If you only see one Mackintosh building in Glasgow, make it this one. Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the architect and designer who defined the Glasgow Style, created the Willow Tea Rooms in 1903 for Kate Cranston, the businesswoman who made tea rooms the height of fashion in Edwardian Glasgow. He designed everything, from the white facade with its curved window to the high-backed chairs, the light fittings, the cutlery and the waitresses' dresses, and the result is one of the most complete expressions of his vision anywhere. After a long restoration the building reopened in 2018, the 150th anniversary of his birth, and after a short closure it reopened again following a crowdfunding campaign; since January 2024 it has been cared for by The Willow Tea Rooms Trust. Today you can eat in the main tea rooms and gallery, see the famous Salon de Luxe with its silver and purple glass, browse the shop and visit an interactive exhibition, free for adults and children, about the people who have shaped the building since 1903.
How to visit: Mackintosh at the Willow is at 215 to 217 Sauchiehall Street, a short walk from Buchanan Street and Queen Street station. The main tea rooms and gallery serve from 11am to 5pm, the exhibition runs from 10am to 4.15pm and the shop from 10am to 5pm; the Salon de Luxe and rooftop terrace keep their own arrangements, so contact the venue if you want to sit there. Afternoon tea is popular and best booked ahead, especially at weekends and in December. Check the full opening times online before you go, as they can change for events and private hire.
About the Glasgow School of Art: many visitors come looking for Mackintosh's masterpiece, the Mackintosh Building of the Glasgow School of Art, a few streets uphill on Renfrew Street. It was gutted by fires in 2014 and 2018 and remains a supported shell with no visitor access. In July 2026 the school said that a faithful reinstatement, now estimated at around 265 million pounds, is beyond its means and that it would look for partners and a new plan. You can see the exterior from the street, but the Willow is where you will actually sit inside a Mackintosh interior.
Following the Mackintosh trail: the Kelvingrove museum has a gallery devoted to Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style, free. Other Mackintosh sites around the city, such as the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian, The Lighthouse, House for an Art Lover, Scotland Street School and Queen's Cross church, have their own and sometimes limited opening days, so check each one before you build a day around it.
What to expect
The experience
A sit-down tea, lunch or afternoon tea in restored Mackintosh interiors, plus a free exhibition on the building's history and a gift shop.
Best time
Late morning on a weekday for a relaxed table; book afternoon tea ahead for weekends and the run-up to Christmas.
How long
An hour for tea and the exhibition, longer for afternoon tea.
Tips
Ask about the Salon de Luxe when you book, since it has its own arrangements. Combine with an exterior look at the Glasgow School of Art up the hill.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Design lovers and anyone who wants to understand why Glasgow claims Mackintosh as its own.
- Families
- The free exhibition is family-friendly and there are holiday crafts, while a slice of cake keeps children happy.
- Couples
- Afternoon tea in the Salon de Luxe is one of the most romantic tables in the city.
- Pair with
- The Mackintosh gallery at Kelvingrove, the street art trail in the city centre and shopping on Buchanan Street.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is Mackintosh at the Willow open?+
Yes. The main tea rooms and gallery open 11am to 5pm, the exhibition 10am to 4.15pm and the shop 10am to 5pm; check the full times online before you go.
Do I need to pay to visit?+
The exhibition is free for adults and children. You pay for food and drink in the tea rooms, and afternoon tea is best booked ahead.
Can I visit the Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Building?+
No. It was destroyed inside by fires in 2014 and 2018 and has no visitor access. In July 2026 the school said a faithful rebuild is unaffordable on its own, so see it from the street only.
What is the Salon de Luxe?+
It is the most elaborate room Mackintosh designed for the tea rooms, with silver furniture and purple glass. Contact the venue to arrange a visit or a table there.
Where else can I see Mackintosh in Glasgow?+
Kelvingrove has a free Mackintosh and Glasgow Style gallery. Other sites such as the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian and House for an Art Lover have their own opening days, so check before going.
