The Cosy Season Bucketlist

Your summer wardrobe has officially retired and leaving the house after 6pm feels a bit too ambitious most days.

But before you surrender completely to your sofa, hear us out. Scotland might not be famous for its weather but we do know a thing or two about doing cosy season properly.

We’re talking hidden wine bars, pubs with fireplaces, steaming hot chocolates, Sunday roasts and the list goes on. Consider this your official cosy season bucket list.

01. Fireside Pints

Is there anything better than escaping the Scottish weather into a cosy pub with a roaring fireplace? Add a pint and good company and you’ve pretty much nailed autumn.

Luckily, Glasgow and Edinburgh have no shortage of proper old-school pubs where you can while away an entire afternoon.

Glasgow’s fireside Pubs: The Belle, The Drake, The Ben Nevis, Rab Ha’s

Edinburgh’s fireside Pubs: The Jolly Judge, The Cumberland Bar, The Scran & Scallie, Kay's Bar.

02. Comfort Food Season

Salads, we’ll see you in spring.

It’s officially the season of hearty pies, buttery mash, bubbling mac and cheese, rich gravy and anything that comes served in a dish that’s far too hot to touch.

For a proper cosy pub lunch, in Glasgow wed go to Anderson's or The Butterfly and the Pig, while Edinburgh’s we'd drop into The Scran & Scallie or The Devil's Advocate.

03. The Sunday Roast

Our favourite Sunday tradition is back. A proper Sunday roast is practically a love language and we’re fully committed to making the most of roast season.

Our Glasgow shortlist includes: The Duke’s Umbrella, Kelvingrove Cafe and Porter & Rye.

Over in Edinburgh: The Queen's Arms, Hawksmoor and Old Pal.

04. Hot Chocolate with the trimmings

It’s hot chocolate season, and we’re talking the proper stuff. Preferably topped with a fluffy roasted marshmallow.

Glasgow Spots: Bare Bones Cafe, Uplands Roast, La Gelatessa

Edinburgh's version: Uplands Roast , Basement Gelato Co, The Marshmallow Lady

05. Autumnal Walks

There’s something undeniably romantic about autumn in Scotland. Get yourself out for some crisp fresh air and a wander in the colourful leaves.

In Glasgow, take a wander through Kelvingrove Park or the Botanic Gardens before finding somewhere warm in the West End.

In Edinburgh, spend an afternoon exploring Dean Village and Stockbridge, or take a stroll through the Meadows before retreating to a cosy café.

06. Candlelit Dinners

It’s getting dark at 5pm. We might as well make it romantic. There is nothing better than feeling cosy with a dimly lit dinner table, get that big light off, candle light only.

Picture this: a bottle of red open while you cook up an easy tasty dinner. Nothing too fancy or complicated, we’re talking easy, tasty dinners with no more than eight ingredients.

Here's a couple of our favourite recipes to sort you out: Brown Butter Mushroom & Sage Pappardelle; Chicken and Leak Pie ; Tray Bake Chicken with Romesco

07. Rainy Days

We might not be able to promise sunshine, but we can promise that some of the best days out happen when the weather is absolutely dreadful.

Spend an afternoon getting lost in an independent bookshop, catch a film at a beautiful old cinema or wander around a museum without feeling remotely guilty about being indoors.

The Glasgow Film Theatre and Edinburgh’s Cameo Cinema are particularly good excuses to escape the rain.