I'll be honest, Polo isn't my first choice for a night out, but it does the job. My main gripe with the place is the bouncers. The bar staff are generally great but the bouncers can either be brand new and really lovely or absolute grouchers. Nobody like being on a fun night out and having some grouch of a bouncer pick on someone in the group. Anyway. I found the drink prices ok, music wasn't particularly to my taste on this occasion but it's usually decent enough! Even I manage a boogie in here on occasion :P Overall, Polo is alright but the bouncer issue is always a factor in me deciding whether to follow my pals in here or not! read more

This bar is below a hotel and they think it's okay to play music so loud that it shakes the floor of the hotel. They also don't mind that patrons are yelling loud enough to be heard in Edinburgh. A noise complaint has been filed with Glasgow. This place needs to be shut down. A bunch of rude inconsiderate incompetents. read more

absolutely not an inclusive nor welcoming atmosphere a group of 3 queer, female identifying friends and i were refused entry without the bouncer even looking at our ID with no real reason as to why. we were asked what we had to drink (to which one of my friends truthfully replied "nothing") and the bouncer said we were getting turned away. another group asked them why and they started saying how it was because we "looked too straight." these kind of comments can be extremely damaging and also offensive. a persons outfit does NOT determine their queerness and should not be used as a reason against them. another group of our friends (2f 1m) who were going were let in no problem. this leads me to wonder if we were also only turned away because it was a group of 4 women. the lgbtq+ community prides itself on being open and welcoming, however polo is exclusive, misogynistic and discriminatory. im shocked that in this day and age people are still forcing labels and stereotypes of queerness and gender on to people and at a gay club of all places. extremely disappointing. read more

Wish I could give zero. This place rejected my sober friends and I said we were "too drunk." They were being. Incredibly racist and homophonic for a gay bar I know. I was the DD and even asking why we were being denied access they said I was too drunk. To the blonde obvious lesbian I'm ashamed In you. From a traveler from the US I'm especially disappointed. read more

Group of 5- LGBT+, 4 poc's and one white. Refused entry after being told we were "too drunk" (We had a drink at a pre's before and then ran to get there for free entry). Not showing any signs of being drunk, not slurring our words, maybe a bit out of breath from the running. Lauren (the lady with the shaved sides everyone is complaining about) refused to elaborate on what made her think we were the slightest bit drunk. However, afterwards we watched group upon group of white people being let in with no question, some stumbling and visibly drunk. We tried to talk to someone else on the door who seemed genuinely apologetic, however said that he couldn't do anything as Lauren is his supervisor. So disheartening to be turned away due to racism, definitely a night ruiner AND a hate crime :( Also very sad to see Lauren's behaviour being defended by polo in their review replies. Completely ignoring the fact that the common denominator seems to be their door staff. read more

great place, fantastic vibes 10/10. People are always such characters to meet. Basically there every week

Ridiculous. As the only bar open we went there after 3 beers and the bouncer asked us if we drank. I said yes, only because i'm a nice guy and a honest person. We had 3 beers and she did not allow us in. We are and we were really sober but still she did not allow us to have a good night. I tried to talk to her and to 'her boss' but they still did not allowed us in saying that we were creating and argument?! Only because they blamed us to have drank and we weren't drunk?!!!! what's the point of having a business like this? Shut the doors mate lol read more

Only attempted to get in once and got turned away immediately by rude bouncers. They asked how many drinks we had, which we genuinely replied one or two, and they dismissed us. A guy behind us kindly questioned them on their decision, only to be asked if he was with us, and if so, would be kicked out too. Friends local to Glasgow experience this weekly. We patiently asked why we were rejected and the bouncers only became more unreasonable and aggressive. Shame a so called 'safe place' let's the community down this way. read more

A club set in the Merchant City, it's in a beautiful old building, that's been totally redesigned inside to have a more "club" like feel, and although I may not be gay, I do enjoy a night out at the Polo lounge with my gay friends. The music, the patter and the drinks are all amazing - cheesy pop lovers eat your heart out, especially on a Sunday night (£1 a drink anyone!?). Only problem is that if you go in too large a group they insist it's a "regular's night only" which is pretty harsh as a lot of the people I go with ARE regulars. Not to worry though - it's only happened a handful of times, and any other time we've gotten in, it's been hilariously good fun! read more

