
06 Dec 2024
With a range of urban nightspots, many neighbourhoods each with their own personality, a thriving live music scene and no shortage of revellers up for some fun, the hip city of Glasgow is a superb place to party. And these are some of the top places to drink, dine and dance after hours.
Hit up West George Street for some pure cheese this weekend, with a visit to Popworld. Dance to the music of artists like the Cheeky Girls, Peter Andre, Whigfield and 5ive, while enjoying shots and bombs or “Poptails” including Cheeky V (WKD Blue, topped with Cockburn’s port and a Vimto bar); Violet Disco (J.J. Whitley Violet gin, WKD Pink and passion fruit); or Venom (Southern Comfort and Smirnoff Red Label vodka with WKD Blue and a dash of orange juice). You can also book a place at events like a Battle of the Musicals singalong.
Open till 3 am, seven days a week, this traditional dive bar also offers excellent home-cooked food all the way through to 2am. House spirits are just £3.50 including a mixer and there are hand-crafted cocktails all named after famous songs. Here you’ll find DJs playing up-and-coming acts, eclectic music mixes and plenty of rock classics. It’s won multiple awards since its opening over a decade ago and caters to those with diverse tastes. There are areas that can be reserved for up to 30 guests if you want to host a celebration. And if you want to party with your pooch, they’ll be made most welcome too.
A true veteran of Glasgow’s scene, Sub Club opened way back in 1987, having catered to many generations of clubbers over the passing decades. Located on Jamaica Street, Sub Club’s regular nights include Jaiva, celebrating the Afro house/house scene, a Subculture house night, Sensu electronica, Return to Mono techno, Animal Farm underground techno and a residency with We Should Hang Out More. While Sub Club is at the sharp end of current dance and music, a night at the quarter of a century-old venue is also like participating in a piece of history.
Want a club that’s sophisticated, sassy and sexy? Book a table at KONG. Found on Royal Exchange Square, it’s set in a stunning 19th-century building that contrasts the sleek contemporary decor featured inside. The venue has many different areas; the Main Bar (where DJs play live every evening), The Salon (for cocktails in a refined setting), Club KONG (open every Friday and Saturday from 10pm) and open-air terraces. Plan ahead and avoid the bar queues with a drinks package, which can include champers and bespoke KONG cocktails.
Party inside or out at The Record Factory at the Partick end of Byres Road. Its beer garden is a hidden gem and a great spot to soak up the sun with a beverage in hand on a hot summer’s night. Inspired by the hip dive bars of New York, its interior is dark and moody; perfect for a live band and late-night tunes. A modern pub grub and finger food menu changes frequently to keep things fresh, but frequently features the likes of loaded fries, pizzas and juicy burgers. On Friday and Saturday, the resident DJs play from 9pm till 2am, while on Sunday you can listen to Bobby Dean’s Big Band from 1pm to 4.30pm. Take a seat in a velvet booth or mingle in the main bar.
Check out live vinyl sets, club nights and EP launches, with every genre from trance and hardcore to psych-folk and electro-pop at this funky basement bar on Renfield Street. Events are ticketed, and some are operated on a pay-what-you-want basis. All the food served at The Flying Duck is 100 per cent plant-based, with vegan kebabs, burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries sating your desire for some hearty pub grub. Sip on a beer, a glass of wine, spirits or the bar’s own take on some classic cocktails. Opened in 2007, the venue was styled on a Berlin basement bar and has gained a loyal following since.