Speakeasy: Glasgow’s Vibrant Gay Bar in Merchant City
A vibrant and welcoming gay bar in Glasgow’s Merchant City, blending relaxed pub vibes with lively nightlife and creative cocktails.
Speakeasy is a lively gay bar located at 10 John Street in Glasgow’s Merchant City. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, eclectic cocktails, and vibrant nightlife, it offers a mix of relaxed pub vibes by day and energetic dance parties by night. With private booths, a diverse crowd, and regular entertainment including karaoke and disco, Speakeasy is a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking a fun and inclusive night out.
A brief summary to Speakeasy
- 10 John St, Glasgow, G1 1JQ, GB
- +441415535851
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Thursday 8 pm-1 am
- Friday 6 pm-3 am
- Saturday 6 pm-3 am
- Sunday 8 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Visit later in the evening to experience the lively dance floor and DJ sets featuring house and techno music.
- Try the signature cocktails like the Seckle Sidecar or Pimms Cup for a unique taste experience.
- Book a private booth in advance for a more intimate and comfortable group experience.
- Plan to arrive before 9pm if you want to enjoy the kitchen’s gastro-style menu.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Speakeasy location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Speakeasy
A Hub of Inclusive Nightlife in Merchant City
Speakeasy stands as a cornerstone of Glasgow’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, situated in the heart of the vibrant Merchant City district. Unlike a traditional speakeasy, this venue openly invites guests with clear signage and a warm welcome. By day, it exudes a relaxed, pub-like atmosphere with comfortable banquettes and a casual crowd, while after dark it transforms into a buzzing party palace. The bar’s dual nature offers something for everyone—from casual drinks to lively nights filled with music and dancing.Eclectic Design and Atmosphere
The interior blends classic pub elements with quirky, camp features. Red leather booths, padded walls, and concealed bathroom doors add a touch of kitsch and intimacy. The bar area is complemented by a pool table and TVs broadcasting sports, creating a casual hangout spot. As the evening progresses, the space fills with a diverse and entertaining crowd, with a DJ spinning house and techno beats that energize the dance floor. The lighting and music contribute to an immersive experience that balances comfort with excitement.Exceptional Drinks and Culinary Offerings
Speakeasy prides itself on an extensive cocktail menu featuring creative concoctions like the Seckle Sidecar and Pimms Cup, often priced under five pounds. The drink selection is complemented by a kitchen serving gastro-style dishes until 9pm, including local favorites such as chicken tikka masala and indulgent desserts like white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. This combination of quality drinks and tasty food makes it an ideal spot for both pre-dinner drinks and late-night refreshments.Entertainment and Social Scene
The venue hosts a lively roster of weekly events ranging from 80s-themed nights to karaoke and disco dancing. The entertainment program fosters a strong sense of community among regulars while welcoming newcomers with open arms. The crowd is predominantly male but inclusive and diverse, creating a friendly environment where anyone can feel at home. The staff are noted for their friendliness and attentiveness, enhancing the overall experience.Operating Hours and Accessibility
Speakeasy operates primarily in the evenings, opening from 6pm or 8pm on Thursdays through Sundays and closing in the early hours of the morning. It remains closed Monday through Wednesday. The kitchen closes earlier, around 9pm, so visitors aiming to dine should plan accordingly. Its central location in Merchant City makes it easily accessible by public transport and a convenient stop for those exploring Glasgow’s nightlife.A Welcoming Space for All
Speakeasy embraces a philosophy where everyone is welcome, provided they respect the venue’s rules. This ethos, combined with its vibrant atmosphere, diverse clientele, and quality offerings, makes it a standout destination in Glasgow’s bar scene. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed drink or a night of dancing and entertainment, Speakeasy delivers an authentic and memorable experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Walter Scott Monument
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Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
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Glasgow City Heritage Trust
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Tolbooth Steeple
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St George's Tron Church of Scotland
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Riddle Rooms Glasgow
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Barrowland Park
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Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew
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ToursByLocals - Glasgow
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La Pasionaria
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McLennan Arch
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Glasgow Cathedral Burial Ground
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Unmissable attractions to see
Glasgow City Chambers
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Explore the historic Glasgow City Chambers, a stunning architectural masterpiece in the heart of Glasgow's vibrant George Square.
Pavement
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Creative grill dining with bold flavours and a relaxed vibe in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City.
Old Police Post
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Explore the historic Old Police Post in Glasgow, a captivating tourist attraction showcasing the city's rich heritage and architectural beauty.
Merchant City
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Discover Glasgow’s Merchant City: where historic elegance meets vibrant arts, dining, and shopping in the city’s cultural heart.
BOW DOWN, HONOUR THE ROOTS (#29 Mural Trail)
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A striking mural on Brunswick Street honoring Indigenous sovereignty and heritage, part of Glasgow’s vibrant Mural Trail.
City Sightseeing Glasgow
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Discover Glasgow’s iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods with flexible hop-on hop-off bus tours featuring live guides and multilingual audio commentary.
Ramshorn Graveyard
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Historic 18th-century Glasgow graveyard and Gothic Revival kirk, resting place of Tobacco Lords and cultural pioneers in the Merchant City.
City Halls & Old Fruitmarket
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Historic Glasgow music venues blending Victorian grandeur with vibrant live performances in the heart of Merchant City.
George Square
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George Square – Glasgow’s iconic civic heart, where history, architecture, and vibrant public life converge in the city centre.
