Events at The Blue Arrow, Glasgow

About The Blue Arrow

The Blue Arrow is an intimate underground jazz club in Glasgow city centre. Housed in a cosy basement at 323 Sauchiehall Street, it was one of the first dedicated jazz venues in the city (www.designmynight.com). Its entrance is tucked down a narrow staircase and lit by a blue neon sign, evoking a speakeasy vibe. Inside, exposed brick walls, wood panelling and low red stage lights create a moody, atmospheric setting (www.designmynight.com). The club opened in early 2018 and quickly became “a key hub within the city’s thriving live music and club scenes” (www.glasgowwestendtoday.scot). Its founders aimed to make Glasgow “the new home of jazz” (www.glasgowist.com), and the stage has since hosted many local, UK and international jazz acts (along with some folk and soul performers) over its five-year history (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). The Blue Arrow is notable for its friendly welcoming spirit: staff and even the doorman are widely praised for being charming and helpful (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). It has won a reputation among locals and visitors as one of Glasgow’s coziest spots to hear live music. (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) (licklist.co.uk)

Events and Programming

The Blue Arrow’s calendar is packed with live music nearly every week. In practice, the club tends to run jazz and eclectic music from midweek through the weekend – often featuring local up-and-coming bands, singer-songwriters, and touring jazz combos. When it relaunched as a jazz club in 2020, it promised “live jazz every Friday and Saturday night” with no entry fee (www.glasgowwestendtoday.scot). Regular club staples include themed nights and jam sessions: for example, monthly late-night jam sessions (often free entry at midnight) and recurring events like “Supersonic Thursdays” or “Kickin’ it with Kitti” on weekends. The range of music goes beyond classic jazz to include blues, soul and experimental sets. Notable guest performers have ranged from Glasgow Conservatoire students and local heroes to international acts like saxophonist Binker Golding and singer Anita Wardell (as listed on recent programmes). Special events such as silent film scores (e.g. live jazz accompaniment to classic films) and Cabaret nights also appear on the schedule. Many events are one-off gigs, but there are also series (like a weekly jazz jam) and collaboration nights tied into Glasgow Jazz Festival. The music generally kicks off in the evening – for example many gigs start around 7:30pm – with late sets and DJ jams going into the early hours on weekends. Ticket prices for The Blue Arrow’s regular programmes are very reasonable: advance tickets are often around £5–£6 (sometimes £7 on the door), and seats are generally cheap even for headline acts. A few bigger shows (tribute nights or tours) run £12–£15 (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com) (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). Student discounts are usually available on primary gigs (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). Many events follow a modest tiered pricing (e.g. £6 advance, £7 door, £5 student (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com)) so that jazz nights remain accessible. On evenings with complimentary jams, there may be no cover at all. In short, The Blue Arrow hosts music almost nightly, focusing on adventurous jazz but open to adjacent styles, at very wallet-friendly ticket prices.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for most Blue Arrow shows are sold via the club’s official booking page. Fans can sign up for the venue’s mailing list or follow their social media to hear when tickets go on sale. Many gigs allow advance online booking through the club’s site (powered by MusicGlue), which is usually recommended for popular shows. Advance tickets often cost slightly less than door prices (for example, advance may be £6 versus £7 at the door for standard concerts (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com)). A student rate (around £5 on the door) often applies as well. If an online purchase fails, the friendly staff can usually sort it out at the venue – one reviewer noted an ordering glitch that the doorman quickly fixed when they arrived (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Walk-up sales are permitted on most nights if the show isn’t sold out, but be prepared for a small extra charge (in some cases £1–£2 higher on doors). The club does not have its own box office window, so ticketing is handled digitally or at the entrance when doors open. For very popular events it’s wise to book early; smaller shows sometimes offer late availability. Community programmes like jam sessions are often free-entry. In general, guests should watch the venue’s official announcements: tickets typically drop a few weeks before an event.

