Glasgow

Parnie Street, behind Trongate, has independent shops, cafés and bars. It is a useful focus for a browse before sitting down together. Give the meeting a named starting point; the charm of a smaller street is easier to enjoy when nobody is trying to find the group.

Merchant City’s visitor guide highlights places such as Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre and the Britannia Panopticon. A particular performance can supply plenty to discuss afterwards. Check the institution’s current programme first, and decide together whether you want a timed cultural visit or a more open-ended food-and-conversation plan.

Glasgow Print Studio gives a Merchant City wander a specific creative stop. Compare it with Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and choose the exhibition that gives you something to talk about. You do not need to see every gallery for the afternoon to feel worthwhile. A shorter route leaves space for the independent shops and cafés you notice along the way.

An event at Tramway and a night at SWG3 can involve different parts of the city as well as different atmospheres. Choose the production or music programme first, then settle the entrance and arrival time. For a seated performance, leave your conversation for before or after it; for a workshop, check whether you need to join the whole session.