Glasgow has long been regarded as a fantastic city for musical creativity, gigs and concerts. As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, there are a wealth of venues both big and small hosting exciting artists and DJs almost every night of the week.   

After the announcement that King Tut’s was named among the best live music venues in the world by Pollstar, Glasgow’s reputation has firmly been cemented as a hotbed for great music.

Here are five other small music venues flying the flag for Glasgow, City of Music.

Nice N Sleazy

As alluded to in the name, this Glasgow intuition fulfils it’s promise of being a bit dark and sticky, but an all-round great venue for a night out. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s buzzing nightlife on Sauchiehall Street, gone are the days when it was niche indie music only that you would hear. Now there is an eclectic line-up of music to tempt you from DJs, bands, club nights and solo artists.

Glasgow Times:

The kitchen serves up tasty Japanese cuisine and vegan fare and there is a wide variety of spirits and beers at the bar.

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The Blue Arrow

Since opening in February 2018, The Blue Arrow has tapped into the local music scene and created plenty of buzz around the city’s ‘new home of jazz’. It doesn’t get much more atmospheric than this cosy basement bar, which comes complete with cabaret tables, red theatre lights and exposed bricks.

Glasgow Times:

Award-winning local talents such as Fergus McCreadie and David Bowden can share a stage with touring artists including Jannette Mason and other established names. Embracing the new generation of performers, as well as honouring and referencing the Jazz greats, the past and present collide in this intimate basement bar. Order a drink, sit back and enjoy the music.

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Mono

Good beer, good vegan food, good gigs and good times are on the bill at this unique Glasgow venue. Mono has been serving up their animal-free scran and eclectic line-up of bands and artists since opening in 2002. The in-house record shop, Monorail, provides the soundtrack and ensures there is always the chance to discover new music with every visit.

Glasgow Times:

Located in Merchant City, Mono continues to host some of the most exciting bands around, both local and international. The welcoming environment, ethically-produced food and finger on the pulse musical offerings makes it a vibrant hub for young creative types.

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The Old Hairdressers

This bar and arts exhibition space near Glasgow Central Station has carved a niche hosting quirky gigs and events. The stripped back, industrial-style interior comprises exposed walls, hanging lightbulbs and mismatched tables on the ground floor leading up the stairs to a mezzanine level.

Glasgow Times:

The top floor houses the main exhibition space, intended to be flexible and available for multiple purposes – be it music gigs, spoken word events, exhibitions and all manner of edgy shindigs. A hidden gem found down a back lane, enjoy a drink and some live music in this hip and understated small music venue.

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Stereo

Housed within the Stereo Café Bar, Stereo is the event space found downstairs hosting a variety of gigs, live performances and club nights that are often held into the early hours. With no defining music policy, Stereo is a great venue for diverse gigs and events.

Glasgow Times:

In the café bar the food is vegan, the beers are cold, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Opened in 2007, this Glasgow city centre venue is located within a building designed by none other than Charles Rennie Mackintosh.