One of Glasgow’s hidden gem restaurants
Asking about hidden gem restaurants in Glasgow city centre? Then look no further than Saints of Ingram, nestled in Hutchesons’ Hall in Merchant City.
In fact, you may have walked past this iconic venue without even realising what it is.
Few venues boast a greater atmosphere than Saints of Ingram, with history soaked into the bones of this grand building. For over two hundred years now, Hutchesons’ Hall has stood proudly on Ingram Street, with the striking building finished in 1802, following the design of celebrated Glaswegian architect David Hamilton.
Whilst the world around has changed immeasurably, the hall has stood firm for over two hundred years, growing to become one of the most exciting restaurants in Merchant City. The menu is just one part, with the grandness of Hutchesons’ Hall making this one of the most exciting places to eat in Merchant City.
If you’re stopping by for lunch, daylight pours through the tall windows, creating a light, relaxed atmosphere. As day turns to dusk and the sun begins to set, the hall transforms, with the rich natural light being swapped for warm candlelight, creating an intimate atmosphere, even in the grandeur of the hall.
Where is Saints of Ingram?
Saints of Ingram is a restaurant in Merchant City, Glasgow. We’re a short walk from the city centre, or just a ten minute walk away from Glasgow Central Station and five minutes from Queen Street station. A wide number of buses stop on Ingram Street, and there is a car park nearby.
We’re handily placed for a restaurant in Glasgow City Centre, perfect to rest your feet for a spot of lunch, or enjoy all Merchant City has to offer for drinks & dinner.
A Restaurant Inside One of Glasgow’s Historic Buildings
It’s difficult to talk about Saints of Ingram without talking about the building itself.
Hutchesons’ Hall has stood on Ingram Street since 1802, designed by celebrated Glasgow architect David Hamilton in a striking neoclassical style.
Its story stretches back even further, to brothers George and Thomas Hutcheson, whose charitable foundations helped establish the original hospital and school that carried their name. Today, the Category A listed building remains one of the Merchant City’s architectural landmarks, with its grand ceilings, ornate plasterwork and distinctive steeple providing a rather spectacular backdrop to dinner.
For more on the spectacular heritage of this stunning building, you can read more about the heritage here.
What is Saints of Ingram like?
Of course, the atmosphere and the venue are two parts of an unforgettable experience, but you can’t eat history. You can however, tuck into a rich and varied menu, showcasing the best Scotland has to offer.
Stopping by for lunch? Why not break up the busyness of the day with freshly prepared soup, served of course with sourdough and salted butter. The building’s a classic, and so are the menu staples, with our Saints Club Sandwich, Island Caesar salad and a classic steak sandwich.
Thinking a little differently? Why not try our Glaswegian tilt on the classic Reuben, with house salt beef brisket, Isle of Mull cheddar and beer-braised sauerkraut, served on toasted sourdough.
If you fancy joining us for lunch, you can view our full menu and book here.
The atmosphere changes when dinner comes around, with the daylight being swapped for candlelight, but the theme remains the same; fine dining within fine architecture. Steak & seafood are dinner and the show, with West Coast mussels, smoked haddock, sirloin steak and roast chicken earning their place on the plate.
But, it’s not just steak and seafood; we have a rich selection of vegetable-based dishes, including delectable heritage carrots with Mull cheddar, wild mushrooms on toasted sourdough, and smoked almonds on our snack menu.
Does dinner by candlelight sound good? If so, you’ll want to follow this link for our full menu and to book a table.
What makes Saints of Ingram one of Glasgow’s hidden gem restaurants?
If you’re not convinced by a restaurant tucked into a historic building, or a restaurant that’s central, but doesn’t feel like a generic city centre restaurant. Or a changing atmosphere between day and night, a restaurant that’s easy enough to combine with a day or evening in Merchant City, and being considerably more interesting architecturally than most restaurants in Glasgow city centre, we’ll continue.
We’ve talked about the menu containing a rich variety of Scottish produce, the exciting and grand atmosphere, but what else is there?
What if we told you, it’s a little more than a restaurant?
On the ground floor is our restaurant, but there’s two more floors on top of that.
Above ground is the grand hall; as today, as it was in 1802. This is yours, and what you imagine when you think “historic Glasgow venue”. Whether you want to celebrate your wedding reception, a special birthday, a corporate event or even Christmas, the hall is available to be booked.
At the very top of the building is our experience room, a room that few know is there, but one we’d love to invite you into. In this intimate space, we offer whisky tastings for up to 14 people, cocktail masterclasses for up to 16, and a space for celebrations and events.
So, is Saints of Ingram worth visiting?
You already know our answer.
If you’re looking for just ‘another’ restaurant in Glasgow city centre, there’s no shortage of options. But if you’re looking for something that combines stunning architecture, untouched Glaswegian history, and a menu that celebrates Scottish food, there isn’t anywhere quite like Saints of Ingram.
It truly is one of Glasgow’s hidden gem restaurants, and has probably been walked past thousands of time without a second thought given to what’s inside. But, with its striking outer architecture matched by its dazzling interior, maybe this is the time to stop, take in the view, and walk through the hallowed doors.
So, if you’re still wondering, are we worth visiting? It’s our pleasure to invite you to come along, and find out for yourself within the grandeur of Hutchesons’ Hall.
