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Woody's

Woody's

10 John St, Glasgow G1 1JQ, United Kingdom

A proper Scottish pub with a proudly queer heart, Woody's brings a fresh approach to Glasgow's LGBTQ+ nightlife. Occupying the former Speakeasy premises on John Street, this welcoming Merchant City favourite combines hearty pub food, excellent drinks and a wonderfully sociable atmosphere that makes it equally appealing for lunch or a late night out.

There's plenty to keep you entertained, from live sports on the big screens to quizzes, karaoke, singers and gloriously camp game shows. Thursday's country-themed Rodeo night adds a playful Western twist, while weekend brunch and regular live entertainment give you plenty of reasons to drop in before the evening party crowd arrives. The clientele is diverse and friendly, and there's a genuine neighbourhood feel beneath all the entertainment. Whether you're visiting alone or with a group, Woody's is an easy place to settle in, meet people and enjoy a little Glasgow hospitality.

Food, Pub Vibes

Good for:

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Popular Bars in Glasgow

Riding Room

Riding Room

For an evening of outrageously camp entertainment, fabulous cocktails and a little theatrical mischief, Riding Room is one of Glasgow's most distinctive LGBTQ+ venues. Known affectionately as the Joint on the Corner, this intimate cabaret bar on Virginia Street is part of the Polo Lounge complex but has a character entirely its own. The entertainment programme is wonderfully varied, with drag, live singing, musical theatre, comedy and audience participation taking centre stage throughout the week. Broadway Babies is a particular treat for show-tune enthusiasts, while the regular performances by Tom Harlow bring a deliciously cheeky mixture of cabaret and comedy. The atmospheric interior features curtained booths, playful decorations and creative cocktails served with plenty of flair. It's particularly good for a date, a celebration or anyone who loves proper live entertainment rather than another evening of thumping dance music.
The Gallery Bar

The Gallery Bar

If you're looking for a relaxed gay bar where conversation comes easily, The Gallery is one of Merchant City's most welcoming spots. Housed in a handsome building on Brunswick Street, this friendly LGBTQ+ bar attracts a wonderfully mixed crowd of locals and visitors who appreciate its laid-back atmosphere and approachable service. There's a good choice of cocktails, draught beers, wines and spirits, with a comfortable interior that makes it easy to settle in for a few hours. The outdoor seating area is particularly appealing during Glasgow's warmer months, offering a sociable place for drinks and people-watching. Music and occasional entertainment add to the atmosphere without overwhelming the bar's neighbourhood feel. The Gallery is especially good for couples, solo visitors and groups who prefer somewhere they can chat rather than compete with a crowded dance floor. A pleasant alternative to the bigger clubs just around the corner.
Merchant

Merchant

For a friendly pub with plenty of Glasgow personality, Merchant on Candleriggs is a great choice. Still known to many regulars by its former name, Merchant Pride, this welcoming LGBTQ+-popular bar has a relaxed, traditional feel that makes it an appealing alternative to the bigger clubs in Merchant City. The atmosphere is informal and sociable, attracting a wonderfully mixed crowd of different ages who come for affordable drinks, conversation and lively entertainment. Karaoke, DJs and live singers keep things interesting, particularly at weekends when the bar can become surprisingly energetic. Sunday afternoon performances are especially popular with regulars, while quieter weekday evenings are ideal for settling in with friends or making new ones. There's also a pool table for a little friendly competition. Unpretentious and full of local character, it's a great place to discover Glasgow's more traditional gay pub scene.
The Waterloo

The Waterloo

A proper Glasgow institution, The Waterloo has been welcoming gay locals and visitors since the 1970s and is widely recognised as Scotland's oldest gay pub. Located on Argyle Street, a short walk from Central Station, this traditional bar offers a wonderfully different experience from the younger, more club-focused nightlife around Merchant City. Expect a friendly, mixed-age crowd, reasonably priced drinks and the kind of lively Scottish banter that makes it easy to feel at home. The atmosphere is unpretentious, with regular entertainment, karaoke and plenty of enthusiastic singing along. Mature gay men are particularly well represented, although the bar attracts a broader mix of locals and visitors too. It's an excellent choice if you enjoy traditional pubs with genuine history and character, especially when you'd rather have a laugh and meet people than spend the evening on a dance floor.
Woody's

Woody's

A proper Scottish pub with a proudly queer heart, Woody's brings a fresh approach to Glasgow's LGBTQ+ nightlife. Occupying the former Speakeasy premises on John Street, this welcoming Merchant City favourite combines hearty pub food, excellent drinks and a wonderfully sociable atmosphere that makes it equally appealing for lunch or a late night out. There's plenty to keep you entertained, from live sports on the big screens to quizzes, karaoke, singers and gloriously camp game shows. Thursday's country-themed Rodeo night adds a playful Western twist, while weekend brunch and regular live entertainment give you plenty of reasons to drop in before the evening party crowd arrives. The clientele is diverse and friendly, and there's a genuine neighbourhood feel beneath all the entertainment. Whether you're visiting alone or with a group, Woody's is an easy place to settle in, meet people and enjoy a little Glasgow hospitality.
Katie's Bar

Katie's Bar

Hidden away in a basement on John Street, Katie's is one of Glasgow's most welcoming LGBTQ+ bars and an important meeting place for the city's lesbian and queer women's communities. Open since 2013, this lively Merchant City favourite attracts a wonderfully diverse crowd with an atmosphere that's friendly, inclusive and full of personality. Entertainment is a big part of the experience, with regular drag shows, karaoke, quizzes, live singers and themed events providing plenty of reasons to visit throughout the week. The bar offers a good choice of cocktails and affordable drinks, while the intimate layout makes it easy to meet people and feel part of the action. Although Katie's has a particularly strong following among queer women, everyone is welcome, and the crowd spans a wide range of ages and identities. It's a great choice for anyone who enjoys a sociable bar with plenty of opportunities to join in.

Tours & Experiences in Glasgow

Glasgow has culture, character and absolutely no shortage of personality. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery, explore its street art or escape to Loch Lomond for the day, then head back into town for dinner and drinks in one of Britain’s friendliest cities.


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