The Polo Lounge - Gay Bars Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

Red Flag! November 2017 went to the Polo Lounge with a group of friends and while waiting in line quickly noticed a pattern. Whites Only. No asians, no black, no multiracial, no middle eastern, etc. Only whites were allowed through the door, regardless of their level of intoxication. Coming from NY a good time consists of good music and a blended crowd filled people of different backgrounds. This isn't that place. Don't waste your time here, it's an ugly business. What prompted me to write this review today is a friend (who I'd never shared my experience with) told me of her experience there and it seems it's a standing practice. My experience wasn't a fluke. read more

I am a Polo convert. I'm the kind of girl who likes indie rock n roll music, that glamourises drug taking and alcohol consumption. I am not the kind of girl who listens to Girls Aloud. Dancing, is however, a different matter. I love a good boogie.I like to shimmy like there's no tomorrow. Polo would ordinarily be my last choice on a night out, but it is now one of my first. The club itself is actually nice. I like the mansion like feel to the place. I like a vintage interior. The staff are also great. Even the bouncers are friendly. The drinks are reasonably priced, however, it is Glen's vodka they use, and it's rank, but what do you want for £1.50? The punters are also amazing. They seem to be more enthusiastic than in other clubs and if your pals don't want to dance, there is always someone the dancefloor who wants to dance. Be aware, more often than not, Polo will be playing tunes of a borderline cheesy variety. Great for dancing and throwing shapes and also, taking you back to a bygone era of confusion and delusion. I love Polo. read more

I have a friend- yeah, right- who swears that the midweek Polo is a great place to pick up women. "You see," he explains. "They go there to avoid lairy guys." "What, like you?" I replied. "Exactly." While I can't say whether this strategy has been a great succes for him, I am more used to the Polo as the gay club for the under 30s. It's loud, brash and busy, can have a random door policy- it is more male friendly than female, they say- but it ends up being the last stop on many a night out. Sunday nights area laugh, and while I am far too much of a music snob to actually dance, everyone else is having fun. read more

I've always had a soft spot for the Polo, and every time I visit, I remember why. It's like walking into someone's mansion; and if the bar wasn't there, you'd feel as though you had just waltzed into someone's home. Large overstuffed armchairs; sofas that you sink into; candleabras and even a fire which is lit, depending on the weather. In that atmosphere, you can sit amongst friends, feeling as though you've just walked through a worm-hole to the past. But if you're not in the mood to just sit, then take a wee walk downstairs, where the club area is jumping, thanks to tunes spinning courtesy of the house DJ. My favourite thing, is to get a seat upstairs with a group of pals, and disappear every once in a while into the club for a wee dance or two, and then return, breathless, to my pint and my oh-so-comfy chair. Don't be put off by it's LGBT nature, though. No matter what your orientation is, you'll be very welcome here. read more

Polo is awesome. It is a gay club, and as such attracts a predominantly gay and bisexual crowd; including some transvestites. It's a really friendly place, as are most gay clubs, with the patrons being generally more up for partying than in other places. It has a nice warm interior, much like the vestibule of a big mansion with homely couches and good cocktails. Wednesdays are the best, with £1 drinks promotions. First time I was here I overdone the booze and got carried away chatting to a guy without realising he was getting fired into me. Much hilarity and confusion ensued. Now when I go though, I am gutted if no-one chats me up! I have been loads of times with other straight people, and had a great time. Most recently I went with a group of girls and bumped into a big group of my mates. We done an awkward stare-out at the bar as if to say 'what are you doing here?'. After a good laugh, we drank up and had a great night! A recommended Wednesday night out, whether you're gay or not, and a recommended gay club. read more

I'm a very big fan of Polo Lounge! Of the various gay clubs and venues I visited while I was studying at Glasgow Uni, Polo was the place our GLBT Society would frequent every Wednesday night. The service is rather prompt if you don't have a huge line at the bar and there is no cover before late. The setup of Polo is great - there are multiple rooms throughout the place depending on what type of atmosphere you'd like, including a dance floor and DJ in the basement. Drag queens are always in their spot in the "living room" (front portion of the bar) and are a pleasure to talk with. You'll probably enjoy your time here. Word to the wise, if you're young and cute, there will be a few older creepers staring you down. Be advised. read more

