O2 Academy

This former cinema (and at one stage ‘Ice Skating Palace’) retains some its former art deco features (balcony, boxes, ceiling features) and is part of the O2 empire of music venues.

Entering the venue there are stairs to the right and left (leading to a bar area on the first floor and to the balcony area – which I haven’t been to but am told it also has a bar) and the main auditorium is straight ahead. As you enter the main auditorium on the left hand side is the concession stand area whilst facing you is a large square bar; there are also three other smaller bars along the sides. All of this means that even when there is a sell out crowd you normally don’t have to wait too long to get a drink. Just beyond the main square bar is a railing which gives a good view of the stage and as a result this area is often quite crowded. From this area, you go down some stairs (on either side) to a sort of mini-mezzanine level, again with a railing that offers good stage view, and even some limited seating. Finally, down a few more stairs to the main large rectangular standing area, the rear of which has the sound desk area. The large stage itself is raised about five feet which means that sightlines are generally good no matter where you stand. The sound is generally good.

Overall views on the venue tend to be mixed but I would agree with those who say that it is probably the second best mid-sized venue in the city after Barrowland (although the Barras is number one by a large margin).

Location: 121 Eglinton Street, Glasgow G5 9NT

Capacity: 2,500

Food: No

Cloakroom: go up the right hand staircase as you enter the venue and it is on the first floor – £2 per item or free using O2 priority app (you can access via left hand staircase – just go through bar area on first floor). At end of show need to access via right hand stairwell (as seen on entering venue) – be warned that it is normally quite slow getting your stuff at the end.

Toilets: Several – as you enter venue there is a ‘Ladies’ by the right hand stairway; there is a ‘Gents’ in the first floor bar area; in back of the main auditorium there is a ‘Ladies’ to the right (facing the stage) and a ‘Gents’ to the left; there is also another ‘Ladies’ to the left of the stage. There are also toilets on the balcony level.