About Skye
Skye Bar, sometimes just called Skye, is a large two-level cocktail bar and dance venue in Glasgow’s Merchant City. It forms part of the Revolution bars group, which is known for lively nightlife and extensive drink menus. Skye’s spacious interior was created in the shell of Glasgow’s former Tunnel nightclub (www.revolution-bars.co.uk), so it carries on the city’s clubbing tradition in a modern setting. With room for roughly 400 guests standing (www.headbox.com), it’s one of the biggest event spaces in central Glasgow. The layout is bright and open, split across two floors with booths and seating areas on mezzanines and a main floor for mingling and dancing (www.revolution-bars.co.uk). Signature features include a built-in stage and DJ booth, professional lighting rigs and surround-sound speakers (www.headbox.com). In true Revolution style, Skye offers a famous selfie bathtub (a claw-foot tub for Instagram photos) and plenty of quirky decor. Altogether, Skye Bar is a chic yet casual late-night destination, combining the feel of a modern cocktail lounge with the energy of a club. Its size, sound system and prime city-centre location make it a notable venue in Glasgow’s live-music and nightlife scene. The name “Skye” simply reflects the venue’s branding; it has no direct link to the Isle of Skye, but it conjures the idea of high-up views and a sky-themed vibe in the bar’s design.
Capacity-wise, Skye Bar can host up to about 400 people standing (www.headbox.com). Parties on the upper level or seated events in theatre style (e.g. for presentations) are limited to smaller groups (around 50 people), but for general club nights the dancefloor pack reaches roughly 400 at once (www.headbox.com). The space includes two bars – one on each floor – so drinks queues can be kept fairly short. Overall, Skye’s mix of cocktail lounge comfort and nightclub gear (sound, stage, lighting, video screens) sets it apart from a typical bar or pub. It’s a major spot in Glasgow’s theatre-and-bars district because it isn’t “just another pub” – it’s designed from the ground up as an events venue with pro production. The venue’s central Merchant City address (see Getting There) also means it’s part of a long tradition of Glasgow nightlife.
Events and Programming
Skye Bar plays host to a variety of events, blending club nights with private hires. On most weekends and many weeknights, the space is open to the public as a nightclub and cocktail bar. Saturdays in particular are known as party nights – Revolution often markets “Revolution Saturdays” as dance parties from late afternoon into the early hours. These nights feature DJs spinning chart-toppers, EDM, hip-hop and electronic genres, with music piped through the full sound system. Similar weekend events might include themed nights (such as ’90s nights or special guest DJs) and live music sets. During the day on weekends you might even see brunch parties or house music sessions. Mid-week the club still frequently has DJs playing, but the feeling is more laid-back evening dancing rather than a packed club.
In addition to its standard club nights, Skye Bar regularly hosts special events. For example, the venue is available for corporate and private functions – a company Christmas party or product launch can take over the space with hire of both floors. In these cases, Skye’s stage, lighting and AV gear are used for presentations or live entertainment. Local universities or clubs might also rent it for student events or graduation “send-offs”. Because of this flexibility, Skye sees everything from DJs and live bands to shared-plate dining events. The mix of programmes can include small concerts, fashion shows or comedy nights. Recent years have also seen semiformal events such as awards ceremonies and charity fundraisers.
Many programmers like the fact that Skye’s built-in equipment handles all the basics, so events can just bring in acts and let Skye staff run sound and lights (www.headbox.com). Recurring promotions might include lady-friendly “Friday Ladies’ Night” parties or student-discount nights. The bar’s own promotions list includes cocktail masterclasses or “bucket” drink specials. Because it’s a Revolution venue, Skye will advertise its national events schedule (for example, “Revs Saturday” or seasonal Christmas club tours) on social media and email newsletters. Visitors should check the local listings or the official Revolution Glasgow social channels to see what’s on at Skye on any given date.
Tickets and Booking
For most club nights at Skye Bar, there is no advance ticketing – entry is simply first-come-first-served on the night. Often there is free or low-cost entry before a certain time. For example, many guests stream in early evening to avoid cover charges. It’s common for Glaswegians to head to Skye Bar around 8pm and enjoy cocktails or food, then let the club fill up later on. Typically, a small door fee (around a few pounds) may be charged for late entry to busy weekend parties. If a night is particularly popular or “sold out”, promoters might sell tickets online; in that case, you can buy a ticket through the Revolution website or via ticketing partners. Otherwise, you can usually pay at the door in cash or by card when you arrive. (Revolution does not rely on third-party platforms like Ticketmaster; it handles its own ticket sales for events.)
