Fun In G1, Merchant City Summer '26
- R-CADE Glasgow
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As many of you know, R-CADE's home has been the Saltmarket area of Merchant City in Glasgow. We have been here for over 8 years, and throughout those years we have watched the area boom with fantastic small businesses. For the second year we wanted to spend this summer celebrating our neighbouring businesses and share them with our followers, so we have created a handy map detailing where each local business is in Merchant City, how handy! You can also find out about each business below.*
Supporting small local businesses is what keeps our city vibrant, interesting and full of great activities for everyone, so grab a few friends, or plan a day out with the family in Merchant City this summer.
Activities / Things to do
[1] Nomad Escape Rooms - Basement Unit 1, Merchants Square, G1 1LE
Nomad combine escape rooms with live action immersion. With 5 different escape rooms you have a great choice of themes for all different group sizes.
[12] R-CADE - 121 Saltmarket, G1 5LF
Retro video games arcade and nostalgia cafe. Over 2000 video games available to play on original consoles, CRT tv’s and retro tech. Our cafe also hosts 300 boardgame and tabletop games to play while you enjoy tasty hot and cold drinks, toasties and cakes from our menu. Family friendly from 12-7pm, and then an over 18’s, BYOB party hub from 7-10pm
[8] Splatter Art - 15 Osborne Street, G1 5QN
The UKs first contemporary, action packed and immersive painting experience! Unleash your inner Jackson Pollock and enjoy flicking, throwing, splatting or shooting some paint-filled guns at a blank canvas to complete your own bespoke artwork, which you then get to take home with you! Mess is highly encouraged at Splatter Art Studio. It’s designed to be a space where you can get creative, let your inner child run free and not have to worry about the clean up afterwards.
[7] VR Simulators - 36 Gallowgate, G1 5AB
VR Simulators Glasgow was the first 5D racing centre in Europe, when it opened its doors in February 2018. They offer a total racing experience, complete with stunning virtual reality visuals, atmospheric audio with voice chat, horizontal and vertical movement, vibration and a wind machine that emulates the feeling of movement as you race your car around the track. They welcome individuals or group bookings and can tailor most of the racing elements to meet the skills and requirements of individual racers.
[5] B51 Boutique Weld, Charm & Engraving Bar - 19 Parnie Street, G1 5RJ
If you have a passion for jewellery and seek out one-of-a-kind pieces, then B51 Boutique should be on your list of places to explore! They feature a carefully selected range of vintage jewellery and were pioneers in introducing a welded bracelet bar in Scotland. Recently, they've unveiled a charm bar where you can build your own bracelet, making it a fun activity to do with friends and family. Plus, their new engraving service allows you to customise your jewellery with fingerprints, handwriting, and photos too! B51 has cemented itself as a destination for those seeking something truly special!
Food And Drink
[2] Super Bario - 7 King Street, G1 5QZ
Glasgow's first arcade bar. Offering many arcade classics from the 80's through to today. As well as an excellent range of beers and spirits from Glasgow, Scotland and further afield. Over 18's only.
[4] The Dorky French - 39 Parnie Street, G1 5RJ
TheDorkyFrench vegan bakery offers a delicious range of fine plant-based viennoiseries, traditional French pastries and quality coffee. Whether you are vegan or simply looking for a freshly baked artisan croissant, you can plan to visit us and indulge in our mouthwatering treats! www.thedorkyfrench.com
[11] Choco Cartel - 146 Saltmarket, G1 5LB
They are all about satisfying your sweet tooth with their scrumptious Belgian waffles, hearty cookie doughs, indulgent sundaes, and creamy milkshakes. Whether you're in the mood for a cosy mocha, latte or a rich hot or cold chocolate, they've got just the treat for you! Their menu is available to view online and they are open until after 10pm!
[10] Doh! - 115 King Street, G1 5RB
Creating fresh, handmade doughnuts from scratch for the people of Glasgow. Whether you like dunkin’ your doughnuts in your coffee, or you prefer them krispy, there’s a Doh Nut for everyone! Tasty Vegan versions of every doughnut available too. www.doh-nuts.com
Retail And Shopping
[6] Modern Love Store - 8 Parnie Street, G1 5LR
The perfect destination for unique and fun homeware and gifts. Offering items from local designers, and from around the world.
[3] Static Games - 39 King Street, G1 5RA
Specialist gaming store stocking board games, card games, trading card games, living card games, role playing games, miniature games, miniature, paints, accessories and much, much more!
[9] Sector 7 Books - 86 Saltmarket, G1 5LD
Sector 7 Books is an Independent Bookshop specialising in Sci-Fi, Horror, and Fantasy. The shop stocks new releases, genre classics, box sets, accessories, games, and Signed/ Limited editions
The Merchant City area is becoming a vibrant and exciting area of Glasgow to visit. These venues are part of a diverse collection of small independent businesses in the G1 area, which is fantastic to see. So if you are looking for somewhere new to walk around and discover with your friends, if you are looking for a unique activity for your next day out, if it's raining and you want something to do with the family, and if you just love supporting small local business then make sure to spend some time this summer in Merchant City. *Opening times, venue restrictions and pricing are available for each business via their own website.
