Barrowland Ballroom

‘THE go-to venue for touring artists’ (Mail Online)

Barrowland Ballroom (often simply called Barrowland/s) is a Glasgow institution whose famous night-time gaudy neon lights attempt to lure punters in with a promise of shooting stars, a promise it often keeps (especially if the stars are up and coming indie acts). The Ballroom itself offers the best mid-sized venue in the city in terms of sound and sightlines and, in my experience so far in Glasgow (limited though that is), atmosphere.

When you enter you ascend a couple of flight of stairs to reach a floor that houses bar, merchandise stall, cloakroom and toilets. Then up another couple of flights to reach the Ballroom. There is only one entrance so you will need patience when leaving at the end.

The 1960s Ballroom is basically square with a bar opposite the side you enter, another smaller bar to your left and to your right the well-raised stage. It is all standing, except for a raised area at the back for wheelchair users, but, as long as you aren’t silly and insist on standing behind a pillar, it doesn’t matter too much where you stand to get a good experience. And if the music makes you want to jump up and down you will appreciate the well sprung floor.

And don’t forget to look up at the wonderful barrel-shaped ceiling!

Location: 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G4 0TT

Capacity: 2,100

Food: Apparently there is a food stall but I have not found it yet!

Cloakroom: Yes – £1 per item. On a cold night with full capacity the area leading into the cloakroom can get very crowded at end of gig – so if you need to get away sharpish you might want to leave (or stand next to the exit) for the encore.

Toilets: on same level as cloakroom (there are none on Ballroom level)