Finding a cocktail bar in Glasgow city centre that offers something genuinely different is harder than it sounds. Most bars serve a decent enough drinks list. However, very few give you a concept that makes the whole evening feel special. The Last Bookstore on Hope Street does exactly that. It combines a curated menu of literary-inspired cocktails with Mediterranean small plates in a setting built entirely around books.
Furthermore, it is one of the most distinctive venues in Glasgow. From the iconic book tunnel to the cosy book nooks, The Last Bookstore earns its reputation one visit at a time.
A Cocktail Menu Built Around Literature
The cocktail list at The Last Bookstore is unlike anything else in Glasgow city centre. Every signature serve takes its name and inspiration from a famous author. Consequently, ordering a drink here feels like choosing a story rather than just picking something off a list.
The Fleming is a standout choice. It combines Grey Goose, Bombay Premier Cru, Lillet Blanc and lemon oil for a clean, elegant martini with a clear nod to James Bond. Similarly, the Poe takes a darker route with Amontillado sherry, Pedro Ximenez, sweet vermouth, amaro, raisin and baking spices. The result is rich, layered, and genuinely memorable.
The Hemingway leans lighter, mixing cachaca, Pisco, St Germain elderflower, grapefruit and lime for something fresh and citrus-led. In contrast, the Behan is bold and warming, built on Slane Irish Whisky with Guinness and espresso reduction and a finish of spiced chocolate. Take a look at the full drinks menu for the complete list of author cocktails.
More Than Just Cocktails: The Drinks List in Full
Beyond the signature cocktail menu, The Last Bookstore offers an extensive drinks list covering all bases. The wine selection spans sparkling, rosé, orange, white and red options. Additionally, the spirits menu covers vodka, gin, rum, bourbon and whisky in depth.
For guests who prefer something soft, the non-alcoholic options are just as carefully considered. Mocktails, fresh juices and soft drinks sit alongside teas and coffees. Moreover, the bar team brings the same attention to detail to non-alcoholic serves as it does to the cocktail menu.
Small Plates to Match the Cocktails
The food menu at The Last Bookstore is built around Mediterranean small plates made with locally sourced Scottish produce. It complements the cocktail offering perfectly, encouraging a relaxed, unhurried approach to the evening.
Bar snacks include truffle fries with black garlic aioli and manchego at £7, toasted sesame hummus with salsa matcha and fried chickpeas at £7.50, and Koffman fries at £6. These are ideal alongside the first round of cocktails while you settle in.
Small plates go further. The seabass ceviche is cured with tiger milk and served with avocado mousse, cucumber and coriander at £13.50. The duck fat potatoes, pork and prawn croquette with sauce gribiche comes in at £12. For something more substantial, the 8oz sirloin with peppercorn or chimichurri sauce is £17. Check the food and drinks page for the full menu.
The Setting: Books, Nooks and a Grand Bar
The atmosphere at The Last Bookstore sets it apart from every other cocktail bar in Glasgow city centre. The centrepiece is the iconic book tunnel, an arch of hundreds of vintage books that runs through the heart of the venue. Additionally, the cosy book nooks give you somewhere intimate to settle into for the evening.
The grand bar anchors the room and gives the space an energy that keeps things lively without ever becoming overwhelming. It is the kind of setting that makes a round of cocktails feel like a proper occasion. Browse the gallery to see the space before you visit.
Perfect for a Date Night or a Night Out with Friends
The Last Bookstore works equally well for a date night or a group evening out. The book nooks are ideal for couples looking for somewhere intimate, while the main bar area has enough energy to make a group night feel like an occasion. Furthermore, the combination of cocktails and small plates suits both a short visit and a long, leisurely evening.
For date night inspiration, read our date night guide to The Last Bookstore. If you are arriving from Glasgow Central Station, the venue is just a two minute walk away. Our guide to restaurants near Glasgow Central Station has more on getting there.
How to Book a Table
Reservations are recommended at The Last Bookstore, particularly at weekends. The venue accepts bookings for up to 8 people. You can book a table online through the website in just a couple of minutes.
Please note that drinks-only bookings are not accepted. You will need to be dining to secure a table in advance. For larger groups, get in touch directly by emailing the team.
Opening Hours and Location
The Last Bookstore is at 157 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 2UQ. It is open Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 12pm to 1am. As a result, it suits everything from an early evening drink to a late night out in the city centre.
Gift vouchers are also available from £25 and valid for 12 months. Buy a gift voucher through the website for a thoughtful present for any cocktail lover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cocktail bar in Glasgow city centre?
The Last Bookstore on Hope Street is one of the most distinctive cocktail bars in Glasgow city centre. It serves literary-inspired cocktails named after famous authors alongside Mediterranean small plates.
What cocktails does The Last Bookstore Glasgow serve?
The cocktail menu includes signature author-named serves such as the Fleming, the Poe, the Hemingway and the Behan. The menu changes seasonally and includes regular specials.
Where is The Last Bookstore cocktail bar in Glasgow?
The Last Bookstore is at 157 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 2UQ. It is a short walk from Glasgow Central Station and Queen Street Station.
Do I need to book at The Last Bookstore Glasgow?
Reservations are recommended, particularly at weekends. You can book a table online. Drinks-only bookings are not accepted.
What food does The Last Bookstore serve alongside cocktails?
The food menu features Mediterranean small plates including seabass ceviche, duck fat potato croquette, lamb skewers and an 8oz sirloin. Bar snacks include truffle fries and toasted sesame hummus.
What are the opening hours at The Last Bookstore Glasgow?
The Last Bookstore is open Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 12pm to 1am.
Is The Last Bookstore good for a date night in Glasgow?
Yes. The literary atmosphere, intimate book nooks, and signature cocktail menu make it one of the best date night venues in Glasgow city centre. Read our date night guide for more.
Can I buy a gift voucher for The Last Bookstore Glasgow?
Gift vouchers start from £25 and are valid for 12 months. They are available to purchase directly through the website.