‘Local gem’ Glasgow pub is UK’s top spot for cosy winter pints

A new index has been created to rank the best value cosy pubs in the UK – and one Scottish pub has been named the most affordable and cosy place for winter drinks

As the darker evenings arrive and the chill descends for another winter season, countless Brits are on the hunt for that perfect spot to enjoy a warming winter tipple.

With this in mind, Moneyboat has compiled a comprehensive index highlighting the nation’s best value cosy boozers.

The travel specialists assessed watering holes throughout the UK using TripAdvisor scores, value ratings, and five-star reviews that specifically mentioned being “cosy,” ensuring a well-rounded guide for pub-goers seeking comfort and charm.

Three Scottish establishments have secured places in the top 10 rankings, with one beloved Glasgow venue claiming the coveted number one position.

Southside treasure the Old Smiddy sits just a brief stroll from Cathcart train station along Old Castle Road.

The Old Smiddy has received glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, earning a rating of 4.7 from 363 reviews. Visitors praise the “lovely friendly atmosphere” and the staff, particularly David and Liv.

One review states: “Food is fab and prices are great. If you are looking for a local gem it’s here”.

Another satisfied customer wrote: “Forget Bob’s Burgers, Brian’s burgers are tremendous. Service was great and do a great Guinness. Thanks Brian for the great service.”

This inviting and friendly establishment boasts an extensive menu of food and beverages, generous seating arrangements, live sporting event screenings, and even an excellent beer garden for milder winter days, making it a destination for families, friends, and sports fans alike.

Glasgow Live previously reported how the venue was temporarily closed in May following a “fire in the beer cellar.” Thankfully, the flames were swiftly extinguished, and the pub reopened within days, much to the relief of its loyal patrons.

Two other Scottish pubs have also made the list – and they are both in the capital.

The Queens Arms in Edinburgh claims third spot with a total score of 6.75. Tucked below the cobbles of Frederick Street, this hidden gem offers a cosy, heritage-rich atmosphere and a passion for quality.

It receives praise for its welcoming vibe and hearty dishes, particularly the fish and chips and Sunday roast, though some reviewers note it can get busy.

The pub has a TripAdvisor rating of 4.3 from 1,022 reviews, drawing visitors from both locals and tourists.

Coming in fourth is The Old Bell Inn, also in Edinburgh. This traditional Scottish pub in the city’s Southside is known for its friendly and cosy atmosphere. It also boasts fine wines, a large selection of malt whiskies, liqueurs, spirits, and a focus on cask-conditioned ales.

The Old Bell Inn holds a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5 from 730 reviews, offering a dependable choice for those seeking a classic Scottish pub experience.

The Gwaelod y Garth Inn split The Old Smiddy and its Edinburgh rivals in second place, while the UK-wide top five was rounded off by The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast.

The UK’s Most Affordable Cosy Pubs for Winter

Rank

Pub Name

City

TripAdvisor Rating

TripAdvisor Price Rating

5* TripAdvisor mention of ‘cosy’

Total Score

1

The Old Smiddy

Glasgow

4.7

4.8

16

7.64

2

The Gwaelod y Garth Inn

Cardiff

4.6

4.4

37

7.16

3

The Queens Arms

Edinburgh

4.3

4.2

67

6.75

4

The Old Bell Inn

Edinburgh

4.5

4.5

22

6.57

5

The Crown Liquor Saloon

Belfast

4.1

3.8

107

6.55

6

Fredriks

Liverpool

4.5

4.5

20

6.51

7

J.McGuffie & Co

Liverpool

4.5

4.5

11

6.22

8

Circus Tavern

Manchester

4.5

4.3

20

6.09

9

The Old Contemptibles

Birmingham

4.5

4.3

16

5.96

10

Ma Boyle’s

Liverpool

4.3

4.3

34

5.91

Source link

Visited 2 times, 2 visit(s) today

Related Article

‘I was damaged greatly’: Donald Trump seeks $230 million from Justice Department — Will the president decide his own payout?

Donald Trump seeks $230 million from Justice Department | World News

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that his Justice Department might owe $230 million — and he’d be the one to decide whether to cut himself a check.Trump is seeking $230 million as compensation for past investigations into him, though he professed to have little knowledge of the specifics and said he would give

DC Reporter Publishes Trump Attorney's Texts About Letitia James

DC Reporter Publishes Trump Attorney’s Texts About Letitia James

Lawfare senior editor Anna Bower landed a career-making scoop when interim U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan engaged in a 33-hour on-the-record Signal conversation about the recent indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James. What started as an innocuous retweet of the New York Times’ reporting about James’ recent indictment for mortgage fraud turned into a

JD Vance Is Optimistic About the Cease-Fire in Gaza

new video loaded: JD Vance Is Optimistic About the Cease-Fire in Gaza transcript Back transcript JD Vance Is Optimistic About the Cease-Fire in Gaza Vice President JD Vance remained optimistic that the cease-fire deal in Gaza would hold during his trip to Israel on Tuesday, but gave few details of how the Trump administration plans

President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters during a Diwali celebration in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Washington.(AP)

Donald Trump says he doesn’t want ‘wasted’ meeting with Putin

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he had shelved plans for a summit in Budapest with Russia’s Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war because he did not want a “wasted” meeting. President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters during a Diwali celebration in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in

The area spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North India is one of the world's most seismically active zones. (Representational image/AP)

Strong 6.1 Earthquake In Afghanistan Shakes Up Kashmir | World News

Last Updated:October 22, 2025, 02:34 IST According to initial reports from seismic monitoring agencies, the earthquake’s epicentre was likely located in the Hindu Kush mountainous region of Afghanistan The area spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North India is one of the world’s most seismically active zones. (Representational image/AP) An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck Afghanistan late on

A crowd gathers outside Jean-Michel Basquiat's studio on Great Jones St. before a street co-naming ceremony for the iconic artist in Manhattan, New York on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (Gardiner Anderson / New York Daily News)

Jean-Michel Basquiat Way unveiled in downtown Manhattan

Jean-Michel Basquiat, the lauded artist whose legacy has endured decades after his passing, now has a small stretch of downtown Manhattan named in his honor. On Tuesday, officials with the New York City Council joined the Basquiat estate, members of the artist’s family, cultural leaders and local community members to unveil Jean-Michel Basquiat Way, located

David Lammy

UK removes HTS from list of banned terror groups

The UK Government said the move would allow for closer engagement with Damascus at a time when the terrorist group calling itself Islamic State remains a “significant threat” in the country. Deproscribing HTS will also enable Britain to help Syria in eliminating any remaining stockpiles from Mr Assad’s chemical weapons programme, the Foreign Office said.