Glasgowist: Here's the city's best food and drink this weekend

I’m four years ahead of you in this endeavour – you can read the story so far at Glasgowist.com. I started writing there because I had just returned to the city after years working in magazines abroad and it seemed like a fast way to reconnect. 

Restaurants and bars provided context while I navigated around different areas, working out if anything was where I had left it. 

READ MORE: Top 10: The hottest places to eat in Glasgow this week

It soon became apparent that lots of other people were interested in exploring the city and finding new culinary highlights. 

This online community has grown into a useful place for food conversations and to figure out the places that define our local hospitality scene. There’s lots to talk about. Glasgow is determined to be distinctive – home to independent bars and restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else. 

This week, Glasgow’s 100 Best Restaurants is published –  you can buy it online at glasgowtimes.co.uk/100best. 

The book brings together profiles of food places with big personalities and a story to tell. There are lively bistros, casual hideaways and maverick trend-setting venues; quirky hangout spots that make neighbourhoods more interesting. You’ll find suggestions for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and chips on the way home. 

That’s only the beginning. Each Thursday, you will find the best of Glasgow on these pages. Bars, restaurants, cafes or events that deserve your immediate attention, you’ll read about them here first. 

If you have a food or drink story to tell, email paul@glasgowist.com. 

Raise a toast to a milestone year at the Blythswood

IT’S been a landmark year for Blythswood Square Hotel. After being acquired by Kimpton, the dining room was reimagined as Bo and Birdy, with Gillian Matthew becoming the first female executive head chef of a luxury hotel in Scotland.

Recent guests have included Michael Buble, Hugh Jackman, Christina Aguilera and Ariana Grande.

To bring the year to a suitably glamorous conclusion, a Moët Champagne Afternoon Tea is running daily from 12pm to 5pm, in The Salon on the first floor at the hotel, with the classic combination of finger sandwiches, scones served warm with clotted cream, sweet pastries and freshly baked cakes.

There will also be a chance to enjoy the Fairytale of New York cocktail until Hogmanay; Solerno blood orange liqueur and orange and clove syrup topped with Moët, and garnished with orange peel.

The Big Franco: A must-try panini

ACCENTO is a family-run cafe on the outer fringe of the Finnieston food scene. It was started by Alessandra Pili, her sister Francesca and brother-in-law Riccardo Pireddu.

They arrived in Glasgow in 2014 and decided to bring a taste of their homeland with them by introducing us all to some Sardinian flavours.

Their glorious panini are stuffed with cured meats, melting cheese and piled high with imported or local ingredients.

The reigning champion is the Big Franco, named after Francesca and Alessandra’s dad, featuring chicken Milanese.

For December, they’ve switched up the recipe, offering four different options, inspired by European Christmas markets or popular flavour combinations like gorgonzola cheese and mushrooms. They are also running an advent calendar giveaway on their Instagram page.

Something for the weekend: We pick your days out

FRIDAY

Book a place at Glasgow’s modern speakeasy, Wheesht, for theatrical cocktails and a razor-sharp focus on quality spirits. Help create a new sensation by freestyling on what ingredients should go into your drink.

SATURDAY

BAaD are hosting ten craft brewers for this year's Barras Beer Bash. Enjoy festive food and seasonal brews from the likes of Williams Bros., Merchant City Brewing Co., and Dead End Brew Machine. 

SUNDAY

West on the Green are creating a German Christmas Market at the Templeton Building with winter food, beer, mulled wine, cider and hot chocolate. Independent traders will be selling clothes and crafts. A free family and dog-friendly event.