The Bon Accord, Glasgow – 45 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Bon Accord -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 45 user ratings

153 North St, Glasgow G3 7DA, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

The Bon Accord is an iconic pub located just a stone's throw from the University of Glasgow, making it a popular hangout spot for students seeking a lively night out. This venue is steeped in history and is renowned for its impressive selection of over 500 whiskies, which attracts both whisky enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. With its warm wooden interiors and a friendly buzz, The Bon Accord offers a unique blend of heritage and modern pub culture. The atmosphere here is consistently described as lively and welcoming, making it an ideal place to unwind after a long week of lectures or to celebrate special occasions with friends.

As you step inside, you'll immediately feel the vibrant energy that fills the air. Students frequently mention the great vibe, often remarking on the friendly interactions among patrons. The Bon Accord is not just about drinks; it’s a place where memories are made and friendships are forged. Many students have shared that their first year wouldn’t have been the same without this pub, highlighting its role as a social hub for newcomers and regulars alike. The combination of a relaxed yet buzzing environment makes it a go-to spot for those looking to catch up with friends or meet new people.

Music plays a significant role in creating the atmosphere at The Bon Accord. The venue features a well-curated playlist that resonates with students, often filled with popular anthems that get everyone singing along. Reviewers have noted that the DJ knows how to keep the energy high, ensuring that the dance floor remains lively. This focus on music, combined with the pub's overall ambiance, means that students can enjoy an engaging night out without feeling overwhelmed or out of place.

When it comes to drinks, The Bon Accord has a reputation for offering reasonably priced options, which is a major plus for students on a budget. Many reviews highlight the affordability of drinks, making it easy to enjoy a few rounds without breaking the bank. While some students mention that the drinks might not be the absolute cheapest in town, they feel that the atmosphere and the crowd more than make up for it. The friendly staff are also frequently praised for their knowledge and willingness to help customers navigate the extensive whisky menu, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy.

The queue and entry experience at The Bon Accord is generally positive, with many students noting that they rarely face long waits to get inside. The venue has a solid queue rating, indicating that it manages its entry process effectively, allowing patrons to get in and start enjoying their night without unnecessary delays. This efficient entry experience contributes to the overall enjoyment of the night, as students can quickly move from the outside hustle to the welcoming atmosphere inside.

Students have shared their thoughts on what makes The Bon Accord a standout choice for a night out. Many appreciate the sense of community that permeates the space, where everyone seems to be there to have a good time. The friendly crowd and the lack of awkwardness make it a comfortable environment for both casual outings and more intimate gatherings. Reviewers often describe it as a chill spot, perfect for a relaxed evening or a lively night out, depending on what you’re in the mood for. This versatility is one of the venue's key strengths, appealing to a broad range of student preferences.

However, it’s worth noting that The Bon Accord isn’t without its caveats. While the atmosphere is generally praised, some students feel that it could get a bit crowded during peak times, which might detract from the relaxed vibe that many seek. Additionally, while the drink prices are reasonable, a few reviews mention that they are not the absolute lowest in the area, which might be a consideration for those looking to save as much as possible. Furthermore, while the music is usually a highlight, it may not cater to everyone's taste, as some students prefer different genres or quieter environments for conversation.

In summary, The Bon Accord is a beloved venue for students at the University of Glasgow, offering a unique blend of history, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a vibrant social scene, good music, and the chance to explore a vast selection of whiskies. Whether you’re looking to unwind after classes or celebrate with friends, this pub provides an inviting space that encourages connection and fun. With its friendly staff, engaging atmosphere, and strong sense of community, The Bon Accord is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who walks through its doors.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Great atmosphere that is lively and welcoming.
  • Impressive selection of over 500 whiskies.
  • Reasonably priced drinks that appeal to students.
  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff who enhance the experience.
  • Good music that resonates with the student crowd.
  • Efficient entry process with minimal wait times.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get crowded during peak times, affecting the relaxed vibe.
  • Some drinks are not the absolute cheapest in the area.
  • Music may not cater to everyone's taste.
  • Not the most extravagant decor or setting.
  • Occasional noise levels can make conversation difficult.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a vibrant and social pub experience with a great selection of drinks.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual; feel free to come as you are.
  • Try to arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues.
  • Check out the whisky menu for unique options.
  • Expect a lively atmosphere, especially on Friday nights.
  • Live music events may vary, so check the schedule.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Bon Accord like?

The Bon Accord is a lively pub with a welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of drinks, especially whiskies.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally short, with students noting quick entry during most times.

Is it good value?

While drinks are reasonably priced, some students feel they could be cheaper, but the overall experience makes it worth it.

What music does The Bon Accord play?

The music includes popular student anthems that create a lively atmosphere and get people singing along.

