The Butterfly & The Pig
British, 153 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4SQ
£61.38 for 2 mains, 1 pudding and 2 drinks
After hearing quite a few people mention it over the years, we finally made it to The Butterfly and the Pig for a Sunday lunch. It’s one of those places that seems to sit just under the radar while still being well-known, especially for their roast. We wouldn’t go as far as to call it a Glasgow institution—maybe we haven’t been here long enough to throw that word around—but it had been on our list for a while.
So we went on a Sunday to give the roast a fair shot. One of us ordered the roast chicken dinner, the other went for fish and chips (because not every Sunday needs to be a roast Sunday). No regrets either way.
Atmosphere & Service
When we walked in, our first thought was: this is an old man’s pub (in the best possible way). It’s got that classic, slightly worn-in charm with a pub-meets-student-hangout feel. That said, the dining area is slightly set off to the side, so it doesn’t feel like you’re eating in the middle of someone’s pint. It’s informal, relaxed, and by the time we left, it was full—clearly a popular spot.
The service was a strong point. Friendly and attentive. Two staff members checked in on us during the meal, which is always reassuring, and they were happy to bring tartar sauce without making a thing of it, or charging for it, which some places still do. Food took a little longer than expected, but it felt like the kind of wait you get when something’s being made fresh.
The Food
Fish and Chips – This was a proper, classic dish done really well. A generous portion of battered fish, golden and crisp without being greasy, on top of thick-cut chips that were perfectly cooked. A small, well-seasoned side—possibly lentils or peas—added a pleasant surprise to the plate. Everything was hot, fresh, and well-balanced.
Roast Chicken Dinner – The chicken was tender and well-seasoned, and the Yorkshire pudding was especially good: light and fluffy but with enough substance to hold its own. The vegetables, glazed and full of flavour, were actually the first thing gone—which doesn’t usually happen. The gravy brought it all together, with a slightly sweet carrot element that lifted the dish. It was the kind of roast you don’t just enjoy, but want to recreate at home.
Sticky Toffee Pudding – This was the one miss. The sponge had a nice toffee flavour but none of the expected density or stickiness. It felt like the dates had been left out entirely. It is not a bad dessert by any means, but it is not really a sticky toffee pudding either—and at £7, we wouldn’t order it again unless the recipe changes.
The Butterfly and the Pig might not be flashy or trying to make a name for itself, but it knows what it’s doing. It’s the kind of place you come back to—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s consistent, comfortable, and serves food that feels genuinely cared for. There are minor missteps (we’ll skip dessert next time), but on the whole, it delivers precisely what it promises: hearty, satisfying meals in an unfussy setting. We’ll be back—quietly hoping it's not so busy we don't miss out on a table.
Three Things to Know
- The setting is relaxed, with pub-style dining and a bit of character. Slightly scruffy, but not without charm. If you’re after fine dining, this isn’t it—but it doesn’t pretend to be.
- Service is low-key but attentive. Friendly, helpful, and willing to go the extra step without needing to be asked twice.
- The roast is genuinely worth a visit. It’s thoughtful, generous, and full of flavour—easily one of the better roast dinners we’ve had in the city.