Clutha & Victoria Bar
Glasgow's 200-year-old riverside pub icon: live music, historic vibes, and Clutha spirit since 1819—pints, pizzas, and performances await.
Nestled on Glasgow's historic Bridgegate in the Merchant City, Clutha & Victoria Bar is a legendary pub established in 1819. Known for its live music scene, cozy atmosphere, and rich history tied to the River Clyde, it offers pints, pizzas, and performances in a venue that has hosted icons like Billy Connolly and survived tragedy. Open daily from noon, it's a vibrant spot for locals and visitors alike.
A brief summary to Clutha & Victoria Bar
- 159 Bridgegate, Glasgow, G1 5HZ, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
- Thursday 12 pm-12 am
- Friday 12 pm-12 am
- Saturday 12 pm-12 am
- Sunday 12 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Catch live music most nights; check the board for schedules as gigs start early and run late.
- Opt for pizza alongside your pint—freshly made and perfect for sharing during performances.
- Visit the upstairs Victoria side for a cozier, quieter vibe away from the main stage action.
- Respect the memorial space; the bar honors its history with quiet reflection areas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
Clutha & Victoria Bar location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Clutha & Victoria Bar
Riverside Roots on the Clyde
Perched at 159 Bridgegate, steps from the River Clyde, Clutha & Victoria Bar traces its origins to 1819, when it first received its license as a vital stop for ferry passengers crossing the bustling waterway. Back then, the Clutha ferries—sturdy vessels carrying hundreds every quarter hour—plied the river under Victoria Bridge, Glasgow's oldest surviving span. Sailors, workers, and travelers quenched their thirst here amid the hum of industrial commerce that defined the city. The pub's name evokes those Clutha steamers, built in the late 1800s for £2,500 each—equivalent to over £325,000 today—linking communities along the Clyde. This riverside position has imbued the bar with a timeless connection to Glasgow's maritime heritage, its walls whispering tales of a bygone era when the river was the city's lifeblood.Centuries of Reinvention
Over two centuries, the bar has endured fires, name changes, and rebirths. Originally the Clutha Vaults by the 1880s, it evolved through aliases like Woman's and Merchant before reclaiming its Clutha identity in 1992. A devastating tenement fire in the 1960s razed the building above, yet the ground-floor pub persisted, a resilient anchor in the Merchant City. Today, it merges with the neighboring Victoria Bar, creating a dual-space haven that blends tradition with contemporary energy. Multi-level interiors, some areas still sealed from past events, preserve an authentic patina of Glasgow's working-class spirit.Tragic Legacy and Renewal
November 29, 2013, etched indelible sorrow into the bar's story when a police helicopter crashed onto its roof during a packed night, claiming ten lives—including seven inside and the three crew members. The city mourned, and after 20 months of closure, the venue reopened in July 2015 under the Clutha Trust, a charity honoring the lost while sustaining community. This phoenix-like resurgence underscores the bar's role as a cultural touchstone, transforming grief into a commitment to live music and gathering. The Trust ensures proceeds support families and aviation safety initiatives, adding layers of purpose to every pint poured.Live Music Heartbeat
Renowned as a live music bastion, Clutha & Victoria has drawn luminaries like Billy Connolly, Frank Zappa, and Woody Guthrie. Its stages pulse with folk, rock, and emerging talent, attracting lawyers, artists, and rebels in a democratic mix. Multiple rooms host gigs from noon till midnight or later, with pizzas fueling late-night crowds. The vibe shifts seamlessly: quiet corners for conversation, lively nooks for performances. This musical lineage cements its status as Glasgow's soulful pub, where melodies mingle with the Clyde's distant murmur.Merchant City Anchor
In the UNESCO-recognized Merchant City, amid cobblestone streets and wynds, the bar stands as a lively counterpoint to historic grandeur. Its inexpensive pints and casual fare—pizzas delivered hot—make it accessible, while the atmosphere evokes unpretentious joy. Open daily from 12pm, it bridges day drinkers and night owls in Glasgow's creative underbelly.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Glenlee Propellers
0.3 km
Discover the Glenlee Propellers, iconic steel relics symbolizing Glasgow’s proud shipbuilding heritage and maritime history.
Tolbooth Steeple
0.5 km
Glasgow’s iconic 17th-century Tolbooth Steeple stands tall as a historic clock tower and enduring symbol of the city’s rich civic past.
Glasgow 2014 Monument
0.5 km
A bold, colourful sculpture celebrating Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games, where sport, art and civic pride come together in a striking riverside landmark.
