Steps Bar
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.
Tucked away on Glassford Street in Glasgow's Merchant City, Steps Bar is a meticulously preserved Art Deco gem from the 1930s. Its gleaming Vitrolite frontage and walnut gantry welcome you into an intimate space where veneer-panelled walls and original fixtures evoke a bygone era. Family-owned for decades, this cozy boozer offers a jukebox stocked with eclectic tunes, a selection of whiskies, beers, and affordable drinks in a lively yet nostalgic atmosphere. Open daily from 11am to midnight, it's a perfect pitstop for history buffs and casual drinkers alike.
A brief summary to Steps Bar
- Norbulk House, 62 Glassford St, Glasgow, G1 1UP, GB
- +441415522280
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-12 am
- Tuesday 11 am-12 am
- Wednesday 11 am-12 am
- Thursday 11 am-12 am
- Friday 11 am-12 am
- Saturday 11 am-12 am
- Sunday 11 am-12 am
Local tips
- Hunt for the stained-glass Queen Mary window in the sitting room—spot the Spitfire overhead for a wartime touch.
- Feed the jukebox with coins for eclectic tracks from punk to indie; it's a crowd favorite.
- Bring your dog—Steps is welcoming to four-legged friends.
- Opt for a whisky flight to savor the bar's traditional pours in historic surrounds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
Steps Bar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Steps Bar
Art Deco Survivor in Merchant City
Nestled in the heart of Glasgow's vibrant Merchant City, Steps Bar stands as a rare architectural treasure. Housed in the ground floor of a late 18th-century building, its 1930s refit has remained largely untouched, making it one of only three impressive Art Deco pub interiors surviving in the city. The exterior boasts a striking Vitrolite-clad frontage with frosted glass windows, one thoughtfully replaced to maintain authenticity. Step through the iconic two steps—hence the name—and enter a world frozen in time.Interior Splendor Preserved
Inside, sleek veneer-panelled walls line the space, complemented by an original Australian walnut back gantry and matching bar counter. A hooped stall on the counter hints at the pub's past tradition of table service, now discontinued but evocative of elegant pre-war hospitality. To the left lies a snug sitting room with fixed seating, bell-pushes for service, and a stunning stained-glass panel depicting the RMS Queen Mary, the legendary Clyde-built liner launched in 1936, with a Spitfire soaring above—a nod to the owner's wartime flying days.Family Legacy and Timeless Appeal
Owned by the same family for over 40 years, Steps Bar embodies continuity amid Glasgow's evolving nightlife. Refitted around 1938 and touched up in 1949, it earned a three-star rating for outstanding national historic importance from heritage experts. The Formica-panelled toilets, added in the 1950s, add quirky period detail. This unpretentious venue draws locals and visitors seeking an authentic Glasgow pub experience, far from the flashier chains.Atmosphere and Daily Rhythm
From morning coffee seekers to evening whisky sippers, the bar pulses with understated energy. The jukebox spins classics from Interpol to Stiff Little Fingers, blending eras much like the decor. Dog-friendly vibes extend a warm welcome, while value-driven prices keep rounds flowing. Evenings often fill with chatter, laughter, and the clink of glasses against the walnut backdrop, creating an intimate haven amid the city's bustle.Historical Echoes and Unique Details
Steps Bar's survival story mirrors Glasgow's resilient spirit. Comparable to peers like the Portland Arms, it showcases Art Deco elements rare in modern pubs: glossy panels, precise lines, and maritime motifs celebrating Clyde shipbuilding heritage. Fun fact: the Queen Mary window honors a ship that symbolized Scottish engineering prowess. Today, it remains a living museum of pub culture, where every corner whispers tales of mid-20th-century revelry.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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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.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