Is it a good spot for a date?

Yes, many students mention it as a chill and enjoyable spot for dates or casual meet-ups.

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Reviews
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People here really seem to care about making it a welcoming spot. you can sense the effort they put into keeping things clean and creating a nice atmosphere, making it feel like more than just another bar.
By user502266 on Apr 25th 2026
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Wander in here if you appreciate whisky and a bit of history. loads of unique bottles line the shelves, and it's vibrant but has plenty of cozy corners to relax in. kind of place where you unintentionally stay longer, chatting away and losing track of time.
By user994925 on Apr 19th 2026
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Everyone seemed to be having a blast, like just when the crowd gets pumped to that perfect level where you're all just vibing together 😅. the energy was electric and it felt like the place was alive with music.
By user528614 on Apr 13th 2026
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Pumped to be here when the dj hits just the right tunes and everyone’s 🎶 jamming together, it's unreal.
By user806239 on Apr 9th 2026
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Arriving here, i didn't expect the whisky selection to be as massive as everyone claimed, but it was genuinely impressive 😮. the place had a friendly, laid-back vibe that made settling in surprisingly easy.
By user981872 on Apr 6th 2026
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Gotta say, the whisky selection here easily outshines other spots around glasgow. while other pubs might be a bit repetitive, bon accord always serves up something new and the crowd has a nice, relaxed mix , not the usual rowdy bunch you sometimes get elsewhere.
By user844561 on Apr 5th 2026
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Didn't expect to find such a vast whisky selection in a student-friendly spot, but it makes for some interesting drink choices and conversations. i was surprised how chill the crowd was despite the pub's lively reputation , sort of balances out the energetic vibe of the place.
By user382280 on Apr 2nd 2026
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Really stood out for the whisky selection, which beats anything else i've seen at other local pubs. didn't feel overwhelmed by the choices either, the staff were genuinely helpful if you needed a suggestion.
By user964162 on Mar 30th 2026
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Felt a bit squished at bon accord during peak hours. it’s understandable due to its popularity, but navigating between tables can be a hassle. great whisky options though, so i'll probably return and just cross my fingers for a quieter time 😬
By user833129 on Mar 27th 2026
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Definitely more character than your typical student haunt. bonus points for the incredible whisky selection, a chat with the bartenders here feels more personal too.
By user928461 on Mar 24th 2026
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Whenever i walked in, i was struck by the cosy yet vibrant atmosphere. originally thought it would be just another pub, but the energy was refreshing and made each visit enjoyable.
By user958208 on Mar 19th 2026
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Staff here actually know their stuff and are always up for a chat.
By user416026 on Mar 13th 2026
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Saw a good mix of students and locals all mingling over some laughs.
By user986034 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Lights were low, and the whole place felt like it was buzzing with anticipation. a friend was already at a table near the bar, and the energy in the air was contagious. it's one of those times where everyone seems to be in great spirits, and you just get swept along in the good vibes.
By user311128 on Feb 11th 2026
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Service was slow when it got really busy in there, but the atmosphere and whisky options made up for the wait eventually
By user841376 on Feb 5th 2026
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So many whiskies to choose from you almost forget you're there with your mates for the banter.
By user484481 on Jan 30th 2026
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Noticed how even on a crowded night, the bartenders never seem rushed.
By user918249 on Jan 25th 2026
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Weekend nights here are a blast, with the place buzzing and everyone in high spirits. it's not just the whisky that draws people in but the lively atmosphere and mix of folks. you can chat with anyone from fellow students to die-hard whisky fans and always have a story to go home with.
By user761840 on Jan 20th 2026
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Noticed loads of regulars, which felt a bit comforting as a newbie. everyone seemed to know the staff and each other 😅 made it feel like a proper home away from home during first year.
By user992361 on Jan 17th 2026
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Getting to know this place over time has been brilliant , familiar faces, good chats, and whisky options galore. feels like you’re part of something, especially when unwinding from those long lectures at the uni.
By user860016 on Jan 13th 2026
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Noticed loads of other students there, and everyone seemed to be having a laugh and enjoying the atmosphere. felt like a big social gathering where you could just easily chat and make new friends even if it's your first time visiting.
By user691547 on Jan 10th 2026
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Wandered in during one of their whisky tasting events and stayed for hours just chatting with strangers about life. it was one of those random nights where everything just clicked and people seemed genuinely interested in what you had to say.
By user253608 on Jan 6th 2026
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Tried my first whisky ever at the bon accord, and it was quite the experience. the bartender was patient, helping me pick something that'd go easy on a beginner, which i appreciated. found myself chatting with some locals about everything from uni life to music, making for a surprisingly educational night out.
By user737250 on Jan 2nd 2026
