The weekend is coming up and you’re out of ideas about where to spend your Friday and Saturday night. Don’t worry! How about a live music café? After all, nothing goes better with great food than quality music.
Thanks to Glasgow’s impressive reputation in this department, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. With that in mind, here are some of the music venues – both classic and new – you shouldn’t miss in the city.
1. Stereo
This quirky and friendly place located in the centre of Glasgow is an old favourite. It has a delicious vegan menu and it’s decorated in a hip style, with mismatched colours and concert posters everywhere. When it comes to live music, Stereo remains one of the best spots in the city to catch local bands, but also indie artists from abroad. Acts who have performed here include St. Vincent, Sleigh Bells and Kurt Vile.
2. The Glad Cafe
Despite only opening in 2012, The Glad Cafe has become the go-to venue in the south of Glasgow both for its food and live music. This spacious café and arts centre has a laid-back atmosphere, which attracts people of all ages. The food ranges from French toast and hot rolls to soups, salads and sharing plates available until late in the evening. However, what really distinguishes this café from others is the vast array of gigs it hosts: look for electronic music, indie bands and jazz quartets depending on which night finds you there.
3. Òran Mór
While from a distance it may look like a church, in reality Òran Mór is anything but. This iconic venue, located on the corner of Byres Road, has welcomed both local Scottish acts and famous performers such as The Proclaimers and Calvin Harris. Its Gaelic name translates as ‘big song’ and the place houses two restaurants and a nightclub open until 3am at weekends.
4. The Howlin’ Wolf
The newest spot on our list is a cool and unique live music venue in the centre of Glasgow. Opened in 2014, The Howlin’ Wolf has a vast menu serving Southern US food such as fajitas, burgers and fried chicken. It’s spacious, featuring a very stylish rustic decor and, best of all, it’s open every night until 3 am. Music-wise, you can enjoy a variety of bands and soloists performing American blues and folk; occasionally, you may also hear a mix of rock and roll, country and jazz.
5. Mono
Good old Mono in Merchant City is a true gem for music lovers looking for a great night out. Mono is an all-in-one place, holding together a vegan café, an independent record shop and a concert venue. Known for its strong community spirit and the amount of independent, experimental artists who perform here, it remains to this day a staple of the Glasgow music scene. Plus, its wide interior with an open-air feeling and its home cooked menu are two more reasons to come here anytime.
Words: Matei Botez