Groups planning to attend a special party should arrive early or notify the bar. In some cases, especially for birthdays or stag/hen parties, you can reserve table space in advance by calling the venue or using the Revoluton app’s reservation system (www.revolution-bars.co.uk). Private event bookings (for large groups, conferences, etc.) are arranged via Skye’s events team. The bar can be hired exclusively, but that requires contacting the venue or corporate events bureau (Revolution’s website has a “book events” section). Evening entry policies at Skye follow the wider Revolution rules: after around 9pm the venue is strictly 18+, and if you look under 21 you must show ID (www.revolution-bars.co.uk) (www.revolution-bars.co.uk). In short, buy your tickets (if any) early for big nights, or plan to pay at the door. Prices for cocktails and food are mid-range for central Glasgow, and a typical night out (cocktails, bar snacks, a bottle at table) might cost a few tens of pounds per person. There’s no separate “box office” on site, since Skye is primarily a bar/club rather than a theatre.
Seating and Layout
Inside Skye Bar, the general layout is a mix of open dancefloor and tiered seating. On the ground floor you’ll find the main bar counters on either side, with the DJ booth and stage facing the central dance area. That open space is usually standing-room only, so for the fullest experience on club nights you’ll be standing in the crowd. Around the edges of the first floor there are high tables and stools, plus banquette seating if you want to sit and socialise. The famous bathtub “photo booth” (basically a decorative claw-foot tub) sits as a photo prop near one of the seating banks – people often gather there for pictures. An upstairs mezzanine overlooks the dancefloor; it has more tables and sofas. These upstairs areas are great if you want a quiet vantage over the action or need a place to rest.
In terms of best views, the sweet spot is usually on the main floor a few metres from the DJ booth, where sound and lights are well-balanced. If you stand too far back near the back wall, the speakers will be behind you and the bass can feel uneven. Conversely, sitting or standing just behind the DJ booth may be too loud on any night with heavy music. The upstairs booths, meanwhile, offer a full overview of the space; these come in handy if you have a table reservation or want to chat quietly. One risk on dance nights is flooding: when the crowd is very full, the upper areas can feel a little smoky (from stage fog and vaporizers) and may be warmer or bumpier.
Overall the venue is general-admission. Skye has no fixed numbered seating (except for reserved tables). It is well-handled acoustically for a club – the sound engineers have placed the array of speakers to cover both levels. Acoustic reflections can cause the sound to echo slightly on peak nights, so earplugs are not a bad idea for those sensitive to noise. As for areas to avoid, the entrance lobby can get crowded at door-opening time, and near the toilets is just functional but not special. The main floor is open, so the best “zones” are either out on the dancefloor or tucked back towards the front of the stage. The second floor has more comfortable seating – a good spot for a break from dancing.
Getting There and Parking
Skye Bar is at 84 Mitchell Street (postcode G1 3NA) in Glasgow city centre (fixr.co). This location is just off Buchanan Street and very close to Glasgow Central Station (about a 5-minute walk). Central Station is the main rail hub, so if you’re coming by train, use Central or the connecting Glasgow Queen Street (the latter is about 15 minutes’ walk north). Many local and long-distance buses have stops within a few minutes’ walk on Buchanan Street, Renfield Street or Gordon Street. There is no subway station on Mitchell Street itself – the nearest Glasgow Subway stops are Buchanan Street (a short walk north) and St Enoch (a short walk south).
For drivers, parking options are limited right next door. However, there are several public car parks in Merchant City. Immediately on Mitchell Street is an NCP multi-storey (at 81 Mitchell Street). Other nearby pay car parks include Q-Park St Enoch on Taylor Street or NCP on Bath Street. Expect central Glasgow rates (typically a few pounds per hour, with cheaper evening or overnight rates). On-street parking in this area is mostly paid and time-limited; look for RingGo or yellow ticket machines (especially around Argyle Street and Ingram Street).
Ridesharing (Uber, Bolt) and taxis are popular options late at night. The easiest drop-off point is on Mitchell Street itself or nearby Argyle Street, where licensed taxis queue. If you’re travelling out late, note that Glasgow’s bus network runs several night routes through the city centre. In particular, the 24-hour buses (such as service 75 or 90) stop around Gordon Street close to Mitchell Street. Taxis and ride-hailing can operate through the night. The Glasgow Subway shuts around midnight or 1am depending on the day, so after that it’s only buses or cabs.
