Glasgow — it’s the Pitt’s

There is no doubt that the denizens of Glasgow will be talking about the filming in the city of the Hollywood action movie World War Z for many years to come. The excitement has been magnified with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their brood of six taking up residence in a historical Scottish mansion on the outskirts of the city. It seems the family wants to take as much advantage as possible of their time in Scotland's largest city, and have been seen out and about, enjoying all it has to offer.

In true Hollywood style, Glasgow was transformed into the American city Philadelphia to provide the perfect backdrop for the action thriller which tells the tale of humanity's fight against zombies for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Cochrane Street, with its impressive 19th-century stone buildings, was renamed John F Kennedy Boulevard for a few days, and American street signs, yellow taxis and newsstands all helped transform the Scottish thoroughfare into what will hopefully be one of the most memorable scenes of the movie. Hundreds of extras, drawn from the local population, were used to fill the streets when a runaway rubbish truck plowed into a row of parked cars, resulting in a huge pile-up and one car somersaulting dramatically through the air.

While there has been plenty of excitement with the filming, everyone has their eyes wide open to see where they can spot the ruggedly handsome 47-year-old star, Jolie and the six kids. During filming, which is expected to run until August 31 in Glasgow, the famous family, who are confessed citizens of the world and set up home wherever their work takes them, has rented a mansion just outside the city.

A perfect place

The 16th-century Carnell House (www.carnellestates.com) and the adjoining ten-acre park in Ayeshire, provide all a large family could need. Jolie has been spotted playing with the children in the landscaped gardens and there have been numerous dinner parties with friends.

The home's interior, which is decorated in traditional Scottish style with antiques and works of art, sleeps 18 comfortably. After the family moves out early next month, it will be up for grabs. Carnell House is a popular place with A-list celebrities and the wealthy who book it for holidays.

Pitt and Jolie, along with Maddox, 10, Pax, 7, Zahara, 6, Shiloh, 5, and 3-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox, are not staying at home all the time, and have been seen to get out and enjoy the city, much as any family might. They were spotted dining at the Balgarth Restaurant in Ayr, a low-key, cosy restaurant, just a short drive south of Glasgow. It prides itself on using local Scottish produce and is a haven for kids, boasting an extensive children's play area with trampolines, a climbing structure and slides near the dining area. The famous family's visit is sure to put the town and Balgarth restaurant on the map.

Those who are keen to follow in the famous pair's footsteps or want to do some location spotting after seeing the film, which is due for release in 2012, will find that Glasgow has plenty of allure and is experiencing a rebirth as a tourist destination. Scotland's largest city is an enticing mix of modern and traditional architecture, hearty eats, hip party stops and trendy shopping.

The Lighthouse (www.thelighthouse.co.uk), is Scotland's national centre for architecture and design, and includes thousands of interesting objects and scale models. The Lighthouse is, in fact, not a lighthouse; it is housed in what was once the Glasgow Herald newspaper office, the first major public building designed by Glasgow-born architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Though Victorian, Regency and ultramodern designs abound in Glasgow, the prevalent style is Art Nouveau, the signature of Macintosh, the city's most famous architect, whose creative genius is stamped on the city's public buildings, private houses and tea rooms. Take a tour of the Glasgow School of Arts (www.gsa.ac.uk) which many regard as Mackintosh's masterpiece, then stop by the blast-from-the-past Willow Tearooms (www.willowtearooms.co.uk), a delightful nook where you can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea with dainty cakes, finger sandwiches and pots of tea. However, the cutting-edge venue of choice has to be the shamelessly opulent The Corinthian Club (www.thecorinthianclub.co.uk). It's one of Glasgow's most iconic structures, combining glamour, contemporary elegance and a dash of decadence. Inside, you'll find restaurants, watering holes, a piano lounge and nightclubs.

