Milngavie Weekend Guide: Food, Drinks, Shops + A Group-Friendly Base

Whether you are gathering the family for a reunion, preparing to tackle the West Highland Way, or simply escaping the city for a few days, Milngavie (pronounced mull-guy) is the perfect starting point.

While Pleasant Hill offers a secluded and peaceful retreat, one of its greatest assets is its location. You are never far from excellent dining, local drams, and essential amenities. Here is our local guide to making the most of your weekend in Milngavie.

Food & Drink Within a Short Walk

One of the joys of staying at Pleasant Hill is that you don’t always need a car to enjoy a great meal. The pedestrianised village centre is bustling with options to suit every palate.

  • Garvie & Co: Located right on the corner of the precinct, this is a local favourite. It offers a relaxed atmosphere that works just as well for a morning coffee and pastry as it does for a hearty evening meal. Their menu is diverse, featuring everything from wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood.
  • Andiamo: If your group is in the mood for Italian, Andiamo is the place to go. It is vibrant, modern, and serves up fantastic pasta and pizza dishes. It’s particularly good for groups, offering a lively atmosphere that fits perfectly with a weekend celebration.
  • Fullbacks: Sometimes, you just want a proper pint and a burger. Fullbacks is a welcoming sports bar with a great selection of beers and plenty of screens if there is a match on. It is an unpretentious, friendly spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

A Whisky Stop

No trip to Scotland is complete without a “wee dram,” and Milngavie has a hidden gem for connoisseurs and novices alike.

The Scottish Gantry (Vintage Malt Whisky Co) is more than just a shop; it is an experience. Located in the town centre, they boast an incredible selection of whiskies, gins, and wines. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you toward the perfect bottle to take back to the house. Whether you are looking for a rare single malt or a local gin, this is an essential stop for stocking up your holiday drinks cabinet.

Easy Groceries

Staying in a self-catering property means you have the freedom to cook up a storm. Fortunately, Milngavie is exceptionally well-served for groceries, all located very close to one another.

  • Waitrose & M&S Foodhall: Perfect for picking up high-quality ingredients, luxury treats, or prepared meals for a hassle-free dinner.
  • Tesco Superstore: For a full shop, the large Tesco provides everything you might need, from breakfast staples to snacks for your hiking trips.

Where to Stay

If you are looking for the perfect base to explore all of the above, Pleasant Hill is designed with groups in mind.

Our property offers the space and privacy you need to relax, with the convenience of Milngavie’s amenities on your doorstep. We understand that organising a group trip involves a lot of logistics, which is why we aim to make your arrival as smooth as possible.

Top Tip for Guests: Don’t want to waste time shopping when you arrive? Because we are so close to the major supermarkets, you can arrange for your groceries to be delivered directly to the house.

Check our Booking Page to secure your dates, and be sure to read our FAQ section for details on arranging grocery deliveries before your arrival.

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The Campbell family has owned the old main house - the large garden villa within its garden grounds &has hosted family & friends gatherings, weddings, memorials, reunion & milestone celebration events

Chris Campbell

Chris and the Campbell family have owned the Pleasant Hill Scotland 200-year-old main house – the oldest in Milngavie – and built this villa within its garden grounds. Chris and the Campbell family live next door and are always available for arranging handovers, and offer all manner of local intel or even support in the event of any emergency. His consistent dedication as a local ‘Concierge’, and routine forwards information about the area, pointers towards local places for eating/drinking, plus advice on sight-seeing or activities during the guest’s stay have rewarded him with Certificates of Excellence, Premier Partner & Superhost status by the major platforms. For the past two decades, Chris and the Campbell family has hosted family & friend gatherings (including Homecomings), weddings, memorials, reunions and milestone celebration events in the Pleasant Hill Scotland villa. So many have now become repeat visitors.