Inside the Venue
On arrival at Skye, you’ll find a modern, energetic atmosphere. Before entering the club area there will usually be a security/ID check (especially after 9pm, when the doors switch to 18+). Men and women should carry ID (driving licence is fine) if you look under 21; bouncers enforce this strictly (www.revolution-bars.co.uk). No large sports bags, cameras or outside alcohol are allowed; any bag check is quick and friendly. Once inside, the lighting is aggressive-coloured LEDs, with strobes and lasers during key album drops. The floors are concrete (so dress comfortably) and the air conditioning keeps things chill despite a crowd. The scent of damp and perfume mixes in the air (typical club ambience).
Bar service at Skye is designed for speed. Each level has a long bar counter, and drink menus are expansive. Signature cocktails (many benefiting from Revolution’s “House of Flavour”) are on offer – classics like Mojitos, Margaritas, and Martini variations are staples. The back bar is heavily stocked with vodkas (the chain’s hallmark) and gins. Bottled beer and cider are available, as are wine by the glass and soft drinks. Prices for cocktails are about £9–£12 each, beers around £4–£6, spirits from £3 a shot, and mixers from £2. Happy-hour deals or cocktail pitchers may run early in the night. Glassware is industry standard – larger tumblers and tulips, not fancy barware.
Food is served until late. There’s a kitchen that offers bar food and mains. Expect pub-style fare: burgers (including beef, chicken and veggie options), loaded fries, nachos, wings, and salt-and-pepper fries. There are also light bites like chicken bites, halloumi fries, and dipping sauces. Food is ordered at the bar and brought to your table. Note that the food portion sizes are moderate; think £8–£12 per dish. You can pay by cash or card at the bar for food and drinks. The restaurant seating is casual wooden tables, often shared by multiple groups.
Skye has typical club amenities: restrooms on each level, a cloakroom area (though coat check may be limited on busy nights – best to travel light), and free water tap stations. There is Wi-Fi for basic use (password often given on screens), but many people rely on cell service for apps. The venue is wheelchair-accessible via a lift/stairs and has gender-neutral toilets in addition to male/female. Smoking is only allowed in the small smoking shelter outside on Mitchell Street (indoor smoking is forbidden by law in the UK).
Merchandise is minimal – there’s no shop, but Revolution-branded keyrings or shot glasses are occasionally sold online, not on premises. If you lose something on site, inquire at the bar or security desk as they keep a lost-and-found for drunks. Security staff are friendly but firm, ensuring only permitted behaviour. Expect pop music or announcements in the lobby encouraging listless queues to enter.
Nearby Amenities
The Merchant City area around Skye Bar is packed with pre- and post-show options. For dining before a night out, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants just a block or two away: casual spots like pizza joints, curry houses, and burger bars; mid-range pubs and diners (try a plated pie or a full English breakfast); and upmarket cafes and bistros. Well-known chains (artisan coffee and burger chains) mingle with unique local cafes. If you prefer ethnic cuisine, there are Indian, Thai and Middle Eastern restaurants within easy walking distance.
For drinks before or after, the entire Merchant City is dotted with bars and pubs. You could start with cocktails at a speakeasy or grab craft beer in a nearby microbrewery. A popular haunt is just across the street: a relaxed beer pub (e.g. The Three Judges on nearby Queen Street) or the Glasshouse bar. Late-night eats (open past midnight) include chip shops and kebab shops a few blocks away.
Accommodation options are plentiful in the city centre. Within a short walk of Skye Bar there are boutique hotels (for example, a five-star spa hotel on Bath Street), business-class chains (like Premier Inn on West George Street), and youth hostels. Many visitors simply walk back to city-centre hotels like those on Renfield Street or Ingram Street. If you arrive by car and plan to stay late, note that late-night city centre hotels often offer parking deals, or you can head parking out toward Park Circus or the West End.
If you need the arts or entertainment next door, Skye is literally around the corner from Glasgow’s Theatre Royal (behind the Buchanan Galleries). On a weekend, you could go from a matinee show to cocktails at Skye. When to arrive: for table service or pre-dinner drinks, come by 7–8pm; for partying only, arriving by 10pm will ensure you catch the main draw on weekends. After a late night (or a festival at Skye), daytime sightseeing is easy: Princes Square mall and the Gallery of Modern Art are steps away, so you might even shop the next morning.
