The Howlin' Wolf: Bar, Kitchen, Juke Joint — Restaurant in Scotland

Kind of a shame because had two really separate nights out with completely different vibes for a solo traveller.

First night was midweek and had some food which was awesome and a few drinks and just listened to music and had a couple of brief chats with staff just because, travelling solo and random chats are sort of your option when you travel solo.

Was back in on saturday and it wasn't that busy but had a pint, in pretty much silence minding my own business then got told I wouldn't be served again.

While I understand Glasgow has a bit of stigma around solo people in pubs for obvious reasons, I think it's really unfair to essentially ask someone to leave for just sitting and drinking quietly and occasionally smiling, nodding and once waving at staff you sort of recognised from your last visit just because you're awkward.

No problem with being told I wouldn't be served again, but to say someone's uncomfortable with a person sat literally in silence (because I'm awkward enough to begin with) seems really unfair and quite frankly without an explanation, Ive worked in bars, and staff feeling safe and the right to refuse service is tantamount I agree, but if waving or occasionally lifting your head up while just not thinking about really anything except what a decent week you've had, is considered bad etiquette maybe just be decent enough and don't let people in in the first place or make it clear you don't allow solo people in at all times, as think it's fair to suggest in the long list of bad behaviour people can have in a pub, im not sure being socially awkward is a massive crime.

Kind of feel bad as it's a lovely pub and got recommended by a few mates but inferring any wrong doing by someone sat around, again in the corner so Im not encroaching on anyones space etc isn't really fair, but if that's how staff felt then I understand, which I hope the lad I spoke to will back up as I didn't make a fuss I just said I felt bad someone felt uncomfortable and felt terrible anything had been inferred.

Would still recommend to people but only if you're in a group or apparently not socially awkward.

*Edit. Have replied directly, thanks again for the quick reply. Hope it's clear from my original comment I have the same thesis on staff safety, just hoping you can help me on...

I came here on the 5th of July for a friend's birthday. Whilst I enjoyed the time I spent here, what one of my friends told me afterwards has put me off ever coming back. For context, I've been sober for 8 months, so I wasn't drinking alcohol, but I bought plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. My friend went up to the bar to order a round, which included a non-alcoholic beer for me.

The reaction she got from the bartender was bizarre; they seemed to be personally offended by the choice, and a few of the other bartenders even joined in mocking her. I've had banter before with bartenders about ordering a non-alcoholic beer, but this just seemed mean-spirited in comparison.

As someone who has been a bartender for nearly 10 years, I was shocked by this, because even when I was still drinking, I would NEVER dream of doing this to someone. I can't believe I'm having to make this point because it's common sense, but you never know someone's reason for not drinking. They could be the designated driver, they could have health issues, or they could be a recovering alcoholic.

I'm fortunate that I'm at a point in my sobriety where I'm steadfast in my decision not to drink, but if this had happened to me earlier on in my recovery, I could have very easily relapsed. Your bar staff clearly need more customer service training, as projecting their own issues onto paying customers is unacceptable. Really...

Excellent little boozer this is! One of the few bars open till 3am in the city centre that isn’t a stinking night club. Been here many a time for a late night jar and never been disappointed with the atmosphere.

It is a wee bit dear, but I see that more as a “nice bar late night tax”. I think around about the £6 mark for pints and the food we got was around £14-£16 a plate. But tbf the food is good!

I got a nice wee jambalaya esque dish, and my friends got the burgers. Now it’s not the craziest wackiest amazing-est food in the world, but it is done well. Everything cooked up and plated nicely, brought to you by friendly and cheery staff.

The seating area at the back is cosy and quiet enough for a conversation, with everyone having their own wee booths. Having a spot of dinner here was a pleasure.

If you are looking for a late night sit down meal, or a good spot to enjoy a night cap, or even posting up early in the evening to listen to some smashing live music, I’d highly recommend popping into The Howlin’ Wolf!

Cheers and...