Best Clubs in Glasgow For Over 18s
Due to recent tragic events, the Godfather of Glasgow nightclubs The Arches has taken the decision to review its entry policies, meaning that effective immediately all club nights in the venue are now over 21 events, as opposed to the previous age restriction of 18. This drastic decision has meant there is now a group of 18 – 20 year old electronic music lovers who are looking for somewhere to get their clubbing fix of a weekend. Although The Arches, with its unique layout of three bars spread across six subterranean arches, is a clubbing institution in Glasgow with an atmosphere hard to match anywhere in the world, the city is in a fortunate position of having a number of excellent nightclubs able to fill the void this clubbing behemoth has left the youth of Glasgow and beyond.
Sub Club
Not for the faint of heart. This underground colossus situated on Jamaica Street has been providing the musically educated people of Glasgow with the best in house and techno for more than two decades, and continues to be on every serious international clubber’s itinerary. Whether its Harri & Domenic’s world renowned Subculture every Saturday night, techno heavyweights Slam’s monthly Return to Mono night or Sensu on the first Friday of the month, you can guarantee cutting edge electronic music with a “so-up-for-it-you-have-to-feel-it-to-believe-it” crowd every single week. Aided by a thumping sound system which many consider second to none, ‘the Subby’ truly is one of the world’s finest clubs. A word of warning: Sub Club caters to serious music lovers. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself being quizzed as to who’s playing by the door staff. Chin stroking, Facebooking, flash photography and anything but total courtesy to the DJ’s and staff is not looked upon kindly. Get a can of Red Stripe, get on to the dance floor and give your ears a treat. Yaldi!
La Cheetah
Situated below “Max’s Bar & Grill” on Queen Street, an excellent restaurant in its own right, La Cheetah has garnered some serious respect in the Glasgow underground scene. One of the biggest drawing points of La Cheetah is its small space and limited capacity; this gives clubbers the opportunity to enjoy some of the biggest names in house, techno, dubstep and electro in uniquely intimate surroundings. Skudge, DJ Qu, Move D, Prosumer and Rebekah are just some of the names to have graced the wee basement in recent times along with ample support from an array of hugely talented resident DJ’s. With a handy bar at the back of the club meaning you don’t have to go towards the unwanted light of the restaurant for a drink, you can spend more time on the packed dance floor being blown away by the club’s terrific sound system.
Saint Judes
Any club that has a Funktion One powered sound system deserves to be taken seriously. Add to that a trendy Bath Street location, an intimate basement, a host of excellent bookings and a crowd who just love to party and you have the makings of a tremendous night out. The low ceiling and quality of sound is perfect for the vibrant electronic music that is played, and the bar is well stocked, with a terrific range of international beers on draft. The décor in Saint Judes is sleek, classy and stylish but without a hint of pretension. The club has hosted a range of varied and exciting artists in the past ranging from James Zabiela and Waze & Odyssey to Glasgow legend Funk D’Void. “The Shimmy” residents Miss 7 and Vilmos always deliver the Balearic influenced goods as well. If you don’t abide by the phrase “eating is cheating” where nights out are concerned, there is also a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar on the upper floors if you fancy some pre party sustenance.
Make Do
This massive, two room venue was originally intended as a pop up club until the recently homeless Chambre 69 could find permanent lodgings, but boy has it made a lasting impression on the discerning clubbers of Glasgow. The club can be found at 95 Hope Street, in the building which formerly hosted nightclub-come-meat-market Silver. Another Glasgow club blessed with a mighty Funktion One, Make Do picked up immediately from where Chambre 69 left off with an excellent production set up and a host of excellent house and techno bookings such as Scuba, Huxley, MK and Henning Baer. Although the venue can seem a bit big for its purpose at times, Make Do is an outstanding club which will continue to go from strength to strength while people are looking for alternatives to The Arches.
Glasgow’s electronic music scene is one of the most vibrant in Europe, with nights to suit everyone’s tastes. While there is some lingering resentment among the young clubbers of Glasgow, and a general feeling they have been made scapegoats for what was a tragic event, it provides them with a unique opportunity to go out and enjoy some of Glasgow’s lesser known clubs and lesser known DJ’s. The above list of clubs is nowhere near exhaustive, and there are countless other venues dotted all around the city. Get out and explore, The Arches is not the be all and end all of Glasgow clubs and there are plenty of amazing nights just waiting to be discovered elsewhere. Just stay safe, and enjoy.
