’ve never been to. I get to hear about what they get in to at work/​on the football pitch and the stories are quite hilarious… especially with a few drinks. But I digress…
This pub is quite cozy and warm feeling and I like that it’s more of a quite bar (at this time of the day anyway), where you can sit and enjoy someone’s company without having to shout at them. I can honestly see why this is one of my boyfriends favourite pubs and after just one visit, I can tell you it’s not one of mine as well.

Great selection of whisky, and great atmosphere! My wife and I had our last dram in Scotland before leaving… We will be back!

Anyone who hasn’t been to the Finnieston area in a while may be surprised to see how much it has changed, however, the Ben Nevis pub still stands firm, with its old fashioned exterior, but surprisingly retro-​modern Scottish interior styling. I think that is as far as I will go with the interior design chat.
Frequented by locals and tourists alike, you’re likely to hear the chatter of many different languages and witness mass confusion at the bar as staff try to explain the difference between the vast selection of Scottish whiskies.
Most likely the tourists are attracted by the traditional Celtic music, hoping to get that true Scottish countryside pub experience. There aren’t too many places in the West End of Glasgow that actually offer quality live folk music, but the Ben Nevis does, in fact several days a week! The sound of fiddles fill this cosy, stone walled pub and you can always sense that the night will turn into a right old hootenanny. (For non Scots speaking folks or tourists out there, a hootenanny is basically a big old Scottish party /​p! ss-​up!)
Often crowded, often noisy and often too hot, it is still unlikely that you will have a bad night in here. You can also forget about getting a seat, years of going here I never actually found one. Anyway, you won’t need one as you’ll be jigging along to the folk music in no time.
The Ben Nevis is also one of the few places in Glasgow you are likely to hear classic Scottish phrases such as «Och aye the noo» and «Help ma boab». However beware, the Scotticisms will more than likely be coming from some drunk local guys trying to impressive the foreign lassies. If this happens tell them «oan yer bike» and walk away.

Ben Nevis is what I would call a traditional pub… but… it is also very unique.
There isn’t nothing flashy here, its plain inside with a few tables and not much room to move.
Why is the Ben Nevis «cool» then?
* Great selection of Whiskey and if that’s your thing there will be something that matches your taste buds.
* They serve beers from the amazing West Brewery.
* It seems like there is always a band by the fire playing traditional music.
* There is just a buzz about the place a decent atmosphere where newbies mix with the locals and everybody is willing to have a chat.
Then there is the best part — They allow dogs!
You will go in and there is always a dog wandering about mixing with the crowds.
As anybody who reads my reviews will know, my mutt loves a pub crawl and there is several bars in Finneston that will let him in.
The Ben Nevis is a key point on the human/​dog Saturday afternoon bar route.

There is a good folk band playing tonight shame it is drowned out by the crowd

My favourite pub in Glasgow!
For the year that I was staying on student accoms nearby this was THE drinking place for me. The music is amazing and its worth coming just for that. Being a whiskey person helps as well.
On a music night you would have to come in pretty early to get a spot and be aware that if you are sitting in the spot the musicians sit (which is the far table to your right) you will be asked to move. Its a pretty small place and space is at a premium!

Jings! I’ve just taken a sharpened pencil and stuck it into my arm as a form of punishment. No I’m not weird, I just wanted to pain to remind me of how foolish I’ve been in not frequenting this fine establishment in an age.
After knocking back some fine burgers at a nearby joint, we popped in here for a dram or two. What a stunning selection of liquid they have. For those of the whisky persuasion, this is a must when you’re in the Ston that they call Finnie.
It’s comfy, cosy, full to the brim with awesome whisky and usually has at least one dog walking around. SOLD.

Not as an expansive whisky selection in some of the others on the Pilgrimage (180 bottles) — but excellent in its choice.
I also love the fact you do not need to chuck yourself off to the back of beyond (and Scotland has a lot of beyond to chuck) for a really decent dram.
This place definitely belongs on the Whisky Pilgrimage. The staff are friendly and have a decent knowledge of the bottles behind them. The place is a bit cramped but that is fine for a pub of this type.
Get yourself in here, grab a nice whisky and if you time it right — listen to some good live music.

The Ben Nevis, in my opinion, is the epitomy of the Glasgow pub. A roaring fire, rough stone flooring and dark wood finishing make it one the coziest drinking spots in the city. Our Sunday afternoon haunt, the Ben Nevis provides a relaxed atmosphere with a vast selection of Sunday papers, numerous beers on tap and a gantry stocked to the ceiling with some of the finest whiskys my boyfriend has had the fortune to sample! And aside from it’s whiskys and draught beers, the Ben Nevis is one of the few places I know of in Glasgow to stock Crabbie’s ginger beer; a must for me during my Saturday night recovery sessions!
Situated on Argyle St, this hidden gem’s location allows it to retain the relaxed atmosphere it has exuded for over ten years now. It caters to it’s regulars during the week, but opens it’s doors to budding musicians at the weekends, entertaining visiting west enders. All in all, a great spot for a quiet Sunday recovery, as well as a cozy nook for a cheeky week night sesh! 5 stars!