Glasgow City Heritage Trust
0.5 km
Explore Glasgow's rich history with the Glasgow City Heritage Trust, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the city's architectural and cultural heritage.
Nelson's Monument, Glasgow
0.7 km
A towering 44-meter obelisk on Glasgow Green honoring Admiral Nelson’s naval victories and Glasgow’s pioneering civic spirit.
Walter Scott Monument
0.7 km
A towering Gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott in Glasgow’s historic George Square, celebrating Scotland’s literary heritage.
Bronze 3D Map of City Centre
0.8 km
Explore Glasgow's heart through the captivating Bronze 3D Map of City Centre, a stunning sculpture and guide to the city's rich heritage.
Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
0.8 km
Explore Glasgow's rich history with guided walking tours that reveal the city's hidden gems and captivating stories.
Gorbals
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant transformation of Gorbals, a unique housing development in Glasgow blending history, culture, and contemporary living.
Barras Market
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant Barras Market in Glasgow, a cultural gem filled with unique treasures, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.
Strath Wonderwall Mural - Land Ship
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant Strath Wonderwall Mural in Glasgow, a stunning street art piece that reflects the city's creative spirit and cultural richness.
Nelson Mandela Pl
0.9 km
Explore Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow, a vibrant square honoring the legacy of human rights with stunning architecture, art, and local culture.
People's Palace
0.9 km
Explore Glasgow's social history at the People's Palace, where captivating exhibits and stunning architecture tell the story of the city's vibrant past.
St George's Tron Church of Scotland
0.9 km
Historic Presbyterian church with iconic Baroque tower, rooted in Glasgow’s evangelical heritage and vibrant city centre life.
ToursByLocals - Glasgow
0.9 km
Discover Glasgow's rich culture and hidden gems through personalized tours with local experts at ToursByLocals.
Unmissable attractions to see
Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew
0.2 km
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew in Glasgow for an unforgettable experience of architectural beauty and spiritual serenity.
Mural Trail #.09 Billy Connolly
0.2 km
Celebrate Glasgow’s beloved comedian Billy Connolly through this vibrant mural on Osborne Street, a highlight of the city’s renowned Mural Trail.
Murial of a man
0.3 km
A vibrant pop art mural blending graphic novel style and Japanese influences, lighting up Glasgow’s historic Trongate with bold color and creativity.
McLennan Arch
0.3 km
Historic sandstone archway marking the grand entrance to Glasgow Green, a timeless symbol of Glasgow’s architectural heritage.
St. Enoch Centre
0.3 km
Glasgow's vibrant shopping epicentre: fashion, food, films, and festive energy in the heart of St. Enoch Square.
Britannia Panopticon
0.3 km
Discover Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon, the world’s oldest surviving music hall, where Victorian variety meets early cinema in a vibrant historic venue.
"SPACEMAN" Mural Trail #5
0.3 km
A vibrant, graphic novel-inspired mural bringing cosmic color and modern art flair to Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.
Street Art from The rebel bear
0.4 km
Explore the compelling street art of The Rebel Bear, Glasgow’s mysterious muralist blending social commentary with vibrant urban creativity.
Trongate
0.4 km
Explore Trongate, Glasgow’s oldest street and historic merchant hub, where commerce, culture, and heritage converge in the city’s vibrant heart.
Tron Theatre
0.4 km
Historic church-turned-theatre at the heart of Glasgow's Merchant City, showcasing bold contemporary work and emerging Scottish talent.
St. Enoch Shopping Centre
0.4 km
Glasgow’s vibrant city-centre shopping and leisure destination with diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options.
St Andrew's in the Square - Glasgow
0.4 km
An exquisite Georgian-era former church transformed into Glasgow’s premier cultural and event venue, rich in history and architectural beauty.
o2 accadamy
0.4 km
Historic art deco music venue in Glasgow's Gorbals, hosting diverse live shows with a lively atmosphere and accessible facilities.
La Pasionaria
0.5 km
A bold tribute on Glasgow’s Clyde to Dolores Ibárruri, symbolizing the fight against fascism and honoring local heroes of the Spanish Civil War.
Tobacco Merchant's House
0.5 km
Glasgow’s last 18th-century tobacco merchant villa, a preserved Georgian gem and vivid reminder of the city’s mercantile and colonial past.
Essential places to dine
Mono
0.3 km
Glasgow’s vibrant vegan café-bar blending creative plant-based cuisine, indie music vibes, and a unique record shop atmosphere.
Boteco Do Brasil
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Brazil at Boteco Do Brasil in Glasgow – where delicious cuisine meets lively nightlife.
Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos
0.5 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean tapas and inventive cocktails in Glasgow’s charming Merchant City hotspot, Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos.
The Dhabba
0.5 km
Experience authentic Northern Indian cuisine in Glasgow with vibrant flavors, a nut-free menu, and a welcoming atmosphere at The Dhabba.
Mharsanta - Scottish Restaurant & Bar
0.5 km
Experience authentic Scottish cuisine and warm hospitality in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.
Metropolitan Bar and Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience Glasgow's vibrant culinary scene at Metropolitan Bar & Restaurant – where gourmet pub fare meets expertly crafted cocktails.
The Spanish Butcher Glasgow
0.5 km
Savor premium Galician beef and Spanish flavors in a chic, industrial-style steakhouse at Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
Cafe Gandolfi
0.5 km
A historic Glasgow bistro blending Scottish culinary tradition with artisanal craftsmanship and warm, convivial atmosphere.
Table Twenty Eight
0.5 km
Chic restaurant and cocktail bar in Glasgow’s Merchant Square, renowned for gourmet dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks.
Bar Soba Merchant City
0.6 km
Experience Glasgow's Asian fusion at Bar Soba Merchant City - where unique cocktails meet vibrant flavors in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Palmtree Kitchen - مطعم النخلة
0.6 km
Experience the rich, authentic flavors of Yemen with generous portions and warm hospitality in Glasgow’s vibrant Palmtree Kitchen.
Turkiye EFES Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Turkish cuisine and grilled meats served with warmth and tradition in Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City.
Mediterraneo Italian Restaurant & Champagne Bar
0.6 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors and elegant champagne moments in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
Saints of Ingram
0.6 km
Historic Hutchesons’ Hall hosts Saints of Ingram, a stylish Glasgow venue blending classic brunch, cocktails, and live weekend entertainment.
Browns Glasgow
0.7 km
Historic charm meets contemporary British cuisine in the heart of Glasgow’s George Square at Browns Brasserie & Bar.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mr Ben Retro Clothing
0.2 km
A snug, long‑established vintage boutique in Kings Court with handpicked garments, textured displays and friendly, specialist service.
Social Recluse
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish apparel at Social Recluse, Glasgow’s boutique for creative and quality designs in the city center.
Minted
0.3 km
Discover rare vintage streetwear and sustainable style at Minted, Glasgow’s curated hub for iconic 90s and sportswear fashion.
Pride of Glasgow
0.3 km
Discover tartan treasures and whisky wonders at this spirited Argyle Street shop, where Scottish pride meets Glasgow's cheeky charm in every authentic souvenir.
Shop Small at St Enoch
0.3 km
Discover unique fashion finds at Shop Small in Glasgow’s iconic St Enoch Centre, where historic charm meets modern shopping under Europe’s largest glass roof.
The Glasgow Souvenir Outlet
0.4 km
Authentic Scottish treasures in Glasgow's vibrant core: tartans, whisky keepsakes, and artisan crafts for every traveler's suitcase.
The Clydeside Collective
0.4 km
Explore Glasgow’s creative heart at The Clydeside Collective, a vibrant gift shop showcasing unique handcrafted arts and crafts by local artisans.
Grab n Go convenience store
0.4 km
A compact, dependable convenience store on Gorbals Street offering snacks, basics and friendly counter service for locals and passersby.
Primark
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
Discover authentic Scottish tartan treasures and traditional gifts in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Queen Street.
The Vintage Scene Glasgow
0.5 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures and sustainable style at The Vintage Scene, Glasgow’s premier vintage clothing shop in St Enoch Square.
Eurasia Crafts
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
A compact, characterful alternative-fashion and curios shop on Queen Street specialising in goth, emo and eclectic accessories.
Taste of Scotland
0.5 km
Discover authentic Scottish gifts and rare whiskies in the heart of Glasgow at Taste of Scotland, your gateway to Scotland’s rich heritage.
Geek-aboo
0.5 km
Dive into Glasgow's ultimate geek haven: official merch, epic collectibles, and gaming events from your favorite franchises await at Geek-aboo.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Avant Garde Music Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Dive into Glasgow's underground beats at Avant Garde, where live music, modern eats, and vaulted vibes create unforgettable Merchant City nights.
Sharkeys Bar
0.4 km
Family-run Gorbals gem serving hearty pies, perfect pints, and warm welcomes in a dog-friendly local atmosphere.
Cairns Bar
0.4 km
Cozy Merchant City pub pouring Belhaven ales, serving pub classics, and screening live sports in Glasgow's lively heart—perfect for pints and pies anytime.
