Finding a date night in Glasgow that genuinely stands out from the usual options is harder than it sounds. Most city centre venues do a decent enough job, but very few give you something to actually talk about on the way home. The Last Bookstore on Hope Street is one of the exceptions. It combines literary-inspired cocktails, Mediterranean small plates, and an interior built around books in a way that makes an evening there feel like a proper occasion rather than just dinner out.
Whether it is a first date or a long overdue night out with your partner, The Last Bookstore has the kind of atmosphere that does a lot of the work for you.
A Setting That Makes an Impression
The first thing that strikes you about The Last Bookstore is the space itself. The venue is built around a literary theme that goes well beyond a few books on a shelf. The centrepiece is the iconic book tunnel, an arch of hundreds of vintage books that you genuinely cannot help but stop and look at. Furthermore, the book nooks tucked throughout the space give you somewhere private and cosy to settle into for the evening, away from the bustle of the main bar.
The grand bar anchors the room and gives the venue an energy that keeps things lively without ever tipping into overwhelming. It is the kind of setting that gives you something to talk about from the moment you walk in, which is exactly what a good date night venue should do. Take a look at our guide to The Last Bookstore if you want to know more about the space before you visit.
Literary Cocktails That Set the Tone
The cocktail list at The Last Bookstore is one of its strongest cards for a date night in Glasgow. The signature serves take their inspiration from literature, giving each drink a story of its own. However, the quality of what is in the glass is what matters most, and the bar team delivers on that consistently.
The menu changes seasonally and includes regular specials, which means there is always something new to discover. Take a look at the full drinks menu before you come in so you can arrive with a sense of what you want to try. Similarly, if one of you does not drink, the non-alcoholic options are just as carefully considered as the rest of the menu.
Small Plates Perfect for a Relaxed Evening
The food at The Last Bookstore is Mediterranean-inspired and built around sharing. Consequently, the small plates format works particularly well for a date night. Instead of ordering separately and eating in parallel, you choose dishes together and graze through the evening at whatever pace suits you.
The kitchen uses locally sourced Scottish produce throughout, which gives the food a freshness and quality that lifts it above what you might expect from a bar and restaurant in the city centre. The menu rotates regularly, and a new menu is coming soon, so there is always something worth looking forward to. Check the food and drinks page for the latest dishes before you book.
The Book Nooks: Your Own Corner of the Evening
One of the things that makes The Last Bookstore particularly well suited to a date night is the book nooks. These tucked-away seating areas give you a genuinely intimate space within the venue, surrounded by bookshelves and away from the main flow of the bar. Additionally, the ornate ceilings and warm lighting make them feel special without being over the top.
If you want a quieter, more private table for the evening, it is worth mentioning when you book. The venue is popular at weekends so getting in early with a reservation gives you the best chance of securing the right spot.
How to Book a Table for a Date Night
Reservations are strongly recommended at The Last Bookstore, particularly at weekends. The venue accepts bookings for up to eight people, so it works equally well for a couple or a small group celebrating a special occasion. You can book a table online through the website, which takes a couple of minutes. Please note that drinks-only bookings are not accepted, so you will need to be dining to secure a table in advance.
For larger groups or anything specific, you can get in touch directly by emailing the team.
Getting There: Hope Street, Glasgow City Centre
The Last Bookstore is at 157 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 2UQ. It is in the heart of Glasgow city centre, a short walk from Glasgow Central Station and Queen Street Station. As a result, getting there is straightforward whether you are coming from across the city or arriving by train.
Opening hours are Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 12pm to 1am. So whether you are planning an early dinner or a later evening, there is plenty of time to make a night of it. If you want to combine a visit to The Last Bookstore with the rest of your evening, our Express Lunch Deal post gives you a flavour of what the venue offers at lunchtime too.
Gift Vouchers for a Date Night at The Last Bookstore
If you want to give someone a date night to look forward to, gift vouchers are available from £25 and valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. They make a thoughtful and genuinely useful gift for anyone who would appreciate a special evening out in Glasgow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Bookstore Glasgow good for a date night?
Yes. The literary-themed interior, iconic book tunnel, cosy book nooks, and signature cocktails create an atmosphere that is ideal for a memorable evening out in Glasgow city centre.
Do I need to book for a date night at The Last Bookstore Glasgow?
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly at weekends. You can book a table online. Drinks-only bookings are not accepted.
What food does The Last Bookstore serve on a date night?
The menu features Mediterranean-inspired small plates made with locally sourced Scottish produce. The sharing format works perfectly for a relaxed date night dinner.
What cocktails are available at The Last Bookstore Glasgow?
The Last Bookstore serves a curated menu of signature literary-inspired cocktails alongside a full drinks menu. The offering changes seasonally and includes regular specials.
Where is The Last Bookstore in Glasgow?
The Last Bookstore is at 157 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 2UQ. It is a short walk from Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations.
What are the opening hours at The Last Bookstore Glasgow?
The venue is open Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 12pm to 1am.
Can I buy a gift voucher for a date night at The Last Bookstore Glasgow?
Yes. Gift vouchers start from £25 and are valid for 12 months. They are available to purchase directly through the website.
What makes The Last Bookstore unique for a date night?
The combination of the literary theme, the iconic book tunnel, intimate book nooks, and carefully crafted cocktails and food gives The Last Bookstore a character that very few venues in Glasgow can match.