In just one month, Glasgow claimed the number one spot in Condé Nast Traveller's '12 best UK city breaks to take in 2021' and has appeared on two must-visit lists for its amazing food and shopping scenes in top publication Which?, claiming one of the 'top 5 cities for food and drink in the UK' and being named as 'best large city for shopping in the UK'.

As part of their #LoveGlasgow campaign, which supports businesses in Glasgow and encourages locals and visitors to get back out enjoying the city, Glasgow Life has been in touch with industry partners, who work in the hospitality and tourism sector, to hear just why they think that the recent accolades further enhance the city’s appeal to visitors this year. 

Derek Marshall, Chef-patron at Gamba said: "Glasgow has such a unique and diverse food scene, and at Gamba we've been lucky enough to be part of that for the past 23 years. It's no surprise to me that Glasgow is considered one of the top 5 food and drink cities in the UK, with so many incredible food and drink producers across the city. We're proud to work with local suppliers like Wilson's Catch of the Day to ensure our customers get the best quality, locally sourced ingredients."

Lauren Hardie, Business Development Manager Scotland at Dakota Hotels said: “It’s fantastic to see Glasgow being celebrated nationally for something we ‘Glaswegian business operators’ have always known. It really is a top destination for a city break encompassing world class shopping and dining. What I find particularly exciting about Glasgow is that both dining and retail are made up of such diverse choices, from small independents to our favourite larger brands covering all budgets and requirements. From our city centre location at Dakota Glasgow you really can explore the whole city and what it has to offer.”

Meryl Gilbert, Commercial Manager at SWG3 said: "It's not surprising Glasgow receives these accolades with the restaurants, cocktail bars, music & art scene that come out of this punchy city. It's fantastic to see the place opening again, especially Finnieston, which has been called the Shoreditch of Glasgow, providing the perfect night out with cocktails at Kelvingrove Cafe, shellfish & Champagne at Crabshakk and then down to SWG3 to dance till the early hours of the morning. Amongst the headlining live gigs and club shows, exhibitions and performance, SWG3 is building a new community and sculpture garden along with a rooftop restaurant and more spaces for creative industries - adding to the already vibrant creative hub."

Gillian Morrison, Founder at The Glasgow Food and Drink Tour said: “The Glasgow Food and Drink Tour were delighted to read that Which? named Glasgow as one of the top five UK cities for food and drink. We already knew this as we visit some fantastic places on our tour. Glasgow is known for its quality Scottish produce, but it's creativity and variety of food cultures are second to none. One thing I love about the food and drink of Glasgow, is bringing cultures together, for example Haggis Pakora, a Scottish Indian fusion. From Scottish seafood at Gamba to island gin at The Park Bar or the selection of Scottish and European cheese at IJ Mellis, Glasgow has it covered.”

Katie Moody, Head of Marketing at Princes Square said: "At Princes Square we strive to offer the very best in shopping and restaurant experience in Glasgow so it's great to hear we've been awarded these accolades by Which? and Condé Nast Traveller.  Great news for the city!”

For more information and inspiration for things to see and do in Glasgow, check out: peoplemakeglasgow.com

For more information contact: Fiona Potter, UK PR Executive, Glasgow Life | 07973301873 | [email protected].