Blythswood Square says:

Blythswood Square is an award winning five star hotel in Glasgow’s city centre. Not only does it have 100 stunning guest rooms but it also houses an amazing spa, restaurant, bars (including the historic Rally Bar, cocktail bar and champagne bar) and private event areas, a true 5 star proposition. Amongst the guest rooms you will find a range of room categories ranging from wee classics to The Blythswood Suite. Or why not treat yourself to The Penthouse. Whatever the occasion there will be something for everyone.

Social and Cocktail says:

With it’s 5 star hotel, 2011 CLASS Award of Best Bar Menu and being the previous home of renowned bar tender Mal Spence, the cocktail bar here has a lot to live up to. Situated in the grand splendor of the old Royal Scottish Automobile Club, the bar area of the Blythswood Square shares it’s space with the hotel restaurant, so the space is always busy.  The upstairs Salon area, which was the previous cocktail lounge,  appears now to be dedicated to quieter afternoon teas.

Huge period windows, large luxurious drapes, as well as interesting, tassled lampshades, with insides like a zoetrope, surround the sparkling bar area. High chairs are available at the bar, as well as booths along the windows for a quieter get together. Andy, the bar tender on duty today, talked me through their current smaller menu of 14 core cocktails. Mal Spence created Volume I, an immense book of 60 cocktails which contained history, ingredients as well as suggestions to expand your cocktail knowledge. Volume II is currently in development, hence the smaller menu.  However, any cocktail can still be created for you.

After a chat discussing what my tastes were, (GIN!) Andy suggested a Chevalier Rose, £8.00. Containing Haymans Sloe Gin, Kirsch, Noilly Pratt Dry Vermouth and some of their home made Raspberry Syrup. WOW, a great alternative to the now ubiquitous Cosmopolitan. Its fruity, girly, and far to easy to drink. Would go down very well at a girls get together. Fearing that I would end up here all day, I moved onto the Aviation, £9.25. Containing Tanquery Gin, Maraschino, Creme de Violette and Lemon Juice. Completely different to the Chevalier Rose, this one sits at the opposite end of the taste scale, tart, sour but looking like it should be sickly sweet bubblegum tasting. It certainly woke up my taste buds. The tartness of the lemon juice hits your taste buds then the slow development of the parma violet tasting liqueur comes in. Bliss.

With the grand surroundings, knowledgeable and friendly staff, I’ll certainly be back.