The Last Bookstore is the literary bar Glasgow keeps coming back to. Cocktails carry the names of Scottish authors, and small plates arrive full of flavour. Therefore, every visit feels like flicking through a favourite novel with a drink in hand. This guide walks through the food, the cocktails and the wider drinks list in detail.
Why The Last Bookstore Is the Literary Bar Glasgow Diners Choose
Every corner of The Last Bookstore nods to a story. Each cocktail carries the name of a Scottish writer, from Irvine Welsh to Carol Ann Duffy. As a result, sitting down here feels like opening a new chapter. Guests can read the story behind The Last Bookstore Glasgow for the full picture.
The bar sits at 157 Hope Street, a short stroll from Glasgow Central Station. In addition, this location suits a pre-theatre drink or a post-work catch-up equally well. For example, commuters heading home can duck in for one quick round. Those arriving by train can check the guide to restaurants near Glasgow Central Station first.
Bar Snacks to Start Your Visit
Bar snacks set the tone before the main event arrives. Mixed olives cost £5.50, while Koffman fries follow at £6. Moreover, truffle fries arrive with black garlic aioli and manchego for £7. The toasted sesame hummus, £7.50, comes with salsa matcha and fried chickpeas.
Bookstore bread and butter costs £6.50 and suits sharing. Similarly, the cheese plate brings chilli jam and crostini for £10. However, the Express Lunch deal offers even better value. It pairs a bar snack with a small plate for £14, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm.
Furthermore, guests can find full details on the Express Lunch Glasgow menu page. Additionally, it suits anyone popping in between meetings in the city centre.
Small Plates Worth Ordering
Importantly, small plates form the heart of the menu here. The seabass ceviche arrives cured in tiger milk, with avocado mousse, cucumber and coriander, for £13.50. Similarly, the gin and vodka cured salmon brings beetroot, pickled courgette and dill crème fraiche for £12. For example, both dishes suit sharing between two, especially before wine.
Fried chicken comes with pickled ginger and black garlic aioli for £12. Buffalo cauliflower with ranch sauce costs £8.50, a firm favourite among vegetarian guests. Instead, guests wanting something lighter can try patatas bravas at £7, finished with salsa bravas and aioli. Nevertheless, every small plate here works equally well solo or shared.
Additionally, the duck fat potatoes come loaded with a pork and prawn croquette and sauce gribiche for £12. Charred cabbage, at £9.50, comes topped with whipped goat cheese, ricotta, hot honey and dukkah. Moreover, both dishes reward anyone who enjoys bold, comforting flavours.
Bigger Plates for Bigger Appetites
The 8oz sirloin, £17, comes with peppercorn or chimichurri sauce. Lamb skewers reach £13 and arrive with lemon and garlic yogurt. In contrast, the pan fried seabass, £14, brings confit tomato, caper butter and herbs. Prawns cooked in garlic, coriander and oil cost £12.50 and suit sharing.
Salted baked beets, £8.50, round off the list with carrot puree and pickled shallot. Therefore, vegetarian and vegan guests still find plenty of choice here.
Something Sweet to Finish
For example, churros arrive with chocolate sauce and strawberries for £7.50. The affogato pairs vanilla ice cream with hot coffee for £5, or £10 with a shot of liqueur. Consequently, dessert here never feels like an afterthought.
House Cocktails Inspired by Scottish Literature
Each cocktail on the menu carries the name of a Scottish writer. The flavours often nod to their work, their home town or their era. Importantly, every drink still stands on its own even without the literary backstory.
Rich and Bold Cocktails
The Irvine Welsh mixes vanilla vodka with cherry, Buckfast tonic wine, coffee, sugar and chocolate for £12.50. It tastes velvety and rich, with a gallus edge that suits its Trainspotting namesake. Similarly, the John Buchan brings Stanhope rye together with King’s ginger and Irn-Bru syrup for £13. This fiery, clean twist on a Rye and Dry nods to Buchan’s links with Canada.