As a venue it's good, although it could do with focusing on entertainment - as it seems to take for granted their customers. In saying that though, the new management team have been good with theme nights, new DJs and providing that little bit extra to draw customers in. Best night is definately a Wednesday. read more

I've found myself here on many a night out and admittedly I was sceptical at first and a little apprehensive about venturing inside. I needn't have worried, Polo is great for a night out and although it's a gay club, welcomes all walks of live, straight or otherwise. You're always guaranteed a good boogie here, with DJs spinning the best in chart hits and cheesy classics that would make it difficult for the snobbiest of clubbers not to find themselves giving in to some move busting. read more

I'm not gay myself but I do enjoy a night out at The Polo Lounge! This club is in a really lovely part of the Merchant City area of Glasgow where the usual mob of drunken, vomit covered teenagers that can usually be found hanging around outside clubs in the city centre are replaced by immaculate gay men arguing with their fag hags! The Polo Lounge has lots of different rooms and I feel like I find a new room every night I go! There are rooms with plenty of plush looking sofas to lounge around chatting on as well as several rooms kitted out for some incredibly camp dancing! Go on, you know you want to! Music wise there is something for everyone. Classic dance tunes, cheesy pop, a little rnb and my personal favourite, 80s classics! My only real criticism of this club is that it can sometimes be difficult to get in and the bouncers come up with the worst excuses ever for turning you away. You kind of wish they would just say "Sweetheart. Your not butch enough" and be done with it! read more

Okay I need to change my review because I did return and I did enjoy myself despite stating in my initial review that I'd never enjoyed the place. I went with friends the other night and did actually have quite a good night! I still find the place a bit overly camp for my liking, and the staff are still snobby and not the nicest people on the planet, but the music was good and my company was good. MIGHT return. Maybe... read more

I absolutely love Polo, especially a wednesday night! Being a student myself i would choose to go to polo even for a good night out, rather than the garage and other clubs, i have been able to take friends out who have never been before and were quite nervous and they now enjoy it as much as i do! the cheap drink is a bonus as well as some good up to date songs, with some brilliant classics. as said before, toilets need a bit of a refurb but at least they are clean! the atmosphere is amazing and you are captivated in it as soon as you walk in! i recommend this place with all my heart. Considering i have taken people there before and they have enjoyed it, it is definitely a night out you will enjoy. Austin :) read more

I've been coming to polo lounge since I was about sixteen. I've always enjoyed nights out here. Sometimes the bars can be a bit busy on friday and saturday night but thats the same as anywhere. Wednesday are always good there cheap about £1 drink, its good to come here before tunnel on wednesday night. There are few rooms with different music - something for everyone. read more

GReat place for gay night out, and there is a four different rooms for all occasions, like there is a dance-floor in the basement. and a chilling music room in the basement as well, in separate room. and on the ground floor there is a normal everyday pub, with the old fashioned furnishings, and it is very nice, and on the upper deck room, it is a relaxing room, and bit dark, which can be overlooked the ground floor through the bannisters, which it is good for spending time with your lovebirds..! or eyeing other people up! :D Mind you the drink prices are very expensive.! I tends to go there when there is a drinks promotions are on, or goes there for special occasions! read more

This is a great gay night club in Glasgow, built in an old office with tiling as you go in. There is even a memorial to the war dead from the insurance office that used to be there. There is a mixed crowd, with a bar upstairs and disco downstairs, with chilling room. The bar staff are welcoming and it is a good place to visit for a night out with friends, or to dance the night away. There is a good choice of music played keeping the pace going. It is in the gay quarter of Glasgow and is connected with Delmonicas it's sister bar, who give free tickets to get in the Polo Lounge. read more

Great club but the door security are assholes, take care when you are trying to get in or they might refuse to allow your entrance in the club. But it's a great club once you are in, good looking people and great music. Best gay club in Glasgow. read more

This place has rejected me and my friends multiple times. They asked me how much I have drank and I honestly responded either 1 or 2 drinks (depending on the night) and they have rejected me and my friends. We were dressed in great outfits so that was not the reason for not getting in I hope lol. Either way the bouncers were incredibly rude every time. I wouldn't recommend coming here. It's hard to appreciate going in knowing they are such a judgemental and rude group of owners and employees. read more

