The Counting House - JD Wetherspoon

The Counting House stands as one of Glasgow's most distinctive Wetherspoon pubs, housed in the former Bank of Scotland building and offering a unique dining and drinking experience that combines historical architecture with affordable pub fare. The venue's conversion of a grand bank building into a pub has created a truly special atmosphere that sets it apart from typical chain pub experiences.

The building itself is consistently described as absolutely beautiful, with the former bank's architectural features creating a stunning interior. The venue features a lovely glass dome overhead, and the old bank safes have been creatively repurposed as small private rooms, adding to the unique character of the space. The vaults are still accessible, allowing visitors to walk around inside them, providing an interesting historical element to the experience. The venue's location is also highly convenient, being very close to Queen Street train station, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.

Value is one of The Counting House's greatest strengths, with reviewers consistently praising the affordable beers and food, as well as the great prices. The breakfast offerings receive particular acclaim for their incredible value, with one reviewer noting that a meal including a medium vegetarian breakfast, a medium full Scottish breakfast, and unlimited coffees for two people cost just over £13—a price that would typically only cover the coffees at chain coffee shops. This exceptional value proposition makes The Counting House an attractive option for budget-conscious diners seeking quality experiences without high costs.

The venue's drink selection is consistently praised, with reviewers describing it as excellent, impressive, and offering an incredible selection of drinks. The impressive selection of ales receives particular mention, and the venue maintains Wetherspoon's reputation for offering a wide variety of beverages at competitive prices. The large outside seating area adds to the appeal, providing additional space for guests to enjoy their drinks and meals in good weather.

Service at The Counting House receives positive feedback, with staff described as super friendly and providing great recommendations. Individual staff members like Joe receive specific commendations for exceptional customer service and making guests feel very welcome. The staff's ability to provide helpful recommendations and maintain friendly service even during busy periods demonstrates the venue's commitment to hospitality.

Food experiences at The Counting House receive mixed reviews. Some dishes, particularly the breakfast offerings and gourmet burgers, are described as amazing, excellent, and delicious. However, other reviewers note that the food is usually basic and lacking in quality, with some specific items like chicken strips not meeting expectations. The food quality appears to vary, which is somewhat typical for chain pub establishments where value and consistency are prioritized over gourmet experiences. For those seeking exceptional value and a reliable pub meal, The Counting House delivers, though those seeking fine dining experiences may want to look elsewhere.

The venue's popularity is evident from how busy it can get, with reviewers noting it's very crowded and that finding a table can be challenging even during off-peak times like Tuesday early afternoon. This popularity speaks to the venue's appeal, though it does mean that guests should be prepared for a bustling atmosphere. Some reviewers have noted that tables could use more frequent cleaning, which may be a consequence of the high volume of customers.

For visitors to Glasgow seeking an affordable pub experience in a truly unique and beautiful setting, The Counting House offers an excellent option. The combination of historical architecture, exceptional value, excellent drink selection, friendly service, and convenient location makes it a recommended destination for city trips. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly breakfast, a pint in a converted bank vault, or simply to experience one of Glasgow's most distinctive pub settings, The Counting House provides a memorable experience that combines history, value, and hospitality.