Time Out has published its list of the 22 best pubs in the UK for 2026, with five Scottish bars making the cut. Glasgow dominates the Scottish entries, claiming three of the five spots.
The Doublet leads the way
The Doublet in Glasgow's West End has been named the best pub in Scotland and third best overall in the UK. Situated on Park Road near Kelvingrove Park, the pub opened in the early 1960s and has become a Glasgow institution. It offers real ales from Scottish breweries and a wide selection of bottled beers and lager, with a retro lounge space upstairs for gigs and events.
Time Out wrote: "Beaming through the pouring rain or glistening in the sunshine—but this being Glasgow, usually the former—the Doublet’s uncial lettering beckons West End wanderers into a local institution. That lettering (and the wood-panelled, stoney exterior) may give more ‘medieval tavern’ than ‘top-tier boozer’ but both it and the Doublet have remained unchanged for decades."
The magazine added: "Since the 1960s (and even after changing ownership a decade ago) it’s remained a constant amid an ever-changing West End, best-loved for its Scottish-brewed ale and whisky selection, live music and comedy lounge and, most of all, its cheery atmosphere. If you don’t spend the evening chatting to extraordinarily friendly strangers, you’re doing the Doublet wrong."
The Laurieston and Rose Reilly
Second in Scotland and eighth overall is The Laurieston Bar on Bridge Street in Glasgow city centre. Dating back to 1836, it has remained mostly unchanged since the 1960s, known for its retro interiors, unpretentious atmosphere and pies from a vintage McGee's hot pie heater. Time Out said: "Make it a rule: when in Glasgow, drop in to the Laurieston. Last time we ranked the UK’s finest pubs back in 2024, the Laurieston took top spot – and the Glaswegian bar remains somewhere everyone should have a pint at least once in their lives. Everything about it—from the Formica-topped tables to the horseshoe-shaped bar—has remained unchanged since the 1960s."
The magazine continued: "Even the big red ‘BAR’ sign outside fits with the old-school aesthetic. The Laurieston Bar is a proper drinking den and a living, breathing embodiment of the sort of cultural curios and historic spaces that cookie-cutter pub chains are robbing us of."
Third in Scotland and 17th overall is the Rose Reilly on Albert Road in Glasgow's southside. Named after the legendary Scottish women's footballer, the pub was praised by Time Out as a "perfect place" to watch football, with a wide selection of board games, retro pint glasses and an "army of friendly, loyal locals".
Edinburgh entries
Two Edinburgh pubs complete the Scottish representation. The Brass Monkey on Drummond Street placed 19th overall, while The Dagda Bar on Buccleuch Street came in at 21st.
Time Out's full list of the best pubs in Scotland for 2026 is: The Doublet (Glasgow), The Laurieston Bar (Glasgow), Rose Reilly (Glasgow), Brass Monkey (Drummond Street, Edinburgh), and The Dagda Bar (Edinburgh). The complete UK-wide list of 22 can be found on the Time Out website.