Glasgow's city centre and grid system of streets makes for easy navigation when you are indulging in serious retail therapy. Mega high-street malls such as the Buchanan Galleries (www.buchanangalleries.co.uk) and St Enoch Centre (www.st-enoch.co.uk) are just a cappuccino-powered meander from the elegant Princes Square (www.princessquare.co.uk), a beautiful restored building with more than 45 classy shops and a nightclub.

The "style mile" — comprising the main shopping area spanning Sauchiehall, Buchanan and Argyle Streets — has earned the city its reputation as the top place to shop in the UK outside London. For designer bags and watches, try Felix & Oscar (www.felixandoscar.co.uk) or the Nancy Smillie Shop (www.nancysmillieshop.com) for handcrafted items at wallet-friendly prices.

Diverse and delicious

When hunger strikes after your shopping spree don't miss The Saint Restaurant (www.thesaintonbathstreet.com), a newly inspired eatery with dishes as diverse as slow-cooked beef cheek or hand-dived scallops. Offering high-quality cuisine, Ubiquitous Chip (www.ubiquitouschip.co.uk) is practically an institution in Glasgow. The Chip, as it is known, has seen its share of famous diners including Kylie Minogue, Orlando Bloom and Mick Jagger, and is sure to attract the Pitt family while they are in town. Its menu includes hot langoustines in garlic butter, roast venison and Caledonian oatmeal ice-cream.

For a taste of French flair, Chardon d'Or (www.brianmaule.com) is a good bet. Chef-owner Brian Maule, who spent years as head chef at the two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in London, offers top-drawer Scottish produce prepared using traditional French methods. His specialities include monkfish with parsnip purée and light chicken jus, and roast Scotch fillet of beef with crushed turnip and red berry sauce.

Glasgow has an unrivalled selection of hot venues. Party animals congregate at The Arches (www.thearches.co.uk), — a series of arches under the Glasgow railway station during the Victorian era. It was local theatre director Andy Arnold who realised the potential of the cavernous space in 1991 and millions of pounds later, it's the city's top nightspot.

Weekends see celebrity DJs spinning discs besides groundbreaking productions and emerging artists.

Another hip hangout is the Glasgow Barrowland (www.glasgow-barrowland.com). Originally a ballroom, this major concert venue has hosted rock and pop musicians such as REM, Bjork, U2 and INXS, and nurtured local talent such as Primal Scream.

As Scotland's largest city, Glasgow has lots to offer. From architectural gems to gastronomic treats, enviable shopping districts and buzzing nightlife, this thriving metropolis has an infectious dynamism that is nothing if not welcoming.

— Scott Adams is a Madrid-based freelance writer

Carnell House and Estate

After Brad Pitt and his family move out, Carnell House and Estate, just a short drive from central Glasgow, will available to rent. The beautiful country house, a listed 16th-century mansion set within extensive gardens and parklands, is renowned for its beauty and golfing breaks. Featuring three formal sitting rooms with fireplaces, an elegant dining room for 12 and bedrooms to sleep 18, this is a chance to live a part of Scotland's history. Visit www.carnellestates.com

Blytheswood Square Hotel

Positioned in the historic centre of Glasgow, this five-star luxury hotel combines the history of the 19th-century building and designer interiors with a cutting-edge, modern touch. For a special treat book the Penthouse Suite with its fabulous views of the city from the furnished rooftop terrace. Downstairs, at the Blytheswood Square Restaurant, you'll find Scottish favourites such as scallops, salmon and haggis. The hotel also boasts Glasgow's first luxury spa. Enjoy the thermal water circuit or indulge in one of the many pampering treatments available. Visit www.townhousecompany.com

Visit www.seeglasgow.com for more details about the city.

Glasgow, Scotland: FLY... Emirates

From Dubai to Glasgow for Dh4,450. Or try KLM via Amsterdam, for Dh4,350, or British Airways via London, for Dh4,190.

— Information courtesy the Holiday Lounge by Dnata. Ph: 04 3492886