I actually quite like this place and other music they play and such. I have one problem and that is they let 13 and 14 year olds in without asking for id although some of them have other people's driving licences or passports. I think this is disgraceful and something should be done about it! 2 stars because I actually quite like the place, just sort out the under agers getting in. read more

Love, love, love Polo! The thing I like most about The Polo Lounge is that, although it is a prevalently LGBT venue, it is very welcoming to everyone, and has an incredibly inclusive feel. After a few pre-cocktails at Moda, the neighbouring Polo Lounge is the perfect after bar club. Like someone else had said, loads of straight women go here to avoid the usual letchy men that frequent the straight venues in Glasgow, and it really is refreshing to find somewhere where everyone seems to be out having fun!! Great atmosphere, great bar prices (promos on all the time!) and great punters. Well worth a visit no matter what your preference! read more

Well I go the Polo Lounge Regular on Wednesday (£1 per drink on this night) nights and many weekends and think it OK overall and have good nights out with friends. The service behind the bar could be a little better, and I have heard comments made by some who say the security are a bit rude, but I have been in places where the staff have been worse. The furniture in the lounge part is a bit moth eaten and needing replaced, but is one of the best places to sit down and have a chat with friends and mingle with like minded people. The toilets need a bit of repair work done on them, with WCs being out of action, so an upgrade here is well overdue. But the good things about this place is that overall the design is nice and it has two lounge areas for mixing, one being a cocktail bar. The basement has a good dance floor, and the tunes they played when I had been there were OK and not as cheesy as I have seen in other gay clubs. I would say Scotland has a long way to go to catch up with the trendier gay scene down in England, but my view is the Polo Lounge is as good as you are going to get till someone takes a leaf out of the English scene (and I hate saying that being a Scot myself). Alex. x read more

The Polo Lounge is probably Glasgow's best gay club. It has 4 rooms ad on the weekend they play different music in each of the - the main bar upstairs is laid back pop, the cocktail bar next to it plays dance/ trance, downstairs in the main room is Techno then chart stuff, and the Trophy room plays cheesy classic like It's raining men. The ladies loos are retty dire although there is a hair straightener. I would advise taking tissues with you for when the loo paper runs out! Drinks are OK, average price, and they do have celebrity apperances from time to time read more

Hi I've literally tried to get in to riding room, which I believe is all owned by the same person/group. I was told that 1 of the two people I was with wasn't getting in! No explaination or ID asked of that person just told no. I get that fact you have the right to refuse service but 3 of us were sober. I've recorded the incident where I asked multiple times to get a manger out to explain why only 1 of us wasn't allowed in when I was the only person ID'd. I don't know what kind of LGBT club your tryin to run but clearly you need to train your door staff about manners. You clearly don't want any people to frequent your bar and have clearly made yourself known to Facebook and google including yelp about your door staff and they're ability to desciminate as much as they see fit. I would like a reply to justify why only one of my group THREE person group wasn't allowed in to your "bar"? read more

Would not recommend this place. I was on a visit up to Glasgow from London with friends and we queued to get in and the bouncers apparently thought they knew me and had banned me before and told our entire group that we were not allowed in!! Extremely embarassing. The other club that we'd heard of in Glasgow, Bennetts, did not seem to be there anymore. read more

can be a good night out if you have a nice wee crowd with you. saturdays aren't the best, but any other night is usually good fun. cheap alcohol too. best gay club on the scene anyway, but then there isn't a huge choice really. read more

Fantastic bar was there last night wednesdays are great a pound a drink and not just selected drinks all brands my friend is up from england and had a wicked time lets not forget moda have never met such great bar staff ever. read more

I have been going to polo for about six years and up until recently have always enjoyed it. However it has recently changed into an incredibly unfriendly place. I am a lesbian so this is not meant to be offensive to the gay scene as l have always enjoyed going to it especially as it is so welcoming to people from all walks of life. However this is not the case with Polo anymore. I went with a large group of friends on a Wednesday night, the queue for a drink was ten minutes for a gay person or forty if you were straight, l know this because when my friend went to the bar to order she was told by a bar staff member called Craig that she would not be served in polo and should perhaps try a different ( straight) bar. It was said in an incredibly rude and offensive manner which i as a gay person take huge offense to the whole point of gay bars is that they welcome everybody and do not discriminate. l have always enjoyed the Polo but after tonight and this experience would be embarrassed to take my friends back. read more