This is, by far, our Sunday afternoon post-​roast-​and-​walk pub. Sunday afternoon’s are appitimised by this little place in my opinion. A big Sunday suppliment from the Observer and a half and a half. Easy going and cosy, bloody perfect! Nevis is a beautifully decorated and interiorally designed bar. As others have mentioned its a great wee place to bring your pals that are visiting Scotland as it has a real earthy feel to it.
Slate finishing and a beautiful bar make this place a little place seriously unique. The staff are friendly and the woman that works here is a diamond! They also allow dogs in here so its good if you’ve just been for a walk in the park. There’s a black one that seems to be in when we are and, never having owned a pet, I feel seriously privaledged when it comes to sit by me!
Whether it be a Sunday afternoon or one more before you go home, the Nevis is always welcoming. The whisky gantry will keep your extremities warm in the winter and the beer will keep you cool whent he sun comes popping out. I’ll see you there!

I’m a big fan of the Ben Nevis, a traditional Scottish pub complete with roaring fire and vast whisky collection.
Being a vegetarian however, I’m not a fan of the dead animals scattered around the place, particularly the squashed bird I am forced to look at every time I make my way to the ladies.
The Ben Nevis is tiny so I would advise arriving early at the weekend if you want a seat.

Let me start by saying, to really enjoy the Ben Nevis, you have to be a whisky drinker.
And I’m not. I’d like to be, and I’ve tried, but I’m not. I get where others are coming from. This place doesn’t look much from the outside, but inside it’s really rather nice, very traditional. If I was showing tourists around, absolutely we would visit.
But there’s just something about this style of bar which drains the life from me. Overly-​Scottish (I am Scottish, just for the record) and a little bit sleepy, only when the excellent traditional music nights are on do I really find myself warming to it.
If I’m talking about specific issues here, then one problem I have with the Ben Nevis is its half-​hearted use of TVs. I understood the days in which the introduction of a TV would have been about as popular with regulars as the introduction of Kaliber on draught. I respected it. After all, this was a bar where people visited to read the Sunday papers. I’ve been baffled, therefore, by the inclusion of a small screen beaming out the Weakest Link on the last two occasions I visited. Sport on TV or not at all, in my book.
But, you know, you don’t get showered with awards for nothing and this bar has won some of the biggest. Its popularity with the punters never wavers so I guess it all boils down to opinion. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure and aw that.

Now in its tenth year of trading the Ben Nevis has become a jewel in the West End pubbing crown. First and foremost this is a Scottish pub that celebrates all things Scottish so you can guess what it specialises — yeup you guessed it — Whisky. There are roughly 180 types at any one time so if you like the fire water then this is a must. But do not be put off if you don’t like our nations greatest export for Ben Nevis has much to offer.
It may be small but if you get a cosy table with some good friends this is a perfect place to enjoy a quite night catching up and enjoying fine drinks. It is also a hot spot for traditional music and I have seen some great improvised gigs in this pub. The atmosphere is great and unlike many city pubs this has a local vibe that welcomes everyone. Enjoy.

Don’t let the sparse exterior keep you from entering this place, it’s an absolute gem. A very basic corner door leads you into a pub with amazing historic Scottish décor. I don’t know exactly what period of Scottish history to equate it with, but it had the equivalent of a hip Old West Saloon vibe. Great selection of beers, including a delicious Brew Dog Punk IPA. The wall of Scotch might be the best I’ve seen in the city. You could probably have a different malt every day of the year without repeating once.

‘The Ben’ as it’s affectionately known has a great selection of single malt whiskys and usually has at least two real ales on tap.
This is the local for many of the Scottish Roots bands on the circuit. There are sessions on a Monday and Wednesday that feature a cross section of members from bands such as Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers, Back of the Moon, The Treacherous Orchestra, Box Club, Croft No. 5 and music students from both the RSAMD and Strathclyde University and that’s on a quiet night!
The pub has a warm and friendly atmosphere that often finds you dropping in for a swift half and remaining there till closing time.

Loads of whiskies lining the walls, weathered wood furnishings, Arran Ale this snug pub feels like a bona-​fide Scottish theme bar. Were The Ben Nev anywhere near Glasgow city-​centre, it’d be packed with tourists around the clock.
But thankfully, it isn’t. Although busy at the weekend, this manages to be a great pub for a chat and is welcoming to young and old. The Malt of The Month is particularly cheap, and worth coming for alone if you like your whisky.
Several pubs with a celtic edge are emerging in Scotland, and with the current climate of national pride it’s not hard to see why. I place this above Uisge Beatha, Oran Mor and The Islay, as its mix of intimacy, style and drinks can’t be equalled by its busier rivals.
I’m in England now, and really miss the Ben Nevis. It’s the sort of pub you don’t get anywhere else.