Today in Glasgow we visited the Macintosh at the Willow Tea Room on Sauchiehall street about 15 minutes walk from Queen Street train station. https://www.mackintoshatthewillow.com
We booked a tour of the tea room, an al a carte lunch, and a visit to their exhibition. Other dining options include a tea, a pricey tea with champagne, and a rooftop terrace with drinks and small plates. The tour and exhibit were well worth it, telling the story of the tea shop owner Kate Cranston and of the architect and designer Charles Rennie Macintosh. The tour also gives you access to all the rooms which are incredible. We had tea, two starters, and two desserts in the front room , all very fine. The attention to detail, social impact, and financial success of Cranston and Macintosh as expressed in this tea room reminds me of Steve Jobs, it is that impressive. Imagine walking down a dark sooty Edwardian era Glasgow full of pubs filled with only men and then finding brightly lit rooms with amazing design details serving tea to women who did not need to be escorted by a man. After the tea room you might be inspired to visit the other Macintosh sites around Glasgow such as the Art Lovers House. Note that I am talking about the tea house on Sauchiehall not the other Macintosh related tea room on Buchanan. I’ve heard that it is fine but we have not been there.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1828 posts
Thanks for posting. That is really interesting information. I love Macintosh's work. Have you been to the Hill House in Helensburgh? That is a wonderful place to visit (although I don't think I would have wanted to live in it!)
Posted by
TX, USA
4055 posts
Hmmm, now I am wondering if I should throw in a day trip from Edinburgh (I have time). I admit this is the first review I have read that makes me want to. :)
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Wasleys:
We did not get to Hill House but I checked it out online. That protective structure is wild! Next trip. We did get to the Macintosh House at the Hunterian museum and the Art Lovers House, both short rides away.
Texas Travelmom: Glasgow is an easy one day trip from Edinburgh. Book your visit to the tearoom online and add another Macintosh site as well.
Posted by
Washington DC
27062 posts
You can easily spend more than a full day in Glasgow just visiting Mackintosh buildings. Hill House in Helensburgh is definitely worth the trip. Be advised that Helensburgh, though not a large town, has two train stations. Check Google Maps to see which is closest to Hill House; there will still be a walk (or taxi ride, I guess). That part of Scotland is very, very rainy (thus the preservation issues at Hill House), so you should definitely set out with rain gear.