What Makes This Venue Special
Skye Bar stands out because it bridges two worlds: it has the sleek fittings of a high-end cocktail lounge, yet it swings open to a proper nightclub dancefloor. This hybrid vibe is relatively unique. It allows a quiet drink at noon or a packed rave at 1am. The fact that it can host up to 400 people in an urban space (with full production gear built-in) is significant – most city bars are much smaller or lack a stage. Thus Skye is not only a club but often feels like a small music venue. Many bands and DJs from Scotland have performed here, and visiting acts from across the UK sometimes pop in for Glaswegian shows. Its history as the former Tunnel (a fabled Glasgow club of the 90s and early 2000s) adds a layer of cultural cachet. Long-time locals remember Club Tunnel’s legendary nights, and now Skye carries a similar energy in the same location (www.revolution-bars.co.uk).
Architecturally, the venue was redesigned to feel spacious. Tall ceilings and bold neon design features give Skye an energetic ambience. The club’s theme colours (teals and purples) and graphic art on the walls make it inviting at night. There’s a clever outdoor terrace area (just outside on Mitchell Street) where smokers gather and where the music still pulses faintly – this breathing room adds to Skye’s appeal. Locals say that grabbing a drink upstairs or around the corner feels like a bit of Glasgow nightlife pinnacle.
Skye Bar’s cultural impact on Merchant City has been positive. It revived trade in a building that had been empty since 2014. Since its opening, the venue has contributed hundreds of thousands of pounds to the local economy via event income and tourism. Many Glaswegians love Skye because it can be booked out for personal celebrations (birthdays or anniversaries) without feeling like a sterile hotel function room – it still has the fun vibe of a bar. International visitors note that Glasgow’s nightlife punches above its weight, and big venues like Skye are part of that story.
Finally, the friendly locals and staff make a difference. Frequent patrons report that bartenders remember orders (like your favourite cocktail) and that DJs often shout out crowd requests. The resident DJ roster includes some Glasgow up-and-comers, so the music can feel local and fresh. The combination of great sound, fun lighting (including aerial disco balls and LED bars), and Glasgow hospitality gives Skye a reputation as a must-visit spot for a quintessential Glaswegian night out.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair-friendly with lift access to the upper floors and accessible restrooms. Assistance dogs are allowed. For any special needs (e.g. hearing loop), email the bar ahead of time or ask staff on arrival.
Dress Code and Age: Smart-casual is the rule. Avoid sports jerseys, track suits or revealing gymwear. (Revolution’s policy is “pretty smart casual” (www.revolution-bars.co.uk) and trainers are not recommended at night.) It’s often a good idea to wear something a bit dressy if you plan to dance late. ID is mandatory for entry after about 9pm. All guests must be 18+, and if you look under 21 you must carry photo ID (www.revolution-bars.co.uk). No ID means no entry, so plan ahead.
What to Bring: Bring valid ID, your payment card or cash, and maybe layers. The club can get warm on the dancefloor, but the lobby and upstairs are cooler. A small crossbody bag or empty pockets are best. (Large bags or outside beverages will be refused.) Sunglasses can be fun under the lights, but aren’t strictly needed. If you plan to drink, bring only what you can carry at once – there is no external coatroom but a small luggage space.
The Door Queue: Popular nights can form a line outside before opening. To skip a long wait, consider arriving slightly after 10pm on weekdays or 11pm on Fridays/Saturdays. However, arriving early (around open time) lets you get seating and “first drinks.” If queuing, stay right at the entrance on Mitchell Street. It’s normal to see a doorman flash your face or ID quickly before letting you in.
Inside Conduct: This is a social, friendly place. Security will eject anyone overly rowdy or offensive. Feel free to dance on tables (Revolution staff often encourage it on a busy night, and table dancing is a Glasgow clubbing tradition) – but don’t damage property or spill drinks intentionally. Always be courteous: no smoking inside, no aggressive behaviour, and don’t leave personal items unattended. It’s a good idea to return glasses to the bar or bins and thank staff for service.
Climate: There is air conditioning downstairs and fans upstairs, but it still heats up with a crowd, so pace yourself if you plan to drink heavily. Hydration (water) is available for free from the taps.
Typical Mistakes: Tourists sometimes expect this to be the Isle of Skye (it isn’t!) or confuse it with outdoor festivals. Remember it’s a club bar, so arriving in festival clothes may look out of place. Another mistake is leaving valuables on tables – pockets and bag lockers (if any) are safer. Finally, do not assume a guaranteed table on arrival – if you want seating for a group, call in advance or arrive very early.
Other Tips: The Wi-Fi sometimes has a slowdown during big events, so don’t rely on streaming or ride-share apps (though 4G coverage is generally good). Carry a portable charger if you’re out late. Remember taxi apps work well around here. Also be aware Saxophone bars and other clubs around close around the same time, so there can be plenty of taxis and streetlights on Mitchell Street at closing time (around 3am).
