Glasgow in the 1980s was a tough place for many, as the city bore the weight of Thatcher’s Britain—but that didn’t stop Glaswegians from enjoying themselves.
Those of a certain age will recall painstakingly saving up their pennies all week just to get a night out at the city’s many notable venues, or testing their luck underage at the doors of less reputable spots.
Though many of these places have vanished into history, you might be surprised to learn that a handful still operate today under their original names.
Here are 13 classic Glasgow bars, restaurants and nightclubs from the 1980s we miss most.
1. Tuxedo Princess
There's nothing that screams '1980s' quite like a party ship with a revolving dancefloor called the Tuxedo Princess. The boat was anchored at Broomielaw for a few years during the late 80s and early 90s before it set sail and returned to Newcastle. Photo: Craig A Rodway\Flickr
2. Spaghetti Factory
The Spaghetti Factory put on some of the best upcoming bands in Glasgow before it became Stravaigin - another Glasgow institution loved for an entirely different reason. Pictured here is one half of Strawberry Switchblade with Orange Juice ahead of a gig. | Peter McArthur
3. Charlie Parker's
Charlie Parker's in Royal Exchange Square - where Di Maggio's now sits - was a fashionable hangout, the sophisticated city centre bar ran by Ken McCulloch. | Supplied
4. Cleopatra's
Cleopatra’s nightclub, better remembered as Clatty Pats for a time the place to be - or perhaps the place you didn’t want to be but invariably ended up at anyway. Photo: Scotsman