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At the bon accord, the whisky selection is like a library of new things to try. even if you’re not an expert, the staff are quite helpful if you want a recommendation. with its proximity to campus, it’s great for escaping from the books for a bit and trying something different with friends.
By user410217 on Dec 28th 2025
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Got into some epic chats over their incredible whisky collection, which turned the whole night into a bit of a discovery adventure. conversation just flowed so easily, felt like everyone there shared this unspoken vibe of relaxation and curiosity.
By user856233 on Dec 24th 2025
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Caught up with some classmates over a pint at bon accord and ended up chatting about art until closing time 😅
By user947510 on Dec 19th 2025
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Sat with mates in the snug corner as we worked our way through the whisky list felt like an adventure 🤷. when the live band kicked in, we found ourselves swaying along, sharing a knowing smile that this was just what we'd been missing all week.
By user194066 on Dec 15th 2025
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Walked in with some uni friends on the night of a big deadline, and the place just clicked. the dim lighting and laughter from familiar faces gave it a laidback vibe that took the edge off. can always count on Bon Accord to make a hectic week feel a bit lighter.
By user825190 on Dec 11th 2025
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Whisky selection at The Bon Accord is like nothing else. compared to other places i've been, it's got this authentic vibe that makes it feel special, not trying too hard to impress. while some pubs can be hit or miss, this one consistently delivers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a laid-back night.
By user175267 on Dec 4th 2025
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Settling into the bon accord over a few visits, i found the staff to be approachable and the atmosphere always welcoming.
By user271733 on Dec 1st 2025
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Takes a few visits to really appreciate the vibe at bon accord. thought it was just another pub at first, but the whisky selection is ridiculously varied. love seeing the regulars know their stuff, and it kinda pulls you in too.
By user630108 on Nov 26th 2025
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Watched a live band play while sipping on a whisky, and I remember the buzz of laughter and conversation blending perfectly with the music. managed to snag a seat by the bar, which felt like finding treasure on a busy night. it's those spontaneous moments that make nights there memorable.
By user433053 on Nov 22nd 2025
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Grabbed a pint and instantly felt like this was the perfect place to unwind after a hectic day of calculations.
By user651096 on Nov 16th 2025
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Staff here are really chill and approachable, which makes a difference when the place fills up. it's nice to see familiar faces behind the bar who remember your order from last time. that sort of service makes popping in for a pint feel like a visit to a friend rather than just another pub trip.
By user574628 on Nov 9th 2025
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Usually end up at The Bon Accord midweek after lab sessions to unwind. it's always bustling with students and the whisky list is mental, so everyone finds something they like while we chat away.
By user287019 on Nov 1st 2025
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Swing by the bon accord after classes for some midweek relaxation, it blends into my weekly groove quite nicely. good spot for unwinding with mates over a casual pint, especially since it's a short walk from campus.
By user256787 on Oct 27th 2025
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Arrived at The Bon Accord thinking it'd be just another pub, but was surprised by this place's whisky selection 😮. honestly had no idea you could have that many varieties under one roof. the atmosphere was lively, with people in deep whisky-related chat, and the staff seemed to know everything about what they were pouring.
By user864729 on Oct 24th 2025
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Noticed how it feels like you're stepping into another world inside. between the knick-knacks on the walls and the old-school vibe, you get wrapped up in a bit of nostalgia. it's a cozy escape from lectures.
By user120029 on Oct 20th 2025
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Definitely plan to go back whenever i need a fun break from uni stress. love the easy atmosphere and the fact that you always end up chatting with someone new.
By user228955 on Oct 17th 2025
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Staff here don’t treat it like a job, more like they're hosting friends. left with a smile after some great chats and a few unexpected whisky recommendations 😅
By user308813 on Oct 13th 2025
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Love the whisky selection here. i ended up trying a few i had never heard of before, and the bartender was super knowledgeable. it really added a nice vibe to our night out, and definitely a place i want to revisit.
By user318621 on Oct 10th 2025
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Never expected to find such a relaxed atmosphere at a pub with so many whisky options.
By user937327 on Oct 5th 2025
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Felt a bit more authentic than other pubs around here, and the whisky collection is on another level. service was easy-going and made the night run smoothly without any fuss.
By user900070 on Sep 29th 2025
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Staff always seem to know their stuff, especially when it comes to the whiskies, which is pretty impressive. they chat like you’re a regular even if it’s your first time. i felt like i could relax and unwind right from the get-go.
By user253643 on Sep 24th 2025
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Not gonna lie, it felt like everyone at bon accord was buzzing, especially with all the students in for a night. it was packed but in a good way, really added to the energy of the place
By user387634 on Sep 14th 2025
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By user581478 on May 21st 2025