The best bars and clubs for a night out in Glasgow

If you’re a fan of the old Mothers’ ruin, then Gin71 is the perfect spot for you. With over 70 different incarnations of the clear spirit on offer, it’s a gin lover’s paradise. Book a tasting session with your pals to find out more about the liquor’s history, while you sample a curated selection accompanied by delectable mixers and garnishes. Found in Merchant City, the award-winning Gin71 is handy for your after-work get-together, or to begin your night out on the town with some food and a wee swally. Celebrity musician Amy MacDonald is a fan, describing it as her “favourite new Glasvegas bar”.

Need somewhere to go midweek? Soulsa Bar and Kitchen has something happening every single night, so there’s no need to wait for the weekend to live it large. The funky joint hosts stand-up comedy, DJs, live music sets, salsa dancing, themed parties and quizzes, alongside Latin American cuisine and cocktails; why not order some empanadas or ceviche and mezcal-based mixes to whet your whistle? The decor at Soulsa has been inspired by the vibrant culture of Latin America, with colourful murals and artwork adorning the walls. Energetic, lively and upbeat, the bar is a popular destination for drinks and socialising.

Tucked under the Hielanman’s Umbrella in a subterranean tunnel and beside the iconic Central Station, Platform has atmosphere in bucketloads. Live music, avant-garde theatre and some of the best DJs in town are on the events calendar. And if you’re likely to get peckish while being entertained or dancing the night away, Platform’s range of comforting street food will keep you going till dawn. Dishes on offer include the likes of bao buns, Mexican tacos and lamb kofta. Book a table ahead of your night out, so you’re sure of the chance to rest your legs — and you’re pint.

Speakeasies have become an integral part of the UK city drinking scene, as we all love to dive into a world of pre-tech mysteriousness. Sip on beverages in an atmosphere that’s evocative of the prohibition era, but with an increasingly theatrical and decadent edge. This newbie landed at the very end of 2022 in the city centre, so should be right up there on your list if you’ve not yet been. It’s classy without being pretentious and offers table service for those who loathe the idea of queuing at a bar for their libations. The Devil of Brooklyn comes from the same team behind Tabac; so if you like that, you’ll love this.

Open till 3am, this Asian-inspired nightclub oozes sophistication. CLUB KONG is housed in the basement of the multi-level KONG venue, and this is where the weekend gets real. The sassy space opens every Friday and Saturday from 10pm, with seductive neon lights illuminating the dance floor to the sound of some sick beats across commercial dance, hip hop and R&B. There are two rooms, each with its own DJ booth and dance floor; the larger one has a big LED screen, creating an immersive visual experience for club-goers. There’s also an outdoor terrace area, which is perfect for taking a break from the dance floor and enjoying a drink with friends. Book a VIP package for exclusive access to private booths and bottle service.

End your night (or rather, begin your morning) at The Sub Club. This landmark venue is often considered to be one of the best clubs in the UK, specialising in techno and house music, with a capacity for up to 400 revellers across a 3,500-square-foot space. It’s been around since the 80s and has a reputation for booking some of the world’s top DJs, including Carl Craig, Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin and Laurent Garnier, as well as up-and-coming local talent. The exceptional sound system was specially designed to deliver high quality sound for dance music, creating an electric vibe, with a diverse crowd of music lovers from all over Glasgow and beyond.