Seating and Layout

The Blue Arrow’s interior is compact and unpretentious. A narrow flight of stairs leads to the main performance space – a single rectangular room with the stage at one end. Patrons are seated at round cabaret tables (with candles) facing the stage, alongside some simple chairs against the walls (www.designmynight.com). Unlike a formal theatre, seating is first-come, first-served and unreserved (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). The venue explicitly does not take table reservations (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com), so to secure a spot at a table it’s wise to arrive early. Most tables fit 2–6 people, ideal for groups or couples. If no table is free, guests may stand at the rear or side (near the bar) to view the stage. There is no separate dancing floor – the floor in front of the stage can accommodate a few standing listeners, but it’s primarily a seated-listening room. For added comfort, there’s a small lounge area away from the stage; performers are never too loud here, and guests can retreat if they prefer a quieter vantage point (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). In terms of sightlines, any seat gives a close-up jazz-club experience, but the front tables along the stage edge are generally best for intimate proximity. The back row and side tables still have clear view, just a little further back. Some guests avoid very front rows if they mind bright stage lights or prefer an unobstructed view – the lighting is soft overall. Acoustics are organic and clear (wood and brick help warm the sound), and the PA system is well-tuned for small ensembles. In short, there is no VIP area or balcony – it’s a flat-floor, cabaret-style club. Be ready to share space with other jazz fans, and don’t be surprised if you chat to neighbours between sets in the relaxed lounge atmosphere.

Getting There and Parking

The Blue Arrow’s central Glasgow location makes it very accessible by public transport and on foot. The club is at 323 Sauchiehall Street (postcode G2 3HW) – look for a blue-lit arrow sign on the street level (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). It sits across from the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) on Sauchiehall, so it’s easy to spot once you know the cross-street (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). Nearby train and subway stops include Charing Cross station (ScotRail) – about a 5-minute walk – and the St George’s Cross subway/rail interchange (District/Circle line converted stop) roughly 10 minutes on foot (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). Glasgow Central Station is also about 15 minutes away by foot or a couple of stops on transit (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). Numerous city buses run along Sauchiehall Street; routes 3, 17, 18, 23 and several others stop within a block of the club (moovitapp.com). (Ask for buses toward Buchanan Street, Charing Cross or Partick, which typically pass nearby.) For drivers, on-street parking is limited and time-restricted. Pay-and-display bays line parts of Sauchiehall and side streets, but they fill up quickly in the evenings. A more reliable option is enclosed parking – for example, Q-Park Sauchiehall Street (near the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre) has several hundred spaces including some disabled spots (www.q-park.co.uk). That garage is only a few streets south of the venue, roughly 5–8 minutes’ walk. There are also other city multi-storey car parks (e.g. on Mitchell Street or Bath Lane) a short walk away, though charges can be £10–£20 for a night. If you plan to drink, walking from nearby train stations or taking a taxi/ride-share is easiest. Ride-hailing drop-offs work at Sauchiehall Street (try to align with 323 Sauchiehall on GPS). Late-night public transit includes bus N6 (night bus along Sauchiehall) and the regular Glasgow night buses after midnight. Always allow extra time: the club’s entrance can be easy to miss in the dimly-lit street, and you may need to buzz in if there are late arrivals at peak times.

Inside the Venue

The Blue Arrow’s atmosphere is warm, relaxed and even a little mysterious. Entering means winding down its steep staircase (staff are on hand to assist if needed) and emerging into a dark, snug room bathed in red and amber light. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by staff – they typically check tickets at the door and may also scan IDs if needed (especially later at night). Unlike big halls, security is minimal – it’s more like entering a neighbourhood bar with a stage. Coat storage/room: there is no formal cloakroom. If you have a coat or bulky bag, attendants may offer to stow it behind the bar or help hang it on a chair. Space is limited, so it’s best to travel light. The staff are friendly veterans of live music nights; as one patron noted, even the doorman “was friendly and a genuinely lovely man” (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Once inside, seating is candidly first-come (no reserved sections (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com)). The bar sits near the rear, stocked with a selection of beers (often including craft or Scottish ales), house wines (notably some natural wines), and creative cocktails. Drink prices are considered very reasonable – one reviewer said “drinks prices were extremely reasonable” (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Unlike many loud clubs, the Blue Arrow is fairly quiet between sets, making conversation over drinks comfortable. The small kitchen menu is a highlight: it serves gourmet small plates (often vegetarian and vegan options) until around 10pm each night (www.glasgowwestendtoday.scot). In fact, the club runs a complimentary “aperitivo” hour 5pm–6pm (Wed–Sun) with free snacks and drinks samples (www.glasgowwestendtoday.scot) – perfect for early arrivals. Beyond that hour, expect a tapas-like menu (think roast cauliflower bites, smoked trout pâté, vegan stew, etc.) crafted by award-winning Glasgow chefs (www.glasgowwestendtoday.scot). The food pairs well with the informal jazz vibe – people dine right in the club while music plays. Restrooms (single-sex, small) are off to the side and accessible without needing to exit. Other amenities: there’s no public Wi-Fi, so use data networks or just enjoy an unplugged night. The whole place is cosy and intimate, so you’ll often find people lined along the walls chatting or browsing the vinyl decoration. Finally, note house rules: smoking is not allowed inside (by law), but smokers can step outside. Photography is typically discouraged during sets – many artists prefer only silent snapping without flash. All in all, you’ll experience warm service, unique small-plate dining and clear-room jazz – everything an underground jazz club should be.