Maggies Rock n Rodeo
0.4 km
Experience Glasgow’s wild side with live music, line dancing, and a mechanical bull at Maggie’s Rock n Rodeo in Merchant City.
Sloans
0.5 km
Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant since 1797, famed for lively events, historic charm, and legendary Macaroni Cheese in a vibrant city-centre setting.
Steps Bar
0.5 km
Discover Glasgow's Art Deco time capsule: Steps Bar's preserved 1930s elegance, walnut gantry, and jukebox vibes await in Merchant City's historic heart.
The Spiritualist Glasgow
0.5 km
Moody, theatrical cocktail bar and small-plate restaurant in central Glasgow — inventive drinks, shareable dishes and a lively evening atmosphere.
BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City
0.5 km
Craft beer rebellion meets smoky barbecue in Glasgow's historic Merchant City – 25 taps, outdoor patio, and dog-friendly vibes await.
Bacchus Bar
0.5 km
Glasgow's friendliest independent bar in Merchant City, pouring wine-god vibes with live music, quizzes, and unbeatable value since over two decades.
Bar 91
0.5 km
Laid-back Merchant City pub pouring craft brews, global bites, and live tunes opposite City Halls—a Glasgow essential for day-to-night vibes.
Home
0.6 km
Glasgow's go-to pub for live sports, craft cocktails, and hearty sharing plates in the vibrant Merchant City – where every visit feels like home turf.
Laurieston Bar
0.6 km
Glasgow's 1960s time-capsule pub: flawless pints, diverse crowds, and unyielding Southside soul in the heart of Gorbals.
Wunderbar
0.6 km
Lively Glasgow cocktail bar blending pizza, pub vibes, and live music in a vibrant city center setting.
Strathduie Bar
0.6 km
Traditional Glasgow pub revived in Merchant City: darts, live music, draught beers, and cozy rooms for authentic Scottish hospitality.
Speakeasy
0.6 km
A vibrant and welcoming gay bar in Glasgow’s Merchant City, blending relaxed pub vibes with lively nightlife and creative cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
18 Candleriggs
0.4 km
Glasgow's kitsch cabaret haven where dazzling shows, tasty grill fare, and lively vibes create unforgettable Merchant City nights.
Polo Lounge
0.5 km
Glasgow's grandest gay nightclub: multi-level dance floors, cheap drinks, and non-stop energy until dawn in Merchant City's heart.
Riding Room
0.5 km
Fancy cabaret club in Glasgow's gay triangle, serving exotic kettle cocktails alongside burlesque, magic, and cheeky shows in a lively, intimate venue.
Club X
0.5 km
Glasgow's underground RnB haven: where beats throb, lights flash, and the LGBTQ+ community dances till dawn in Merchant City's beating heart.
Delmonicas
0.5 km
Scotland's biggest gay club: drag shows, karaoke, DJs, and non-stop inclusive party vibes in Glasgow's Merchant City heart.
AXM Glasgow
0.6 km
Scotland's biggest LGBTQ+ nightclub: two floors of pop, charts, and dance in Glasgow's heart, with cheap drinks and zero attitude.
La Cheetah Club
0.6 km
Glasgow’s intimate basement club with a powerful sound system, vibrant underground beats, and a welcoming community spirit.
Sub Club
0.6 km
Glasgow’s legendary underground nightclub, Sub Club, pulses with cutting-edge sound and authentic dance culture in an intimate basement setting.
Classic Grand
0.6 km
Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
Cathouse Rock Club
0.6 km
Glasgow's unrelenting rock fortress since 1990—metal riffs, live gigs, and alternative fury across three pounding rooms.
Platinum Lace Glasgow
0.8 km
Glasgow’s premier gentlemen’s club with stunning dancers, VIP luxury, and an electric nightlife atmosphere in the city centre.
Club Tropicana & Venga
0.8 km
Two-room retro nightclub in central Glasgow with themed ’80s/’90s nights, booth bookings and a high-energy weekend atmosphere.
Popworld Glasgow
1.0 km
Dive into a whirlwind of 80s-00s pop anthems, retro props, and cocktail-fueled dance marathons at Glasgow's ultimate cheesy nightclub escape.
142B Lounge
1.0 km
Glasgow's premier spot for Afrobeats, Amapiano, and African flavors—dance, dine, and vibe in luxury VIP style until dawn.
Kokomo Glasgow
1.0 km
Kokomo Glasgow was a late-night nightclub and bar known for its energetic vibe and central city location on West Regent Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly