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The Riding Room
Bars

The Riding Room

Merchant City cocktails with seven nights of cabaret and live performance

Glasgow, UK
2.8
76 reviews

Neighbourhood

Glasgow

Category

Bars

Vibe

LGBTQ+, Cabaret +5

Official website

About The Riding Room

The Riding Room is the cabaret-focused companion to the Polo Lounge complex, occupying a theatrical corner space on Virginia Street. Draped booths, low lighting and playful presentation give it more character than a conventional cocktail bar. There is live stage activity seven nights a week, moving between drag, singers, burlesque, magic and variety acts. The room can work for an intimate drink, but the entertainment remains central and audience interaction is part of the experience. Doors open earlier on Friday and Saturday, with all nights running until 03:00. Check the current show schedule and arrive early if you want a good view of the stage.

What to expect

A dark, theatrical cocktail bar with nightly cabaret, live singers and variety acts in a playful Merchant City setting.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

Cabaret or live performance runs seven nights a week
Friday and Saturday open from 19:00; other nights from 21:00
Arrive early for stage-facing seating on busy show nights

Gallery

Location

The Riding Room

58 Virginia Street, Glasgow G1 1TX, UK

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WhereIs.Gay rating

3.4

76 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    2.8
  • Google Maps
    3.4

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Bar tender charged me £17.48 and then said he ‘couldn’t make any of the cocktails’ and that ‘he was just winging it’, then talked me out of what I wanted so he could ‘make something easier for himself’. Then said ‘we don’t have any straws’ for which I misheard as ‘we don’t have any shots’, so I asked for a straw and he looked at me with a foul look and said ‘did you not hear what I just said?’. The customer next to me said ‘he’s the worst barman ever’ and walked out. I didn’t finish my ‘mojito’ because it was basically water with a load of stray pieces of mojito in it. Would never return.

Review from Google Maps

Clara
Clara

3 years ago

We had a really good time last night. Didn't know there was entertainment on but Alana Hollywood, the singer was great. Lovely voice & I enjoyed her song selections. A brilliant start to our evening out. I liked the cocktails and shot recommendations too. Bar staff were quick & efficient.

Review from Google Maps

Kirsty
Kirsty

11 months ago

Lovely drinks and cheese toasties! Blonde haired bartender was attentive and made sure we were comfortable when someone came to talk to us, we really appreciated that as a group of women. 💞💞

Review from Google Maps

Cathy Mair
Cathy Mair

10 months ago

Absolutely incredible night. Me and my friends were laughing and singing all night. James served us and he couldn't have been more helpful (he makes an incredible Mojito 🤭) 10/10

Review from Google Maps

Had the most fabulous night in riding room! Brilliant music and incredible service! The bartender Daniel recommended me the Giggle Water cocktail which was amazing, can’t wait to go back!

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
12 September 2026
Listed in
Glasgow › United Kingdom
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google