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Adrian Gillan explores a raw, friendly and gay Glasgow. Scotland's largest and most vibrant city: or so it says on the tin. What Glasgow may lack in the sheer grandeur and beauty of rival Edinburgh, it more than makes up for with raw energy and friendliness. I've seen some fine gay community hubs but Glasgow LGBT Centre must be one of the very best. Apart from the information and all the meeting spaces, it has a Clone Zone for your literature and lingerie needs and a superb busy bar and restaurant, serving food 'til late, often to the accompaniment of karaoke or drag. The staff are almost desperate to help, so look no further for your bearings. |
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TRADITIONAL GAY PUBSNear the Central Station and surrounded by kerb crawlers, The Waterloo claims to be the city's oldest gay pub, and seems to have kept many of its original patrons, but is just as buzzing and packed now as I'm sure it was in days of of yore.A wee walk away, MacSorleys is a mixed bar with what can best be described as "soul". They have some great live bands and a generally older, spaced-out crowd that really wouldn't bat an eyelid if you waltzed in with green skin and three heads. The Court Bar is the third and final of these 'old school' venues, perfect for breaking yourself rather gently into the night ahead. Smaller than the two above, but just as unpretentious, it's well placed as an easy springboard for the remaining oh-so-stylish gay Glasgow vibe. But before you go and don all your pretensions, plop your clogs at Sadie Frost's by Queen Street Station, where what once was just cheese is now full curdled! Some of the more flamboyant and uninhibited devotees make it all seem like G.A.Y. on acid minus the balloons. THE MERCHANT QUARTERIt's all enough to make you crave a touch of class, so wait no more - a whole clutch of newer gay venues in the Merchant quarter await, all very male-female mixed, so good on you gals!Candle Bar is extremely spacious, in fact so much so you get the impression it has to struggle a bit to stay full. Nearby Revolver Bar is pretty much the newest cool kid on the scene, and very intimate in its little basement bunker. | |
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Delmonicas, or 'Dels' as it is affectionately known, has more recently has a redesign
to keep up with the general trend, and is now a triumph of glass, mirrors and vistas,
if not entirely conducive to the old get-up-and-dance.
Next door, Moda (formerly Café Latte) is a quieter, more atmospheric haunt late into the evenings. Nice surroundings for catching up with mates or lolling with your lover boy. | 
Catch up with your mates at Moda. |
CLUBBINGSo where do all the really cool guys go? Polo Lounge, that's where. Of course, it's not to everyone's approval. I overheard some, in other bars, muttering, "Well, at least it keeps that sort off the street and out of the way". But don't be fooled - it's not quite as pretentious as its ground-floor leather-and-oak gentlemen's club upholstery may suggest.Venture downstairs and you'll find your fair share of mature strong cheese in The Trophy Room and some trancy dance in The Club Room. Late evening onwards, you'll even be granted access into adjoining Moda, run by the same management - as is Del's, where you can often pick up cheap or free entry flyers to this whole hip and happening complex. Burly is a men-only night on the first Friday of the month at The Arches which is also the venue for Death Disco a gay-friendly night on the 3rd Saturday of every month, and we must mention Oot in Glasgow, a popular comedy club every second Wednesday of each month, if you fancy something new to laugh at, apart from all the city's general style and cheese that is. STEAMINGBoys of all ages cram in together at Spa 19, idly steaming away once clubs are shut or Sundays after lunch. The Lane could boast much the same, if you don't mind entering it via one of the seediest, grubbiest little roads in town. | |
STAYINGArtHouse Hotel is a large, classy, gay-pleasing establishment, bang in the centre, though you'll pay for the privilege. A recently restored terraced town-house, the hotel has attracted rave reviews and a trendy clientele. Alternatively the Glasgow Guest House is cheaper, though somewhat further out. |
Dawn breaks over the Clyde. Courtesy Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley Tourist Board. |
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After sampling the city centre, the gay-owned
Dhailling Lodge guest house in Dunoon is in a stunning position
on the West Coast. They offer an oasis of comfort, hospitality, good food and fine wine
with 4 star facilities.
Adrian travelled to Glasgow with GNER who operate regular high-speed services
between London Kings Cross and Glasgow Central. Bargain return fares start from
£37, subject to availability. For information and bookings call 08457 225 225 or
visit the GNER website.
Updated March 2005
THE LITTLE BLACK BOOKGlasgow LGBT Centre (11 Dixon Street; T: 0141 226 5050)Clone Zone (11 Dixon Street; T: 0141 248 2593) The Waterloo (306 Argyle Street; T: 0141 221 7359) MacSorleys (42 Jamaica Street; T: 0141 248 8581) The Court Bar (69 Hutchinson Street; T: 0141 552 2463) Candle Bar (20 Candleriggs; T: 0141 552 8717) Revolver Bar (6a John Street; T: 0141 553 2456) Delmonicas (68 Virginia Street; T: 0141 552 4803) Moda (Virginia Street; T: 0141 248 4485) Polo Lounge, including The Trophy Room & The Club Room (84 Wilson Street; 0141 553 1221) The Arches (Midland Street; T: 0870 240 7528 Website.) Oot in Glasgow, comedy club, 2nd Weds of month (333 Woodlands Road; T: 0870 600 6055) Spa 19 (19 Dixon Street; T: 0141 248 4485) The Lane (60 Robertson Street Lane; T: 0141 221 1802) ArtHouse Hotel (129 Bath Street; T: 0141 221 6789) Dhailling Lodge (155 Alexandra Parade, Dunoon T: 01369 701253, Website.) Glasgow Guest House (56 Dumbreck Road; T: 0141 427 0129) | |