James Watt Statue
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Discover the iconic James Watt Statue in Glasgow’s George Square, honoring the engineer who powered the Industrial Revolution with his steam engine innovation.
Merchant Square
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Experience Glasgow’s Merchant City charm with vibrant dining, lively events, and a historic courtyard at Merchant Square.
Tobacco Merchant's House
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Glasgow’s last 18th-century tobacco merchant villa, a preserved Georgian gem and vivid reminder of the city’s mercantile and colonial past.
Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, Glasgow
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Royal Exchange Square
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Glasgow Police Museum
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Discover Glasgow’s policing heritage through fascinating artifacts and a global uniform collection in this volunteer-run, free museum in Merchant City.
Essential places to dine
Saints of Ingram
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Historic Hutchesons’ Hall hosts Saints of Ingram, a stylish Glasgow venue blending classic brunch, cocktails, and live weekend entertainment.
Mediterraneo Italian Restaurant & Champagne Bar
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Browns Glasgow
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Historic charm meets contemporary British cuisine in the heart of Glasgow’s George Square at Browns Brasserie & Bar.
Turkiye EFES Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Turkish cuisine and grilled meats served with warmth and tradition in Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City.
The Spanish Butcher Glasgow
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Savor premium Galician beef and Spanish flavors in a chic, industrial-style steakhouse at Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
Metropolitan Bar and Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience Glasgow's vibrant culinary scene at Metropolitan Bar & Restaurant – where gourmet pub fare meets expertly crafted cocktails.
Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow
0.2 km
Authentic Italian dining with fresh flavors, lively ambiance, and live music in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City.
Table Twenty Eight
0.2 km
Chic restaurant and cocktail bar in Glasgow’s Merchant Square, renowned for gourmet dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks.
Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos
0.2 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean tapas and inventive cocktails in Glasgow’s charming Merchant City hotspot, Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos.
Bar Soba Merchant City
0.3 km
Experience Glasgow's Asian fusion at Bar Soba Merchant City - where unique cocktails meet vibrant flavors in an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Italian Kitchen
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Authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City.
The Dhabba
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Experience authentic Northern Indian cuisine in Glasgow with vibrant flavors, a nut-free menu, and a welcoming atmosphere at The Dhabba.
La Vita
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Authentic stone-baked Italian pizzas and classic dishes served in Glasgow’s vibrant city centre, open daily from early morning to late night.
Mharsanta - Scottish Restaurant & Bar
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Experience authentic Scottish cuisine and warm hospitality in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.
Cafe Gandolfi
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A historic Glasgow bistro blending Scottish culinary tradition with artisanal craftsmanship and warm, convivial atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Geek-aboo
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Fat Buddha Store
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Glasgow's ultimate streetwear haven: premium menswear, spray paints, vinyl toys, and urban essentials across three vibrant floors since 2006.
Eurasia Crafts
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Discover handcrafted wonders from Eurasia in a cozy Glasgow gem—unique gifts, artisan stories, and cultural treasures await on elegant Queen Street.
Osiris - Alternative Fashion Store
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A compact, characterful alternative-fashion and curios shop on Queen Street specialising in goth, emo and eclectic accessories.
The Glasgow Souvenir Outlet
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Authentic Scottish treasures in Glasgow's vibrant core: tartans, whisky keepsakes, and artisan crafts for every traveler's suitcase.
Pride of Glasgow
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Discover tartan treasures and whisky wonders at this spirited Argyle Street shop, where Scottish pride meets Glasgow's cheeky charm in every authentic souvenir.
Primark
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Vast budget fashion haven on Glasgow's Argyle Street: trendy clothes, beauty, home goods, and more in a wheelchair-accessible city-center mega-store.
Tartan Tastic Gift & Souvenirs
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Discover authentic Scottish tartan treasures and traditional gifts in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Queen Street.
The Shop Network
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A diverse urban retail destination in Glasgow’s city centre offering gifts, accessories, clothing, and tech essentials all under one roof.
Wee scottish shop
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Tartan House of Scotland
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Social Recluse
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Shop Small at St Enoch
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House of Fraser
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Speakeasy
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A vibrant and welcoming gay bar in Glasgow’s Merchant City, blending relaxed pub vibes with lively nightlife and creative cocktails.
The Piper Whisky Bar
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Bacchus Bar
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Steps Bar
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Home
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Cairns Bar
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Maggies Rock n Rodeo
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Strathduie Bar
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Wunderbar
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Avant Garde Music Bar & Restaurant
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
AXM Glasgow
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Scotland's biggest LGBTQ+ nightclub: two floors of pop, charts, and dance in Glasgow's heart, with cheap drinks and zero attitude.
Delmonicas
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Scotland's biggest gay club: drag shows, karaoke, DJs, and non-stop inclusive party vibes in Glasgow's Merchant City heart.
Club X
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Glasgow's underground RnB haven: where beats throb, lights flash, and the LGBTQ+ community dances till dawn in Merchant City's beating heart.
Riding Room
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Polo Lounge
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La Cheetah Club
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18 Candleriggs
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Platinum Lace Glasgow
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Popworld Glasgow
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Cathouse Rock Club
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Classic Grand
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Kokomo Glasgow
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Bamboo
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Glasgow’s energetic three-room basement nightclub offering affordable drinks and diverse music for a lively student crowd.
Sub Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- LGBT Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
