Bars and Clubs

Glasgow night life has many faces, from classy cocktail bars to the underground dance music scene; Glasgow has it all. No matter what your idea of the ideal night out is you will surely find it here. Some of the best places in Glasgow lie along a few streets, but obviously not restricted to them, so wherever you are in the city there’s always something going on. Sauchiehall Street is devoted mostly to bars, clubs, casinos and restaurants. Some are cheap places, ideal for the students of the city, and others are more luxurious, for those looking for a little something extra. Running parallel is Bath Street, hosting a number of secluded elegant bars many of which are below street level adding an air of intimacy to them. Some of Glasgow’s most prestigious postcodes are situated in the Merchant City, and if you walk into to any of the bars there you’ll know it. You will always be served by well-trained bar and door staff who know how to look after those who want top service. Many of the bars such as Metropolitan and Arta have special VIP areas frequented by many of Scotland’s celebrities and booked for corporate events. The Merchant Square is an enclosed area offering an outdoor indoor experience for some of the bars and restaurants there – unfortunately Scottish weather doesn’t permit enjoying a bear garden for most of the year, so they improvised!

The Arches

Glasgow’s most famous club, known the world over for its epic events, The Arches is without doubt one of the greatest clubs ever. The site was in the past a derelict area underneath Central Station however during the period when the city was ‘European City of Culture’, an exhibition was installed there. When the exhibition ended, through a series of fortunate circumstances and wise direction from its owners, The Arches has become what it is today. A host to a varied mix of tantalising events ranging from the big Techno nights and Disco’s with swimming pools to wrestling performances.

Metropolitan

Located in the heart of the Merchant City, the stylish and elegant bar promotes an atmosphere of cool and subtle sophistication. The ground floor bar has a cool inviting charm or you can go straight through to sit down on some very comfortable couches in full view of the Merchant Square, an open roofed area used for all kinds of things like art fares or boutiques. Upstairs is where the bar takes it literally to the next level, with an amazing VIP section. You can sit and relax with cocktails poured by the most talented and artistic of bar tenders while listening to in house piano and vocals by artists who will sing to you gently while you enjoy yourself with a guest, partner or party.

The Garage

If you’ve ever been a student in Glasgow, then you’ve been to The Garage. Most nights offer free entry to students and the booze is cheap. The music varies every night from Indie and Alternative Rock to R’n’B, Chart, Pop, US Billboard toppers and the Ultimate Guitar. All the madness is split into five rooms and ideal for the younger crowd looking for a cheap night out in Glasgow.

The Sub Club

The Sub Club has always evoked a different vibe, hedonistic and proud of its history the ‘Subby’ is a monument to the music scene in Glasgow. Nights there can vary from cheap to the not so cheap depending on what’s on. Many of the dance nights are famous the world over, Optimo is one example its name has carried massive weight for a long time with their Sunday events. But the club doesn’t just host amazing dance events, the Glasgow School of Guitar Bands use the venue as an outlet for their activities, making it the ideal place to sample some of Glasgow’s up and coming talent from many different genres.

Òran Mór (Oran Mor)

Very close to the Georgian Guest House is the Òran Mór, packed with different rooms and themes this bar will keep you wondering just how they managed to pack all the necessities of modern bars into such a historic building. Just walking up the steps through the front door you are transported to a world of comfort where you can enjoy fine food, drink and entertainment. The stunning Auditorium is used for many purposes from workshops to banquets. The celestial mural on the ceiling by Alasdair Gray is breath taking and one of the largest pieces of public art in Scotland. The room has a controlled atmosphere and is beautifully decorated still in the original pagan style, with stained glass windows and figureheads of the reformists. There are two large conference and banqueting suites, both are lit by natural sun light and often host intimate dinner parties and boardroom meetings.The Oran Mor There is a private dining room which has stunning views over Kibble Place in the Botanic Gardens. This room is the ideal location of private meetings and dinners with luxurious seating area and private bar. The Brasserie is the Òran Mór’s dedicated restaurant. The menu is made up of contemporary dishes including many traditional Scottish meals. Anything that leaves the kitchen is prepared with attention and care, served by the most charming staff, and leaves your mouth watering. Your biggest problem will be what to order! The restaurant has its own door on Great Western Road to separate the bar traffic from the restaurant. Also under the Òran Mór roof, one of the West End’s more popular bars offering over 250 fine malts is the Whiskey bar. This bar serves the best malt whiskeys from Scotland and around the world so no cheap replicas or own brands here.