Glasgow in the 80s was a dire decade for many as the city struggled under Thatcher’s Britain - but that’s not to say the Glaswegians didn’t still have a good time.
Many Glaswegians of a certain vintage will remember saving up their pennies all week to get on it at these many fine establishments across the city, or chancing their luck underage at the doors of less-reputable venues.
For more 80s retro content check out our article: The life and times of Glaswegians in the 1980’s in 80 pictures
Or if you want to see some of the most fondly remembered venues of the 90s, read our article: 22 bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs that remind Glaswegians of the 90s
While many are lost to time, you might be surprised to hear that a few are still operating under the same name. So join us as we explore 15 of the very best pubs, clubs, and nightclubs of Glasgow in the 1980s, as reccomended by our readers.
5. Nico's
Nico's on Sauchiehall Street has been around for generations now, starting in the 80s it was the place to be, and remains a hot spot to this day. | jpimedia
6. Danish Food Centre
The Danish Food Centre on St Vincent Street offered up a veritable smorgasbord of Dansk culinary delights for Glaswegian food lovers in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Opening in 1969, the Glasgow centre was the 3rd of its kind in the United Kingdom after London and Manchester, and a unique type of restaurant for its time, introducing Brits to a wide range of the best Danish grub. As well as the restaurant, the centre also offered a couple of shops, one selling Danish art work and other goods, and the other a selection of Danish foodstuffs. The Danish Food Centre proved to be hugely popular in its early years and certainly ranks as one of the most fondly-recalled food establishments on our list. | Contributed
7. Ultratheque
Ultratheque was a trendy club for an older crowd on Wellington Street just off Sauchiehall Street | Contributed
8. Sylvesters
Sylvesters on Ingram Street was a pub founded on the idea of being family friendly - so much so that no adult was allowed in without a child from 8am to 8pm. | Old Glasgow Pubs