Nearby Amenities

The Blue Arrow sits in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre arts district, so there’s plenty nearby. Right across Sauchiehall Street is the CCA (a cultural centre with a cafe/bar), making it an easy landmark and a pre-show stop for coffee. Within a few minutes’ walk, you’ll find dozens of restaurants and bars on Sauchiehall, Bath Street and Trongate. For pre-show dining, popular choices include Mediterranean and casual bistros (e.g. the nearby Yona bar and Rimini pizza on Bath Street), or Glasgow favourites like Bun-Sgoil fish and chips on Sauchiehall. Just up Bath Street are trendy bars and craft pubs if you’re heading for drinks beforehand. In the adjacent blocks are theatres (Òran Mór, Kings Theatre) and music venues (King Tut’s, Oran Mor), making it easy to hop around the West End/Centre. Hotels abound: the Premier Inn at Charing Cross, Ibis Styles on Sauchiehall, or Radisson Blu on Argyle Street are all within 10–15 minutes’ walk. Glasgow’s main bus station (Outside Buchanan Bus Station) and Buchanan Street shopping (for any late shopping) are also very close. For late-nighters, note that Glasgow’s subway closes around midnight (later on weekends), but there are regular late buses (city and night buses) and taxi ranks on nearby streets. In summary, whether you want dinner, a quiet drink or a place to stay, the Blue Arrow’s central location in the vibrant Sauchiehall area means help is never far away.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Blue Arrow’s charm lies in its authenticity and community spirit. Unlike polished corporate clubs, it wears its underground status proudly – a “proper jazz club” with a narrow secret entrance (licklist.co.uk). The mismatched tables, flickering candles and retro decor literally transport you to another era (licklist.co.uk). This flash of nostalgia, combined with friendly service, has earned it strong word-of-mouth: one reviewer raved that stepping through the door makes you feel “like you’re transported to another place and era” (licklist.co.uk). It’s known for high-quality acoustics for jazz: artists comment on the warm, resonant sound and respectful audience. The club’s recent re-launch as “Blue Arrow Jazz Club” underscored its cultural role – giving jazz a permanent home in Scotland’s largest music city. Its dedication to musicians is notable: founders pay artists fairly and staff earn a living wage (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com), which resonates with Glasgow’s music community. Over the years the venue hosted legendary jam sessions and surprise gigs – even famous local names occasionally drop in unannounced. Its policy of offering “pay what you can” or free-entry nights during reopening made it uniquely accessible. All these give The Blue Arrow a grassroots feel: both audience and musicians love it for its genuineness. In the city’s competitive nightlife, it stands out as a labour of love rather than a mere business. As one local reviewer put it, it’s “one of Glasgow’s finest small venues for sure” (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) – a testament to its place on the city’s cultural map.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The club is in a basement and is reached by a staircase, so it is not wheelchair-friendly (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). If stairs are a problem, consider contacting staff ahead or attending general admission events; at minimum, go early so door staff can assist. The Blue Arrow keeps sound levels relatively low compared to clubs, and lighting is soft – suitable even for those sensitive to loud music. In fact, management notes “shows aren’t too loud, and lights aren’t too flashy,” with a quieter side-room available if needed (www.bluearrowjazzclub.com). Dress casually or smart-casual – there’s no formal code (jeans or dress are both fine). Carry your ID: since this is also a bar, anyone who looks under 25 should bring proof of age. Photography without flash is usually fine, but respect the performers (most crowd-photos are by phone only). No outside food or drinks allowed. Coat-Theft: there’s no official cloakroom; if you have a large coat or bag, ask the bar staff for advice on where to hang it. Tables are first-come, so for the best view arrive at least 15-20 minutes before showtime to snag a seat. Many fans come early to enjoy the Aperitivo hour (5–6pm free snacks) and chill with a drink. Late arrivals may have to stand if all tables fill. It’s common courtesy to keep conversations hushed during performances. Bags beyond small purses may be inspected for security. Smoking is prohibited indoors (you must step outside). As the club attracts a mature jazz crowd, most events are 18+; occasional all-ages matinees might occur, but check each event’s age policy just in case. Finally, remember to tip the performers or staff if you enjoy the show – Blue Arrow is a supportive community hub. In short: arrive early, be polite/audible, and you’ll have a comfortable, welcoming experience at Glasgow’s premier jazz haunt.

Frequently Asked Questions