Where To Party In The Land of Lochs & Legends: Best Clubs in Scotland

Known for its whiskey, golf and, of course, Nessie, Scotland is also home to a raging electronic dance music scene scene. We’re going to take a quick look at where to go party if you ever find yourself in ‘Alba.’ These clubs have been chosen for their historical importance, cool décor, and great music, so make sure to check them out. 

The Arches (Glasgow)

One of Scotland’s most famous nightclubs, The Arches opened in 1991 under Glasgow’s Central Station. Voted the 12^th best club by DJ Magazine in 2007, The Arches holds some of the best club nights in Scotland such as Pressure and Colours. With three bars in its 84,000 square feet space the club is sure to have something for everyone. The club also has hosted some of the most talented DJs in dance music, with people such as Erol Alkan, Boys Noize and Daft Punk having graced their stage. Plus, since it’s a non-profit organisation, by going to The Arches you’re actually helping pay for some of Glasgow’s coolest art performances.

Liquid Rooms (Edinburgh)

Reopened in 2010 after being closed for almost 2 years following a fire, Liquid Rooms has come back with a vengeance. Like many Edinburgh venues, the club doesn’t exclusively play dance music but many of the club nights, such as the Nightvision series will satisfy many an EDM-goer. With a capacity of 650-800 people, Liquid Rooms has an incredibly cosy atmosphere. Importantly, as the venue’s sound and light system was completely overhauled after the fire, the production quality is almost unrivalled for a venue of its size.

La Belle Angele (Edinburgh)

By popular demand, La Belle Angele is finally back 12 years after it was destroyed in the Cowgate fire in December of 2002. While the club isn’t exclusively an electronic dance music joint, having held concerts by bands such as Radiohead and, my personal favourite, The Libertines, it has some amazing club nights. Now located under a hotel, the club, with a capacity of around 600 people, still has its famed cosy feel. The small size of the venue, coupled with the big names that go there, mean that La Belle Angele is a perfect place for fans to watch their favourite DJs in a personal setting. With DJs such as Kölsch performing in the near-future, La Belle Angele is not to be missed.

The Caves (Edinburgh)

Located in some restored 18^th century vaults, rediscovered in Edinburgh’s Old Town after 100 years, The Caves is aesthetically one of the coolest venues in Scotland. Again, the Caves doesn’t only host dance music nights and while the drinks are a little expensive the décor more than makes up for it. Besides, you’ll have the unique bragging rights of having partied it up in a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you’re basically studying up for your history degree whilst you pound those whiskey shots.

The Berkeley Suites (Glasgow)

Holding 250 people, The Berkeley Suites is by far the smallest club on this list. Located on two floors of an old Victorian public house, the suites’ ritzy décor make it more of a speakeasy then a club. The chic setting, coupled with great music make this club a must for any one who ends up in Glasgow.  While the suites are fun any night, the bar’s club nights, such as “A Love from Outer Space,” deserve special mention.

Sub Club (Glasgow)

Ending the list we have Sub Club, one of Scotland’s most renowned clubs. Sub Club is a dance music lover’s paradise, having one of the best sound systems in the country. But even the best sound system would be worthless without good music. Luckily, Sub Club excels here too, hosting some of the best DJs this side of the North Sea. Crucially, Sub Club entry and drink prices are a bargain considering the quality of the club. If you only have enough time to go to one club, Sub Club should be your first stop. Maybe drop in to the Sensu, highlighting electronic beats from around the world, night hosted by Barry Price and Junior on March 27^th.

By: Laurence-Olivier Levy