Not quite the west end and not the city centre, just nestled between, you will find Finnieston. The hippest place to live in the UK as voted by the Times. Sandwiched between the river Clyde and Kelvingrove Park, this small but perfectly formed area truly packs a punch, crammed with top attractions, bars, award-winning restaurants and us (of course).
For starters, a real crowd pleaser is the SSE Hydro. A key performance venue constructed for the Commonwealth Games, pulling in some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, it is now ranked the second busiest arena in the world, ranking above iconic venues like Madison Square Garden. Who knew!?
Further along the banks of the river Clyde is the multi-award-winning Riverside Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid (RIP) and home to over 3,000 objects that detail Glasgow’s rich past from its days as a maritime powerhouse. Once a year this marvellous location plays host to the Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival. The two-day music includes some of the world’s leading electronic artists and DJs.
If you want to continue the shindig, you can head on down to SWG3 studio warehouse for the after party. SWG3 is an arts facility and studio as well as a successful location for launch parties, club nights, mini-festivals and much, much more.
The stretch of Argyle street that runs through Finnieston is now been affectionately known as “the strip” has come to life as a hub of cafes, bars, eclectic restaurants, artistic outlets and boutiques. There is a chilled out ambiance and great tasting grub to be found in The Big Slope, delicate sushi and edgy cocktails from Pickled Ginger with plenty of tipple in Finnieston’s very own rum bar, Distill, or if meat is up your street Porter and Rye has a steak with your name on it. Finnieston even caters for those who are less carnivorously inclined – check out the 78 for fine vegan cuisine.
This deindustrialised region of Glasgow once brimming with warehouses and docks is now benefiting from Glasgow’s regeneration. Property development has seen an influx of new industry and businesses to the area. Just across the water you will find the BBC, STV and heart and soul of Scotland's film and television industry, Glasgow’s Film City. Current tenants include those from such disciplines as film production, animation, casting, design, music, and a broad portfolio of high profile TV companies.
So, the secret is out, and we have given you a flavour of what makes Finnieston the hippest place to live, but why let us tell you, the best way to found out why Finnieston is hitting the headlines is to come find out for yourself!
For more on The Times poll click here.
