An imposing yet unassuming building on the corner where Gordon Street and Hope Street meet, The Grand Central hotel is a revitalised throwback to Glasgow’s past glories. An impressive recent renovation has restored the landmark venue to its natural place in Glasgow’s social whirl while offering comfortable accommodation for visitors to the city.
In times gone by this was the hotel of choice for stars like Frank Sinatra and Vivien Leigh or visiting statesmen like Winston Churchill and President John F Kennedy.
A James Bond book even has the famous spy enjoying a breakfast here after enjoying a stay in one of the rooms. Even international men of mystery need their porridge in the morning. Famous visitors aside, the world’s first long-distance television pictures were transmitted to the Central Hotel (the Grand was inserted into the name later) by John Logie Baird in 1927.
While it enjoyed an envious position as salon of choice for the great and the good throughout the early part of the 20th Century (the Central Hotel opened in 1883 and was extended in 1907) there were wilderness years following the break-up of British Transport Hotels in the early 1980s.
It was largely ignored and neglected, passed around different operators until it finally went out of business in 2009.
Then came a £20 million revamp from new owners. They re-christened the hotel as The Grand Central and re-opened in 2010, complete with plush new interiors and modern rooms to compliment its original features.
The 4 star hotel sits unbothered by the constant flow of commuters on its doorstep at Central Station. It’s remarkably tranquil inside. The lobby reverberates to no more than the murmurs of American tourists asking directions from the concierge.
Most casual visitors will gravitate towards the Champagne Central Bar on the first floor rather than rest on the deep couches near reception. The open bar space, complete with marble pillars and dark wood panelling, provides a smart refuge for weary travelers overlooking the train station concourse. We often spot Friday afternoon selfies being taken with various immaculately prepared cocktails.
Try The Sinatra: Zubrowka Bison Grass vodka, peach and passion fruit purées, apple juice and Bel Star Prosecco (£8.50). There’s also an area set aside for afternoon tea, which is among the best served in the city.
Tempus restaurant serves up plump steaks from the grill together with excellent pasta, fish or salad dishes.
Their function rooms, including the 400 capacity Grand Room, are much in demand for weddings and award shows. This is a venue that suits being dressed to impress for a big occasion. The food also looks the part with plaudits being won for their three course dinners for large groups or their creative canapes.
The rooms are plush and well-appointed, modern with design nods to the hotel’s heritage. While Glasgow has no shortage of hotels, with more set to come over the next few years, few can match the old fashioned glamour and up-to-date interiors of The Grand Central.
Glasgow, Glasgow City G1 3SL, UK
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