Babbity Bowster is an independent pub, restaurant and small hotel at 16–18 Blackfriars Street in Glasgow’s Merchant City. The restored historic building has served locals and visitors for decades, combining an unpretentious bar with a more composed place to eat.
Chef Alan Donachie’s menu blends modern international ideas with traditional Scottish dishes. Fresh and homemade cooking remains central, allowing recognisable local flavours to sit comfortably beside broader bistro-style choices.
The downstairs bar keeps the experience informal, while the food is substantial enough for lunch or dinner rather than simply accompanying drinks. Real ales, wine and a wider bar selection reinforce its reputation as both a serious pub and a dining destination.
Live music and a relaxed social atmosphere add to the character without overwhelming the restaurant side of the business. Tables can be reserved in advance, and rooms are available for overnight stays. Guests with allergies should confirm current ingredients with staff.
Address: 16–18 Blackfriars Street, Merchant City, Glasgow G1 1PE, Scotland
Babbity Bowster Menu
Soups
Soup of the Day
Just ask – normally vegetarian *V *GTE OPTN
Culshan Bacha
Very trad – very good *GTE OPTN
Small Plates
Prawn Cocktail
Chilli & lime
Whisky Beef Bon Bon
With an Asian influence – whisky cream
Hummus
Olive tapenade & pita *V *VG *GTE OPTN
Fish Cakes Stack
Phuket – why not
Smoked Salmon Salad
Cucumber yoghurt dip, sourdough – Scottish & Delicious
Chilli or Veg Nachos
Great to share or as a main
Sharing Platter
Bites Ma Brava
Our salmon, skink, prawns and fish cakes – made to share. For people who know how to treat themselves well
Mains
Macaroni
the One and Only *V
Fillet Valentine Curry
Fragrant pleasure served *V *GTE
Vegetarian Haggis
This one is grass fed *V. Add Whisky sauce / Peppercorn sauce +2.50
Vegetarian Chilli
Arriba!! *V *GTE *VG
Fawzi Burger
Cancel the gym membership *V *VG
Haggis Salad
Balsamic glaze – it’s all Greek to me *V *GTE
Steaks & Grills
Steak Pie
Glasgow’s best in town
Chicken Tikka Pie
Right up the packing order
Burger
Toppings encouraged +1.50
Bangers & Black Pudding Mash
Evokes feelings of inadequacy
Chimi & Rice
No dancing on the tables
Haggis, Neeps & Tatties
Bloody Tourists. Add Whisky sauce / Peppercorn sauce +2.50
Thai Chicken Curry
One hot chic *GTE
Chicken Caesar Salad
All the way from Tijuana, not Rome! *GTE OPTN
Cajun Chicken
Staff favourite *GTE
Fish & Chips
Fish & Chips
This one is battered but unrepentant
Salmon Teriyaki
Sexy, with jasmine rice & pickled ginger
Smoked Salmon Salad
Cucumber yoghurt dip, sourdough – Scottish & Delicious
Sandwiches
All sandwiches come with salad garnish & fries
Pulled Mayo Sandwich
Does what it says on the tin
BLT
Bacon, lettuce & tomato
Spiced Chicken Sandwich
With harissa mayo
Halloumi Sandwich
A small dose of philozenia *V
Sides
Glasgow Salad
*V *VG *GTE
Cajun Fries
*V *GTE
Mixed Salad
*V *VG *GTE
Coleslaw
*V *GTE
Garlic Bread
*V
Onion Rings
*V
Desserts
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Have you really? Cream or ice cream *V
Chocolate Fudge Cake
May the guilt be with you. Cream or ice cream *V *GTE
Sorbet
Vegan and vivacious
Ice Cream
Flavoursome balls of joy
Affogato
Ice cream, espresso & amaretto