It's a matter of hours until Scotland's biggest music festival returns to Glasgow, with TRNSMT set to open its gates this Friday.
Taking place across the weekend, the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Paolo Nutini and The Strokes are set to headline the highly-anticipated three-day event, which takes place in the heart of the city, at Glasgow Green.
Last week we exclusively revealed the full food lineup at the festival, with Big Feed bringing its very best street food traders to the site.
READ MORE: TRNSMT 2022: 10 acts not to be missed at this weekend's festival
With people coming from all corners of the country and beyond across the three days - alongside dozens of Glasgow local - music fans will be looking for a place to meet up ahead of the festival, perhaps for a bite to eat before you go to the Green or a drink or two to get you in the festival spirit.
We've put together a list of bars and food spots in the area you might consider booking into ahead of the festival getting underway.
Saint Lukes & The Winged Ox
A dead-cert on our list, Saint Lukes & The Winged Ox is a real favourite in the east end of the city centre.
The music and arts venue offers everything you could ever want to munch on before you head to a music festival - there's not much they don't have on the drinks list, while the menu is filled with potential hangover curers such as burgers, sandwiches and boat loads of fries, including cajun and sour cream flavour and pulled brisket, bbq and mozzarella.
There's also a couple of cracking outdoor areas where you can enjoy your drinks too.
West on the Green
It doesn't come much closer to the TRNSMT site than this.
West on the Green regularly features in our summer food and drink guides thanks to its fantastically fresh beers, excellent food selection and the beautiful beer garden out front.
The venue may of course be a little busy during the TRNSMT Festival, and it would be wise to expect somewhat of a queue if you don't have a booking. However, it might be worth it by the time you get to the front for a currywurst and a pint of West or St Mungo, before you hop across to the festival.
Whistler on the Green
This new food and drink spot - 'serving traditional, simple, and wholesome cuisine on the doorsteps of the Green' - is now open, just in time for TRNSMT.
Situated on Greendyke Street, looking onto Glasgow Green and occupying the former Whistlin' Kirk bar, the bar will be serving breakfast, lunch and evening bites, with the menus to be gradually introduced over the next week. Meanwhile, punters can order alcoholic drinks with their breakfasts from 8am, from Tuesday to Friday.
For more on the new bar, you can read our article here.
Drygate
A little further out from the TRNSMT Festival site, but nonetheless one of the best spots in Glasgow bask in the sun - if it's shining - on the fantastic outdoor terrace.
The menu includes Drygate's take on classics such as beef burgers and fish and chips, while some of the side dishes - we're looking at such as the mac 'n' cheese and poutines - are understandably pretty popular.
As you would expect at any brewery venue, there's an extensive beer menu to compliment your food.
226 Gallowgate
Next door neighbour to the famous Barrowlands music venue, you'll find an uber cool 'local pub' that attracts people from all over Glasgow.
A classic bar benefiting from a fresh, modern style, there's a wide range of food and drink to explore and sample, including beer battered fish and chips and steak pie.
Ahead of the festival they've announced they're serving 'proper pints at proper prices' in both their indoor and outdoor areas.
The Amsterdam
If you're wandering through the Merchant City on the way to the Green, it might be worth a stop off at The Amsterdam.
The dive bar describes itself as 'a no-frills, all fun kind of affair; a place you can party the night away or drown your sorrows', and is well liked for cocktails and perfect serves, while the food menu features a bunch of belly-busting burgers, chicken wings and loaded fries, filling you up before you go and sing your heart out at TRNSMT.
The Gate
For those looking for something a little more laidback and sophisticated ahead of the madness of the festival, The Gate is your place.
This beautiful Gallowgate bar is one of our favourites, the perfect spot to hide away and enjoy exquisite cocktails and one of the city's best whisky selections with excellent service from the brilliant bar staff.
Alongside bar snacks, they also serve up delicious toasties too, meaning you can enjoy a quick bite before heading out.
BAaD
BAaD includes an indoor bar, two external bars, BBQ and grill, beer garden, gourmet food trucks ... the list goes on.
On weekends, you'll usually find DJs on the decks too, getting you right in the mood for the upcoming sounds at TRNSMT. Their summer menu is looking particularly mouthwatering this year and features burgers, tacos, gourmet hot dogs, pizzas and more.
MONO
This ever-popular vegan cafe spills out onto King's Court where in summer you can dine outside and make the most of the warmer weather.
Their meat-free menu highlights include souvlaki, shawarma, mac and cheese and pizzas, while the bar stocks a whole host of local craft beers.
Maggie Mays
The ideal spot to get yourself in the mood for a bit of rock and roll, Maggie Mays is a great place to have a pint or two before TRNSMT, and there's some delicious, hearty grub on offer too.
Maggie's Rockin' Platters are exactly what you're after if you and a group of mates want to get a pre-festival feed, comprising chicken wings, chicken tenders, tortilla chips, lava dipping pot, onion rings and corn on the cob, while there's a delicious-looking veggie option too.
Festival Village
The Merchant City's Festival Village beer garden is hosting a fun-filled TRNSMT Festival pre-party this weekend, featuring a live mural installation, face-painting, themed cocktail specials, games and delicious scran from the excellent Feta street food.
Organisers say: "They’ll be plenty to get visitors hyped for the festival, with face-painting, themed cocktail specials and TRNSMT playlists featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi and Paolo Nutini and more on the agenda."
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