The Edwin Morgan pours Pere Magloire calvados with green chartreuse, absinthe, lime and prosecco for £13.50. A grenadine kiss finishes this boozy, elegant riff on a Death in the Afternoon. Moreover, it echoes Morgan’s ode to Marilyn Monroe, one of his most memorable poems.
Light and Fruity Cocktails
The Sir Walter Scott layers aged Angostura with falernum, manzana verde and apple cordial for £12.50. A custard foam on top gives a crisp, zesty nod to Ivanhoe. In addition, the Val McDermid mixes Bombay Sapphire with cranberry and thyme cordial, lemon and prosecco for £12. It tastes bright and summery, much like McDermid’s sharp storytelling.
The Sorley MacLean combines Monkey Shoulder whisky with framboise and raspberry syrup for £12.50. Lime and an oat milk honey foam add a silky, rustic finish. Therefore, it pairs beautifully with MacLean’s poetry about the Highland landscape.
Refreshing and Unexpected Choices
The Kirsty Logan blends Hendrick’s gin with Glayva, Campari, lemon and sugar for £12.50. A spoonful of marmalade adds a tart, aromatic twist inspired by Logan’s fairy tales. However, the Ian Rankin keeps things simple, with whisky, apricot, red grape syrup and an IPA top for £12. It nods to the Oxford Bar, where Rankin’s detective John Rebus often drinks.
The Carol Ann Duffy stands apart as a savoury dirty martini. Guests choose Grey Goose or Tanqueray 10, mixed with Cuicelo bianco, pickle brine and onion jam for £13. A manchego cube on the side finishes this umami tribute to Duffy’s poem Valentine. Consequently, it works best for guests who prefer savoury drinks over sweet ones.
Guests can browse the full food and drinks menu for the complete list. Each drink pairs naturally with a small plate from the same menu.
Wine, Spirits and Something for Everyone
Beyond cocktails, the drinks list runs deep into wine, beer and spirits. The wine list spans sparkling, rosé, orange, white and red bottles. Additionally, spirits range from vodka and gin through to rum, bourbon and whisky.
Soft drinks, mocktails and fresh juices suit guests who skip alcohol entirely. Therefore, everyone at the table finds something worth ordering. Teas and coffees round things off nicely for anyone staying for dessert.
Planning a Visit to This Literary Bar in Glasgow
Booking ahead makes sense, especially on busy weekend evenings. Additionally, guests can book a table online through the reservations page in minutes. Furthermore, the venue suits date nights just as well as casual catch-ups. Couples can find inspiration in the date night guide for Glasgow before booking.
The Last Bookstore also sells gift vouchers for any occasion. Moreover, these make a thoughtful present for book lovers and food lovers alike. Guests can buy gift vouchers for The Last Bookstore ahead of a visit.
Anyone with questions can contact The Last Bookstore team directly. For example, guests can ask about allergies, group bookings or private hire. Visitors can also browse The Last Bookstore homepage for a full overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Last Bookstore located in Glasgow?
The Last Bookstore sits at 157 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 2UQ, near Glasgow Central Station.
Does The Last Bookstore take reservations?
Yes, guests can book a table through the reservations page in advance.
What does the Express Lunch deal include?
The Express Lunch pairs a bar snack with a small plate for £14, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm.
Are the cocktails at The Last Bookstore themed around books?
Yes, each house cocktail takes its name and inspiration from a Scottish author or literary character.
Does the menu suit vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, dishes such as buffalo cauliflower, baked tofu and salted baked beets suit vegetarian and vegan guests.
Can I buy a gift voucher for The Last Bookstore?
Yes, guests can buy gift vouchers through the website for any occasion.
Is The Last Bookstore suitable for a date night?
Yes, the intimate setting and varied menu make it a popular choice for couples.
What drinks does The Last Bookstore serve besides cocktails?
The venue also serves beers, ciders, wines, spirits, soft drinks and hot drinks.
How close is The Last Bookstore to Glasgow Central Station?
The bar sits a short walk from Glasgow Central Station, right in the city centre.
How can I contact The Last Bookstore directly?
Guests can reach the team through the contact page for bookings or enquiries.