If you’re a visitor to Glasgow asking a local about what to do and see in the city, many will suggest that you enjoy a walk around and appreciate local architecture. Glasgow has a rich and varied architectural heritage. Sightseeing can start at the medieval Glasgow Cathedral, move west towards the New-Gothic University of Glasgow, and include the shiny new buildings along the Clyde.
Glasgow has a well-heeled past that has left a legacy of Victorian architecture, personally, it reminded me so much of the popular Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, with the same English Victorian setting similar to Glasgow. If you complete a short stroll through the Merchant City you will see the distinctive designs and meet the Art Nouveau wonders created by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh remains the most celebrated Glaswegian architect and designer. A trip to the city is not complete without visiting one of his works. You can start at the Mackintosh House with reassembled rooms from his original home, to the House for an Art Lover and the newly refurbished Mackintosh at the Willow, Miss Cranston’s original Willow Tea Rooms. Visitors can enjoy the new exhibition, the visitor’s centre, the team room and get souvenirs from the gift shop.
This year is marking the 150th anniversary of Mackintosh’s birth with a year-long of events that celebrate his incredible legacy, genius creativity that became a cultural icon of Glasgow.
Another great way to make an introduction to the city is by doing organised local tours. There are a number of walking tours where guides offer knowledge and history of the city and its buildings. The City Sightseeing Glasgow tour is about hopping on and off the bus is another way of getting yourself acquainted with the city.
The 1920’s Casino
The daytime of the city is all about exploration of the iconic architectural buildings, while the nighttime is an exploration of the inside of the buildings. Besides many pubs and bars, you will see the unique casinos the city is offering. Casinos like Alea, which is the largest in Scotland, the Grosvenor Trio and Genting Casino all of them are unique in their own way. Back in 2015, the stunning Victorian facade building welcomes a new casino, the Cotton Club Underground Casino. Besides the other casinos, this one has its unique 1920’s feeling.
The Cotton Club Casino brings an immersive spirit of the roaring 20’s and Jazz era of Harlem which can be found on Ingram Street, at the Corinthian Club. The Cotton Club is an exciting and ground-breaking newcomer to Glasgow’s leisure and gaming scene.
The setting is an 1920’s themed boutique casino with a cocktail lounge that boasts with vintage-style gaming, drinking and dining two-tier tables. The Cotton Club offers Electronic Gaming with slot machines, where you can play slot games similar to Rainbow Riches, and Roulette Terminals that are on a 28’’ HD monitors. Not to mention, besides high-quality drinks and vintage soundtracks, you will enjoy games of American Roulette, Blackjack, Mahjong, Three Card Poker and a private Poker Room.
The bartenders are trained to serve classic drinks and cocktails, make old favourites and serve exciting unique creations with strains of Jazz and blues. Visitors can always treat themselves with a package of food, drinks and have a relaxed evening at their own private booth.
The locals have received the casino in a delightful way, the Operations Manager, Scott Kinkaid said that he is excited about the future. He also mentioned that The Cotton Club offers a brand-new casino concept which can rival anything outside London in the UK. The Cotton Club is open for those who want to enjoy Glasgow’s finest gaming offering and for those who are just looking to have a bit of chat over some classic cocktails and snacks.
The whole casino has the vibe of the 1920’s and is the key to a different experience, from the dusky atmosphere to vintage bespoke uniforms of the staff. The club is located on the former site of the Mash & Press on Ingram Street, Merchant City. Players can play electronic roulette and slots from noon, American Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker and Punto Banco tables are set to be played from 7 PM until 6 AM.
If you haven’t played before, don’t worry, The Cotton Club offers “learn to play” classes and ensures that even the novices can enjoy the welcoming, fun environment casino.