Glasgow Nightlife
It's easy to see why Glasgow is a city that never sleeps: it is as much packed with beer and whisky havens hosting gigs as it is with clubs playing ethereal electronic music. Many venues double up as creative hubs and inviting cafés during the day, offering hearty and often vegan grub.
Samantha Gades/UnsplashThe Corinthian Club
This exclusive establishment is located in a former courthouse building in elegant Merchant City. Spanning five stunningly designed floors including a rooftop terrace and a nightclub, The Corinthian was designed for occasions that matter. Indulge in premium drinks from afternoon tea to expertly crafted cocktails, or the flavors of French-inspired haute cuisine.
Graphic.mooi/Shutterstock.comBon Accord
An award-winning pub renowned for its excellence in serving ale and malt whisky. With a selection of 800 ales and 500 whiskies, sourced both locally and globally, Bon Accord surely has something for everyone. The menu features the best of Scottish cuisine through flagship meals such as haggis and steak, and there's classic grub like burgers, too.
puchkovo48/Shutterstock.comThe Horseshoe Bar
A classic Victorian pub which proudly boasts the longest continuous bar in Europe, spanning an impressive 32 meters. The Horseshoe Bar offers a wide array of beverages that are tailored for any occasion, including cocktails, shots and an ample selection of beers, with some unmissable cask ales. The food is equally varied — and also diet-friendly — with burgers, tapas, flatbread and skewers, and buffet options too are available.
Cedric Weber/Shutterstock.comÒran Mór
Having pints at the church is business as usual at Òran Mór, a former place of worship transformed into a multi-purpose entertainment venue. Live shows are held here on the regular, with the likes of Amy Winehouse having made an appearance in the past. The lunch theater show is one not to miss, and there's over 300 whiskies at the bar and a menu of pies, burgers and salads in the restaurant.
NATHAN MULLET/UnsplashSWG3
Studio Warehouse Glasgow in West End is a music venue that hosts a variety of musicians and DJs in a venue comprising of six diverse spaces, from Acid Bar to the Garden. The venue is also used (and available for hire) for arts exhibitions, concerts festivals, workshops and more.
Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock.comThe Pot Still
Whisky connoisseurs will certainly appreciate the wide selection of the noble drink present at this classy establishment, while those new to the scene are readily assisted by the knowledgeable staff for recommendations as to the best pairing choices. Bar food is served — and the pies are not to be missed.
donfiore/Shutterstock.comThe Flying Duck
This venue is a stronghold of underground culture, where in addition to music events, crowds are drawn here by quizzes, karaoke, film screenings and more. Priding itself on being a bastion of veganism, the place offers a large selection of beer, wine and other drinks — all vegan, of course. Furnished with mismatched items, The Flying Duck is an eclectic space with an effortless chic look.
Vinicius "amnx" Amano/UnsplashChinaski's
Chinaski's is a bar and restaurant named after the up-to-no-good character of Charles Bukowski's novels. The venue carries a legacy in the form of an extensive whisky list, and is also praised for its laid-back garden and the kitchen, where a wide variety of dishes are prepared, inspired by everything from Arabic to Vietnamese cuisine.
Aleksandar Andreev/UnsplashBlackfriars of Bell Street
Blackfriars, located in the heart of Merchant City, is a versatile establishment known for its compelling blend of Italian-style cuisine and a beverage selection that spans continents. Pubgoers can savor a diverse range of European beers alongside a curated collection of whisky from Scotland and the United States. Lively vibes are guaranteed by concerts, pub quizzes and comedy nights.
ne3p/Shutterstock.comThe 78
Nestled in lively West End, The 78 stands as a hip and inviting destination for those seeking a taste of Europe's finest brews and casual pub fare. The extensive beer selection is paired with pub quizzes and weekend DJs, making The 78 a welcoming spot for both beer enthusiasts and social revelers alike.
Josh Olalde/UnsplashThe Glad Cafe
Hailing from southern Glasgow, Glad Cafe is a versatile not-for-profit arts venue. It serves as a vibrant hub for a variety of gigs, creative events and workshops, aiming to connect people of all ages and backgrounds. Its thrift shop too serves a good cause, and if you're here for a bite, prepare your appetite for the ample brunch and pizza choices — and why not have them as takeaway in adjacent Queen's Park.
Kelsey Chance/UnsplashSub Club
Established in 1987, Sub Club stands as the world's longest-running underground dance club, nestled within a spacious basement measuring 330 square meters. The venue is a haven for the lovers of electronic music, boasting a high-quality sound system that ensures a memorable audio experience. Beyond the banging beats, the club regularly curates cultural events, too.
Pavel Pjatakov/UnsplashStereo Café Bar
Located just a few minutes from Buchanan Street, Stereo offers a multifaceted experience as both a vibrant nightclub and a live music venue, hosting up-and-coming artists as well as established musicians. Beyond its musical offerings, the place has an exciting all-vegan food menu — proving that pierogi and bourguignon are just as delectable when prepared meatless.
melis/Shutterstock.comBroadcast
Broadcast is a live music bar that has managed to stay afloat despite the tough competition of its immediate neighbors and other no less successful Glasgow establishments. The secret must lie in its high-profile musician guests, solid bar food and a pleasant audience.
Sinelev/Shutterstock.comBar Soba
Bar Soba has been around for more than a decade, which has given it time to perfect and polish its cocktail menu and Asian specialities. They offer Cocktail workshops if you’re interested in learning more about mixing drinks and learning to make your own. The apple & ginger mojito is a must!
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